Current Affairs Magazines Current Affairs Ebook April 2013 1

Current Affairs eBook April 2013 Page 1
CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

WWW.JAGRANJOSH.COM
APRIL 2013
www.jagranjosh.com Current Affairs eBook April 2013

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Table of Contents
Preface ........................................................................................................................................5
Pick of the Month........................................................................................................................6
Margaret Thatcher Former British Prime Minister Died .......................................................6
Connecticut signed Gun Control Legislation .........................................................................7
National Policy for Children-2012 approved by Union Cabinet.............................................7
Chris Gayle: the Fastest Century Maker in Cricket History ...................................................9
SC: Endangered Asiatic Lions to be shifted from Gujarat to MP ...........................................9
Archeologists Discovered Gate to Hell from Ruins in Turkey ..............................................10
International .............................................................................................................................11
President’s two-Day Visit to Mauritius: Major Deals Signed ...............................................11
India signed Enhanced Air Services Agreement with Singapore .........................................12
US asked to Close Guantanamo Prison Camp Immediately ................................................13
Sheikh Hasina Rejected New Anti-Blasphemy Law Demands .............................................13
Prime Minister of India Visited Germany: Documents Signed ............................................14
IMF Slashed World Growth Forecast to 3.3 percent for 2013 ............................................17
National ....................................................................................................................................18
SC Rejected Novartis’ Patent Plea for Cancer Drug Glivec ..................................................18
SOI filed compliant against Google over Mapathon Contest ..............................................19
Number of Judges to be doubled in next 5 years ...............................................................19
President appointed two Judges to the Supreme Court of India ........................................20
SC sought Response from Union Govt. on Anti-Porn Laws .................................................20
Economy ...................................................................................................................................21
Infrastructure Scheme for LWE affected States .................................................................21
CCEA approved de-control of Sugar ...................................................................................21

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Govt. achieved FY13 Revised Tax Collection Target ...........................................................21
Govt. Sanctioned 4065.81 Crore to control Water Pollution ..............................................22
Retail Inflation declined to 10.39% in March 2013 .............................................................23
Gold Prices Decreased to 15-Month Low ...........................................................................23
Corporate..................................................................................................................................24
Samsung Emerged as Most Popular Brand.........................................................................24
GAIL signed deal with US firm for LNG Liquefaction Terminal ............................................24
Infosys agreement with European Energy Trading House ..................................................25
SAIL signed MoU with KSIDC and KMML ............................................................................25
SBI to discontinue Free Accident Insurance Cover from July ..............................................26
TVS Motor and BMW Motorrad tied-up to Develop Bikes..................................................26
Environment Ecology ................................................................................................................27
Fossil Called Ichthyosaurs named after Vladimir Lenin.......................................................27
Sea Ice of Antarctica Increasing Despite Warming: Study ..................................................27
Cooling System Power restored at Japan’s Fukushima N. Plant..........................................27
Red Woods Ants Sense Earthquake Before It Hits: Research ..............................................28
Science & Technology ...............................................................................................................29
AMS detected Scope for Dark Matter in the Space ............................................................29
US Government launched New Research Initiative Called BRAIN .......................................29
Exhaled Breath can be as Unique as a Fingerprint: Study ...................................................30
Camera that can Capture Objects at Long Distances Developed ........................................30
Nuclear Capable Agni-II Missile was successfully Test-Fired ...............................................31
Successful Transplantation of Bio-Engineered Kidney in Rat ..............................................31
Sports........................................................................................................................................32
India completed a 5-0 Whitewash of Indonesia in Davis Cup .............................................32
American Serena Williams Topped the Women’s Tennis Ranking ......................................32

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Pavlyuchenkova won Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament...............................................32
Djokovic won Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Tournament .....................................................33
State .........................................................................................................................................34
Govt of Gujarat Introduced Lokayukta Bill in State Assembly .............................................34
Sikkim State Annual Plan for 2013-14 Finalized at 2060 Crore ...........................................35
TWIC: Project Management Agency for Water Treatment .................................................35
Bihar Cabinet gave its nod on Quota for Women in Police .................................................36
Supreme Court of India cancelled 49 Mine Leases in Karnataka .........................................36
News Capsule ............................................................................................................................37
Oscar Winner Author Ruth Prawer Jhabvala died in New York ...........................................37
NIA filed a Charge Sheet against 26/11 Mastermind Abu Jundal ........................................37
SAARC Ministerial Level Meet on Poverty concluded in Nepal ...........................................37
Chile to exhume Pablo Neruda’s body to investigate murder mystery ...............................38
Pran honoured with Dada Saheb Phalke Award .................................................................38
Book: Religion, Law & Society - Across the Globe ..............................................................39
Mahatma Gandhi figured among Top 3 Leaders of the World ...........................................39
Questions of the Month ............................................................................................................40

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PREFACE
The Current Affairs eBook April 2013 includes the important happenings of April 2013. The
eBook available on jagranjosh.com is designed with an aim to ensure that the material provided
is useful for candidates of all types of examinations conducted by IAS|PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA
as well as Board Exams of CBSE and State Boards.
Our experts keep a tab on all important events of the world in all platforms like National,
International, Corporate, Economy as well as the advancements on the frontiers of Science and
Technology, Environment and Ecology, Sports and Issues of different States of the country to
select the best out of all. The affairs of maximum importance are compiled to help you in
revising the important events without much brainstorming activity.
Every event mentioned is examined on different grounds to make sure that everything is
covered about it and none of the details on the issue is left out, from where their exists any
percentage of chances of question being asked. So have a look further to find out more. We will
keep you updated every month with a package of finely compiled magazine.
This is a sample eBook on Current Affairs. To find the Original Copy Click here. The original
Current Affairs eBook for April 2013 is of 256 pages.

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PICK OF THE MONTH

MARGARET THATCHER FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DIED
Margaret Thatcher, the Former Prime Minister of Britain died due to a stroke on 8 April 2013 at
the age of 87. Thatcher was the Prime Minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990 from Conservative
party of Britain and was the first lady to hold the post of Prime Minister. She succeeded James
Callaghan from Labour Party and a Member of Parliament from Cardiff South East.
She resigned from her office in 1990 after she returned from the Euro Summit in Rome, after
her policies and her style of government led to the growth of rebellion inside her party. John
Major succeeded her in the office of the prime Minister.
ABOUT MARGARET THATCHER
• Margaret Thatcher was also known as the Iron Lady of Britain and was born on 13
October 1925 in Grantham, Lincolnshire
• She got married Denis Thatcher, a divorced businessman
• In 1953 she qualified as a barrister and in the same year gave birth twins named Mark
and Carol
• During her reign in the Prime Minister’s Office, many of the state-owned industries of
the country were privatized the initial two companies were British Gas and BT
• At Somerville College, Oxford, she graduated in chemistry and was the only third female
President of the Oxford University Conservative Association
• She got involved with the Conservative Party organization in Colchester; while working
for a plastic company
POLITICAL CAREER OF MARGARET THATCHER
• In 1959, she became the Member of Parliament for Finchley, North London for
Conservative Party and was elected as a junior minister and soon promoted to the
shadow cabinet in 1964 after the conservative party was defeated in the general
elections
• She was chosen as the Conservative candidate for Dartford seat in Kent but she lost the
1950 and 1951 general elections from the same seat; at that time she was the youngest
ever conservative candidate
• In 1970 she became the education secretary, when Ted Heath was the Prime Minister of
Britain
• She was termed as the Milk Snatcher, after she ordered withdrawal of the free milk for
children in the age group of seven to eleven

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• She was given the title of the Iron Lady by a Russian newspaper after she criticized the
repressive policies of Soviet Union in her speech in 1976
• She won general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987 after making a successful challenge to
the former Prime Minister Edward Heath in 1975
• She was in power, when the UK went to war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in
1982
• She retired from the House Of Commons in 1992
MONETARY POLICIES AS THE PRIME MINISTER
• To curb the inflation and control the finances of the country, she privatized the state
owned industries. She also allowed the owners of houses in the councils to buy their
houses. As a result of which, people with zero or negligible stake in the economy of the
nation got a chance to own houses and invest in the shares of the business houses those
were owned by the state.
SHE WROTE TWO MEMOIRS
• Campaigning against the Maastricht Treaty

• Condemning the Serbian policy of ethnic cleansing in Bosnia
CONNECTICUT SIGNED GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION
Connecticut's state legislature passed the measures on 4 April 2013, which include America's
first registry of gun offenders. Approximately, 20 young children were shot dead at school in
December 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. The state assembly approved the legislation by 105
to 44 after a series of debates. Besides, Maryland's House of Delegates also passed a bill
requiring fingerprints for gun buyers.
However, in the US Congress, efforts to pass firearms restrictions are in the process. In addition
to a gun offender registry, the restrictions introduce background checks on all firearms buyers
and a ban on new magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
NATIONAL POLICY FOR CHILDREN-2012 APPROVED BY UNION CABINET
The Union Cabinet of India on 18 April 2013 approved the National Policy for Children, 2012.
The policy was approved to reaffirm the commitment of the Government towards the
realization of the rights of the Children in the Country as it recognized that every person below
18 years in age as a child.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES LAID DOWN BY THE POLICY INCLUDES

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• The right of every child to life, survival, development, education, protection and
participation;
• Equal rights for all children without discrimination;
• The best interest of the child as a primary concern in all actions and decisions affecting
children
• Family environment as the most conducive for all-round development of children
The set principles makes it mandatory for Governments at all levels, National, State and Local to
respect the children in all their actions and initiatives that affects them. The policy has
identified survival, nutrition, health, development, education, protection and participation as
undeniable rights of every child, and these have been recognized as the key priority areas.
For development of a child multi-sectoral, interconnected and collective effort is required to

be put forward.
THE POLICY AIMS AT
• Purposeful convergence and strong coordination across different sectors and levels of
governance
• Active engagement and partnerships with all stakeholders
• Setting up of a comprehensive and reliable knowledge base
• Provision of adequate resources
• Sensitization and capacity development of all those who work for and with children
To give effect to the Policy the Union Government has decided to develop a National Plan of
Action and constitute a National Coordination and Action Group (NCAG) for fine monitoring of
the progress of implementation of the plan. For monitoring and implementation of the policy at
state and district level, same type of action groups will be constituted by the Government.
RESPONSIBILITIES GIVEN TO
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and State Commissions for Protection of
Child Rights are made responsible to ensure that the principles of the policy are respected in all
sectors at all levels.
The Government has also created a provision of reviewing the Policy after every five years. The
Ministry of Women and Child Development will be the nodal ministry for overseeing and
coordinating the implementation of the policy and will lead the review process.

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CHRIS GAYLE: THE FASTEST CENTURY MAKER IN CRICKET HISTORY
Chris Gayle, the West Indies opener, hit the fastest ever century in the history of cricket by
reaching 100 in merely 30 balls during Royal Challengers Bangalore-Pune Warriors IPL match on
23 April 2013.
Gayle scored a total run of 175 runs in merely 66 balls, which included 17 sixes and 13
boundaries. It is important to note that this is the most number of runs scored in any T20
innings. This was also his fourth century in the IPL career.
With Gayle’s performance, the total score Royal Challengers Bangalore was 263 for five, which
is one of the highest total in this format of the game. Previously, the highest total in this format
was 260 by Sri Lanka.
Jamaican Chris Gayle also became the highest-ever individual scorer in a T20 game, beating
Kolkata Knight Riders' Brendon McCullum who had hit 158 off 73 balls against Royal Challengers
Bangalore. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi holds the record of fastest century in ODI (37 balls) and Viv
Richards is the record-holders for fastest century (56 balls) in the Test cricket history.
PREVIOUS RECORD HOLDERS OF FASTEST CENTURIES ARE
• 30 balls: Chris Gayle, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Pune Warriors, IPL, 23 April 2013
• 34 balls: Andrew Symonds, Kent vs. Middlesex, Twenty20 Cup, 2 July 2004
• 35 balls: Louis van der Westhuizen, Namibia v Kenya, unofficial T20 international, 7
November 2011
• 37 balls: Shahid Afridi, Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, ODI, 4 October 1996
• 37 balls: Scott Styris, Sussex vs. Gloucs, Twenty20 Cup, 24 July 2012
• 37 balls: Yusuf Pathan, Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians, IPL, 13 March 2010
SC: ENDANGERED ASIATIC L IONS TO BE SHIFTED FROM GUJARAT TO MP
A bench led by Justice K S Radhakrishnan of the Supreme Court of India on 15 April 2013
ordered Gujarat to share the endangered Asiatic lions with its neighbouring state- Madhya
Pradesh. The population of these Asiatic lions has almost become negligible but because of
certain conservation efforts in the state of Gujarat in past 50 years, these endangered lions
have been saved from extinction. At present, the population of these lions in Gir forests of
Gujarat is 400.
The political leaders in Gujarat resisted relocation of these lions, but Supreme Court ordered
that they should be relocated in order to save them from elimination because of fire or
epidemic. Conversationalists too had recommended establishment of second sanctuary outside
Gujarat in order to make sure about genetic diversification.

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Back in 1986, the Union Government decided to relocate some of the Asiatic lions from Gir
forest in Gujarat to Kuno game sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in order to prevent extinction of
these species.
Gujarat had earlier opposed Madhya Pradesh’s appeal for relocation of these lions on the
grounds of poor record of protection of tiger population in Panna reserve forest. What number
of Asiatic lions should be moved to Kuno game sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is yet to be
determined. Gujarat has now been given a deadline of six months to successfully complete this
lion relocation.
ARCHEOLOGISTS DISCOVERED GATE TO HELL FROM RUINS IN TURKEY
Italian archeologists in the first week of April 2013 discovered the gate to hell from ruins in
Turkey. The research conducted by the team led by Francesco D'Andria, professor of classic
archaeology at the University of Salento found out that there existed a gate to hell, also called
Pluto's Gate-Ploutonion in Greek and Plutonium in Latin.
The gate to hell was known to be the gateway to underworld in Greco-Roman mythology as
well as tradition. Historically, this site was situated in ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, which
is now called Pamukkale. It was described by the historians that the opening of this gate to hell
was filled with lethal mephitic vapors.
Greek geographer Strabo (64/63 BC-about 24 AD) described that this place was filled with
dense and misty vapours and the animals which passed through it, died instantly. The results of
the findings were described at the conference on Italian archaeology in Istanbul, Turkey.
Francesco D'Andria, the lead archaeologist described that the gate to hell was discovered by
reconstruction of the route of thermal spring. Pamukkale' springs, which are said to produce
white travertine terraces originated from this cave only.
The site had even more ruins than earlier. The archaeologists found out Ionic semi columns. On
their top, was the inscription with dedication to deities of the underworld-Pluto and Kore. The
ruins of the temple, a pool as well as certain steps placed above the cave were also found and
they all matched the descriptions of the site described in ancient sources.
Francesco D'Andria also described that this site was a renowned destination for performing the
rites of incubation. The pilgrims used to take the waters in pool near the temple and slept close
to the cave to receive prophecies and visions, in a kind of Delphi effect. The team of
archeologists is now in the process of digital reconstruction of this site.

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INTERNATIONAL
PRESIDENT’S TWO-DAY VISIT TO MAURITIUS: MAJOR DEALS SIGNED
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee visited Mauritius from 11 March 2013 to 13 March
2013. Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest at the 45th Independence Day celebrations of
Mauritiuswhich took place on 12 March 2013. He also visited the World Heritage Site, the
Aapravasi Ghat, where Indian labourers first landed.
DEALS S IGNED DURING THE VISIT
1. Memorandum of Understanding in the field of persons with disabilities and senior

citizens
The Memorandum of Understanding in the field of persons with disabilities and senior citizens
was signed between Minister of State for Home Affairs from India and Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Trade from Mauritius. The major points of the MoU were as follows:
MoU was signed for collaboration in certain areas and these were
• Empowerment of persons with disabilities and senior citizens
• Exchange of resource persons in the identified fields
• Strengthening capacity-building of personnel and NGOs in the identified fields
• Exchange programmes for the benefit of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and
NGO leaders/ volunteers in these fields
• Conducting joint research and exchange of research outcomes
2. Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of health and medicine
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of health and medicine was
signed between Minister of State for Home Affairs from India and Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Trade from Mauritius.
The major points of the MoU were as follows:
The MoU was signed for collaboration as well as cooperation in certain areas such as
• Medical Research
• Health Service Planning

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• Lab and Diagnostics
• Drugs and Pharmaceutical products:
• Traditional Medicine
• Health Tourism
• Telemedicine
3. Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism
The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism was signed between
Minister of State for Home Affairs from India and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade from
Mauritius. The major points of the MoU were as follows:
The MoU was signed for collaboration in certain areas and these were
• Expansion of bilateral cooperation in tourism sector
• Exchange of information and data related to tourism
• Encouraging cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour

Operators
• Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors
• Exchanging visits of Tour Operators/Media/ Opinion Makers for promotion of two way
tourism
• Promoting safe, honourable and sustainable tourism
INDIA SIGNED ENHANCED AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SINGAPORE
India and Singapore on 2 April 2013 signed an enhanced air services agreement to build on the
existing 216 weekly flights and meet the growing demand for air connectivity between both the
countries.
It is evident that the demand for air services between both countries is growing continuously so
the bilateral air services agreement in this context is basically enhanced to include more
capacity entitlements.
It is also entitled as per the enhancement agreement that both countries would meet regularly
to review air services matters. It is important here to note that Singapore is linked by air
services to 12 Indian cities, having the most frequent flights to India out of Southeast Asia.

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The agreement was signed by Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh and Singapore Transport
Minister Liu Tuck Yew. Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh was present in Singapore from 2 April
2013 to 4 April 2013. He had also discussed the importance of air connectivity in enhancing
bilateral trade ties between India and Singapore, with S Iswaran, Singapore’s Minister, Prime
Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Trade & Industry and Home Affairs.
US ASKED TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO PRISON CAMP IMMEDIATELY

The UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay on 5 April 2013 ordered United States to shut down its
Guantanamo Prison Camp with immediate effect. As per the International Laws, the indefinite
imprisonment of the detainees by US without any charge or trial was a violation of International
laws.
The Human Rights Chief of UN also claimed that the hunger strike by the inmates of the
Guantanamo Bay US Naval Base in southeastern Cuba was a desperate act as well as an
element of Surprise. As per United Nations Human Rights claim, the act of US was just not a
breach of its own commitments but also of the international laws and standards.
GUANTANAMO PRISON CAMP
Guantanamo prison camp was started in January 2002 during bush administration and is a
detainment and interrogation facility of the United States military that is located within
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base of Cuba. It is used for holding men who are captured in counter-
terrorism operations. It generally started after the 9/11 WTC attack. Barack Obama pledged
four years ago to close down the controversial facility but yet it is under operation.
SHEIKH HASINA REJECTED NEW ANTI-BLASPHEMY LAW DEMAND S

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina rejected the demands of Islamists for new anti-
blasphemy law, according to which the people who defame Islam or Prophet Muhammad
would be punished.
Sheikh Hasina declared that the laws which were existing earlier were sufficient for punishing
people who insulted the religion. It is important to note that a lot of Islamists in Bangladesh
rallied in Dhaka for demanding the death penalty for people who were guilty of blasphemy. The
Islamists gave three-week ultimatum to Bangladeshi Government for meeting the demands
which included tough punishments to the atheist bloggers too.
WHAT IS BLASPHEMY?
Blasphemy is an act by someone to insult or disrespect religious deity or show irreverence to

holy persons or religion or things.
BLASPHEMY LAW IN BANGLADESH UNDER PENAL CODE 1980

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Bangladesh was a secular state in 1971 and became the Islamist state in 1988. However, the
secular penal code is used in Bangladesh since 1980.
Under Chapter XV (Offences Relating to Religion) of the Bangladesh Penal Code 1980, Section
295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class), Section
295 A (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by
insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and Section 298 (Uttering words, etc., with deliberate
intent to wound religious feelings) are related to blasphemy and describe punishments as well.
PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA VISITED GERMANY: DOCUMENTS SIGNED
Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh visited Germany from 10 April 2013 to 12 April 2013
for participating in second round of Inter Governmental Consultations with Germany. He was
accompanied by delegation including Ministers and senior officials.
During his visit, certain documents were signed. These documents are as follows:
JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR PROMOTION OF GERMAN AS FOREIGN

LANGUAGE IN INDIA
• The Joint Declaration of Intent regarding promotion of German as a foreign language in

India was signed between M. Mangapati Pallam Raju, Minister for Human Resource
Development from India and Cornelia Pieper, Minister of State in the German Foreign
Office.
• Under the Joint Declaration, India would cooperate in introducing B.Ed programmes for
German language.
• Also scholarships would be awarded for Masters degree programs and for short stays in
Germany with the goal of improving mutual trust and intercultural relations.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL MOU ON COOPERATION IN FIELD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
• This MoU was signed between M. Mangapati Pallam Raju, Minister for Human Resource
Development from India and Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and
Research from Germany.
• This MoU intends to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. This includes students,

academics, and project collaborators.
JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT IN AREA OF CIVIL SECURITY RESEARCH

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• This Joint Declaration was signed between Minister for Science & Technology, Jaipal
Reddy from India and Federal Minister of Education and Research, Johanna Wanka from
Germany.
• The Indo-German research cooperation in this new area intends to fund 5 pilot projects
in 2013 with the identified priorities being natural disaster management, biological risk
situations, urban security, protection & rescue of people and social aspects of civil
security research.
Joint Declaration for the bilateral "Kooperations Program” of the German Federal Ministry of
Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection and the National Seeds Association of India and the
German Association of Plant Breeders
This was signed between Ambassador of India and Gerd Muller, Parliamentary State Secretary,
Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Germany.
J OINT DECLARATION AIMS A T STRENGTHENING COOPERATION IN
• Plant variety protection
• Conservation of plant genetic resources
• Cooperation between Indian and German agricultural research institutions and seed
companies
Joint Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of an Indo-German Working Group on

Quality Infrastructure for Cooperation in Standardisation, Conformity Assessment and
Product Safety
• This was signed between Foreign Secretary of India and Anne Ruth Herkes, State Secretary at
the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology of Germany.
• This aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in standardization, conformity assessment and

product safety through advancing bilateral economic and technical cooperation, intensifying
dialogue and promoting coordinated activities in international organizations.
• It also provides for establishing and Indo-German Working Group Quality Infrastructure.
JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION REGARDING

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GREEN ENERGY CORRIDORS
• This was signed between Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, India and
Gudrun Kopp, Parliamentary State Secretary, Germany.

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• This joint declaration aims at fostering increased use of renewable energy in India through
technical and fanatical cooperation by way of integrating additional renewable energy
generation capacity with the national grid.
• The Technical cooperation would be implemented through the German Agency for
International Cooperation (GIZ) and KfW intends to provide concessional loans of up to Euro
one billion over the next six years.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SIGNED ON THE SIDELINES OF 2ND ROUND OF INDIA-

GERMANY INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONSULTATIONS
• MoU between Solar Energy Centre and Fraunhofer Institute for cooperation and
exchanges in various areas including solar photovoltaic; solar thermals systems;
hydrogen and fuel cells.
• Programme of Cooperation between Dept. of Biotechnology of India and Helmholtz

Association in the area of development of future natural drugs.
• Supplementary MoU on Research Framework of the Indo-German Centre for

Sustainability at IIT, Madras under the National Climate Action Plan.
• MoU between Deutsche Bahn and Indian Railways for cooperation in the field of freight,
passenger operations, infrastructure building and management; development of
modern competitive railway organization.
• MoU between DB Systel and Centre for Railway Information Systems for cooperation in
the field of information systems related to railways.
• MOU between Hof University of Applied Sciences & Integrated Association of Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises of India (SPV formed by Faridabad Small Industries
Association) to develop specialized vocational training course.
• MOU between Manipal University, Manipal, India & Bavarian Universities Consortium
represented by Hof University of Applied Sciences of Germany to establish the Indo-
Bavarian Integrated Bachelors and Masters Programme in August 2013.
• MoU between Infosys Ltd and Bertelsmann Stiftung to support Vocational Education
and Training in India.
• MOU between PSG Institute of Advanced Studies & Professional Training Centres of the
Bavarian Employers Association (BFZ).

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• Contract agreement between Cairn India and TUV Rheinland to set up a state-of-the-art
vocational education training facility in Rajasthan.
IMF SLASHED WORLD GROWTH FORECAST TO 3.3 PERCENT FOR 2013
International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest assessment of the global economy released on
16 April 2013 revised its world growth forecast for 2013 and slashed it to 3.3 percent from
previous forecast of 3.5 percent predicted in January 2013.
IMF revised its forecast because of the continued recession in the Eurozone. The IMF also
forecasted that the economic growth will be on its pick by the second half of the year. The slow
growth rate of the United States region is also a region behind the downgrade of the forecast.
The Chief Economist of IMF, Olivier Blanchard warned that the fresh bailout of Cyprus and
weakness of Italy could spark setbacks for the international economy.
IMF in its assessment also expressed concerns over the global fragmentation of the dynamism
of the emerging economies and the United States. Slow growth in countries like Russia, Brazil,
China and India is also a reason for economic weakness.
The global economy survived from the crash after defuse of the two largest short term threats
to the recovery and they were disintegration of the eurozone and extreme budget cuts and tax
hikes in United States. The U.S growth forecasted for the year 2013 is 1.9 percent and for
Eurozone it is 0.3 percent. The measures adopted by the world to get out of the financial crisis
have been failing due to the bad debt and weak capital hobbled by the banks.
Due to Bank of Japan’s ambitious plan launched to reflate the economy, the IMF upped its
forecast for the country to 1.6 percent from initial 1.2 percent.
Statement from World Economic Outlook Report of IMF
IMF in its WEO Report suggested that the Global prospects have improved again but the road to
recovery in the advanced economies will remain bumpy.
Economies whose forecast has been lowered for 2013 by IMF
• China's growth by 0.1% point to 8.0%
• Brazil by 0.5% points to 3.0%.

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NATIONAL
SC REJECTED NOVARTIS’ PATENT PLEA FOR CANCER DRUG GLIVEC
The Supreme Court of India on 1 April 2013 rejected the plea of Novartis, the Swiss drug maker,
to patent the updated version of cancer drug called Glivec. A bench of justices Aftab Alam and
Ranjana Prakash Desai dismissed the patent plea to Novartis on the basis that there was no
inventiveness or novelty in the new version of the drug.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court of India declared that because the application for patent on
beta-crystalline salt did not meet any inventiveness or novelty standard, therefore the
company’s plea for patent was dismissed.
The judgment implied that patents in India would only be granted to companies that were
involved in genuine inventions. Litigative patenting would be dismissed. Glivec is used for the
treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia along with certain other kinds of cancers. The cost of
this drug is around 2600 US dollar per month. The generic of Glivec is equivalent to 175 US
dollar in India.
BACKGROUND
Novartis had filed a patent application for the new version of this drug in 2006. Comptroller
General of Patent and Design denied the patent on the grounds that only certain changes were
made to its existing drugs under sections 3(d) and 3(b) of the Indian Patent Law.
Novartis then challenged this rejection of patent application for Glivec. Subsequently, the
patent application was also rejected by Intellectual Property Appellate Board. In 2009, Novartis
took its fight to the Supreme Court of India.
SECTION 3 (D) AND 3 (B) OF INDIAN PATENT LAW EXPLAINED
• Section 3 (d) of Indian Patent Law restricts the patents for already-known drugs unless
and until there is superiority in invention in terms of efficacy.
• Section 3 (b) of Indian Patent Law restricts patents for those products which are against
the public interest, and also do not show advanced value over the products which
already exist.
EVER GREENING OF PATENT RIGHTS- AN ISSUE

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Evergreening of the patent rights refers to the strategy adopted by certain innovators for
renewing their patent rights on the products by incorporating only minor changes. These minor
changes may include adding new formulations or mixtures. Evergreening is done by the
innovators when the patent is on the verge of expiry. A victory in this patent fight would have
given monopoly of Glivec to Novartis for 20 years.
SOI FILED COMPLIANT AGAINST GOOGLE OVER MAPATHON CONTEST
Delhi Police on 4 April 2013 launched an inquiry against the Internet Giant Google over its
contest Mapathon 2013, following a complaint received by the Survey of India. The Mapathon
contest was conducted by Google in February-March 2013.
As per the compliant from Survey of India (SOI), the activity of Mapathon 2013 violated the
National Map Policy and likely jeopardizes the national security interest. The participants of the
contest, being unaware of the law of the land would have violated the law.
A letter was also written to Google India’s Office by the Additional Surveyor-General of India
R.C. Padhi asking the internet giant to stop its activity of map uploading, as the activity is
against the Indian Policy Guidelines. Survey of India is the only body that has been provided,
the power of mapping and surveying the nation. The Preamble of the National Map Policy, 2005
states that, the responsibility for producing, maintaining and disseminating the topographic
map database of the whole country, which is the foundation of all spatial data vests with the
Survey of India.
MAPATHON 2013 CONTEST
Mapathon 2013 was a contest created by Google in which it asked the Indian Citizens to map
their neighbourhood and send the same to Google for being uploaded on the search engines.
Rewards to the 1000 best entries were also announced by Google. The contest was conducted
from 12 February to 25 March 2013.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS MENTIONED IN MAPATHON 2013 CONTEST
The Mapathon 2013 clearly mentioned in its terms and conditions that the individuals
themselves were responsible for their submissions and consequences that may arise after the
maps and content provided by them were posted on the search engines. This exercise of the
individuals directly lands the individuals into trouble for violating the law of the land,
unknowingly – if they map some restricted areas that may hamper the security of the nation.
NUMBER OF JUDGES TO BE DOUBLED IN NEXT 5 YEARS
The Union Government of India decided to double the number of sanctioned judges in India in
next five years to ensure speedy disposal of cases. With this increase in the number of judges is
expected to reach to a mark of 37000 in next five years.

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The Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on 7 April 2013 during
the release of comprehensive agenda for legal and judicial reforms announced that the Union
Government of India approved the decision of increasing the judge population ratio from 15.47
per million to 30 per million. The comprehensive agenda was released at the conference of
Chief Justices of High Courts and Chief Ministers.
Increase in the number of fast track courts for trial of heinous crimes like offences against
elderly, women and children is also under the plan of the central government. The funds for
development of the infrastructure would be released under a centrally sponsored scheme on
75:25 basis. At present there are 906 judges in the High Courts of India and is to be increased by
25 percent in next three years and 50 percent over a period of five years. To deal with small and
petty crimes a committee will be constituted by the Government.
PRESIDENT APPOINTED TWO JUDGES TO THE SUPREME COURT OF IND IA
Chief Justices of High Courts of Punjab and Haryana as well as Madhya Pradesh, Justice Arjan
Kumar Sikri and Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde respectively on 10 April 2013 were elevated as
Judges of Supreme Court, in order of their seniority by the President of India.
The appointment of judges will come into effect from the date they assume charge of their
respective office. The President of India exercised powers conferred to him by Clause 2 of
Article 124 of the Constitution of India for appointment of the judges.
ARTICLE 124: ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTITUTION OF SUPREME COURT
Clause 2: Every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant
under his hand and seal after consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and of
the High Courts in the States as the President may deem necessary for the purpose and shall
hold office until he attains the age of sixty-five years.
SC SOUGHT RESPONSE FROM UNION GOVT. ON ANTI-PORN LAWS
A bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir on 15 April 2013 sought
response from the Union Government on plea to block and ban porn sites on the Internet,
mainly those which show child pornography. The Apex Court described these sites as the major
cause of crime against women.
The Apex Court issued notices to the ministries of Information and Broadcasting, Home Affairs,
Information and Technology as well as Internet Service Providers Association of India. The
notices were issued on the petition seeking to bring an anti-pornography law. The petition was
filed by the Indore-based advocate, in which he explained that it was not an offence to watch
obscene videos but it was a major cause for crimes being committed against women.

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ECONOMY
INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME FOR LWE AFFECTED STATES
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 2 April 2013 approved the proposal of
the Ministry of Home Affairs for continuation of the Scheme for Special Infrastructure (SIS) in
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states during the 12th Plan period. The proposal includes
an added objective of upgradation and critical gap filling of training infrastructure, residential
infrastructure, weaponry, vehicles and any other related items pertaining to Special Forces of
LWE affected states. The total cost would be 373 crore rupees comprising 280 crore rupees as
central government share and 93 crore rupees as state government share on a 75 (central): 25
(state) funding pattern. The scheme will enhance the security in the region which would
provide an enabling environment for development.
The scheme was being implemented from the year 2008-09 with the broad objective to
adequately provide for critical infrastructure requirements that are critical to the policing and
security needs in the field, but are not adequately or otherwise provided for in any other
scheme. During the 11th Plan period 100 percent funding was provided by the Central
Government to the 9 LWE affected states for implementing various projects under the scheme.
The total funds were released under the scheme by the central government to the 9 LWE
affected states during the 11th Plan period is 445.82 crore rupees.
CCEA APPROVED DE-CONTROL OF SUGAR
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 4 April 2013 decided to de-control sugar
and did away the levy on sugar mills and regulated release mechanism. This de-control will raise
the subsidy burden to 5300 crore rupees from previous 2700 crore rupees.
De-control on sugar will not have an impact on the sugar made available in the Public
Distribution System. The de-control of sugar will abolish the rule for sugar mills that makes it
mandatory for sugar millers to sell sugar to the Government at a discounted price as well as the
limitation on the amount they choose to sell in the open market .
GOVT. ACHIEVED FY13 REVISED TAX COLLECTION TARGET
Union government in the Month of March 2013 announced that it has met its revised tax
collection target for 2012-13. With this there is also possibility that the tax collection may even
exceed the estimates because of better-than-expected indirect tax collections.

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Combining (direct and indirect tax collections) the government met the revised estimates. From
the revenue side a bit for fiscal consolidation was done. However the final numbers for direct
taxes will be known only after 20 April 2013.
For the year 2012-13, the Union government had revised its direct tax collections target to 5.65
lakh crore Rupees from budget estimates of 5.70 lakh crore Rupees. The target for indirect
taxes was revised to 4.69 lakh crore rupees from budget estimates of 5.05 lakh crore Rupees.
It is also important here to note that the fiscal deficit target for 2012-13 of 5.2% of the gross
domestic product (GDP) has also been achieved. For 2013-14, budget estimates for direct taxes
and indirect taxes are 6.68 lakh crore Rupees and 5.65 lakh crore Rupees, respectively.
The number of tax returns filed in 2012-13 was estimated around 2.15 crore compared to 1.64
crore a year ago. On 31March 2013 as many as 7.5 lakh tax returns were filed. The government
was trying its best to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as early as possible.
WHAT IS DIRECT TAX?
Direct tax is a tax paid directly to the government by the persons on whom it is imposed. Direct
taxes mainly comprise of corporate tax and income tax. It is imposed upon an individual person
(juristic or natural) or on property, as distinct from a tax imposed upon a transaction.
WHAT IS INDIRECT TAX?
An indirect tax can be referred to taxes such as sales tax, a specific tax, value added tax (VAT),
or Goods and Services Tax (GST). It is a tax collected by an intermediary (such as a retail store)
from the person who bears the ultimate economic burden of the tax (such as the consumer).
GOVT. SANCTIONED 4065.81 CRORE TO CONTROL WATER POLLUTION

The Union Government of India on 5 April 2013 sanctioned 4065.81 crore rupees for pollution
abatement schemes of rivers and lakes in different states. Of all the states, Uttar Pradesh
received 1385.95 crore rupees. The sanction cost of projects and expenditure includes the State
Governments share under the National River Conservation Programme (NRCP) and the National
Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP).
NATIONAL LAKE CONSERVATION PLAN (NLCP)
National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) started in June 2001 with a funding scheme of 70:30
fund sharing between centre and state. The main objective of the scheme is to restore and
conserve the urban and semi-urban lakes of the country degraded due to waste water
discharge into the lake and other unique freshwater eco systems, through an integrated
ecosystem approach.

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NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (NRCP)
National River Conservation Programme (NRCP) is the centrally sponsored Scheme

implemented by the central Government jointly with the State Government on a cost-sharing
basis. The pollution abatement works under NRCP presently cover identified polluted stretches
of 39 major rivers in 185 towns spread over 20 States in the country.
RETAIL INFLATION DECLINED TO 10.39% IN MARCH 2013
According to a data released on 12 April 2013 Retail Inflation declined to 10.39 percent in
March 2013. The decline snapped five months trends of rising with the easing of the vegetables
and the protein based items. The inflation recorded in February 2013 based on the Consumer
Price Index was 10.91 percent.
The prices of the vegetable basket eased from 21.29 percent in February 2013 to 12.16 percent
in March 2013. Whereas; the inflation in context of protein based items like meat, egg and fish
remained stagnant at 14.36 percent in March 2013.
The inflation in oil and fat segment remained at 11.72 percent and the inflation in cereal
segment was recorded to be the highest of 17.55 percent in March 2013. Inflation in Pulses
stood at 11.38 percent and in sugar it was 11.65 percent on annual basis. The retail inflation in
urban areas declined from 10.84 percent recorded in February to 10.38 percent in March 2013.
Whereas the consumer price index (CPI) of rural population went down to 10.33 percent in
March 2013 from 11.01 percent recorded in February 2013.
GOLD PRICES DECREASED TO 15-MONTH LOW
The prices of wide range of commodities decreased considerably in the second week of April
2013, marking the cooling down of inflation to just a little below 6 percent.
While the oil companies had deducted the petrol prices by over 1 Rupee, the price of gold, on
the other hand, fell to 15-month low at 26500 Rupees per 10 gm. Gold dropped biggest two-
day in 30 days. Silver dropped 10 percent; Aluminium fell down 7 percent and metals as well as
palm oil showed weakest prices in several months.
Market observers explained that the prices of gold will fall further to 25000 Rupees per 10 gm
because the investors would prefer equities than gold. Decrease in the prices of gold is
important because it will lower the import bill of UPA government on account of the gold.

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CORPORATE
SAMSUNG EMERGED AS MOST POPULAR BRAND
An online survey conducted recently by Upstream, the mobile marketing firm, revealed that in
developing markets such as Saudi Arabia, India, Nigeria and Brazil, 32 percent people would
prefer Samsung over Nokia (22 percent), Apple (21 percent) and Blackberry (10 percent).
In the online survey, Upstream samples more than 1000 adults in these four countries to find
out that Samsung was a leading brand in comparison to Nokia, Apple and Blackberry. However,
only in Nigeria, Nokia was the most popular brand with 37 percent preference. As far as the
developed market of US is concerned, Apple is still a popular smartphone. In developing
countries nevertheless, Samsung is a preferred choice. In developed countries such as US and
UK, 32 percent of prospective buyers selected iPhone in comparison to 22 percent for Samsung.
In context with the results of the survey, the founder and CEO and Upstream described that
there was a relation between income and the brand affinity. In developing countries, a mobile
phone is more of a necessity and therefore the choice of brand does not play an important role.
In Nigeria, two-third of the surveyed people relied on phone. In India, one-third people
preferred laptops over other gadgets. Nokia and Blackberry achieved preference more in the
African nations. It is worth noticing that Samsung has an increased demand across the world
because of the rising popularity of Galaxy S III. Upstream, the mobile marketing company
conducted this survey independently, outside the firms like Vanson Bourne and YouGov.
GAIL SIGNED DEAL WITH US FIRM FOR LNG LIQUEFACTION TERMINAL
State-run GAIL (India) Ltd on 1 April 2013 signed a deal of 2.3-million-tonne (mt) capacity in the
Cove Point LNG liquefaction terminal project at Lusby in Maryland, US.
The US-based firm is marketing 4.6 mmtpa, out of which GAIL has booked 50% of such capacity
for the period of 20 years. As per the agreement GAIL will secure its own natural gas and deliver
it to the Cove Point pipeline for liquefaction at the terminal and loading into ships brought to
the facility on the Chesapeake Bay. Earlier, GAIL had signed an agreement with Sabine Pass
Liquefaction, a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy Partners of the US, for a supply of 3.5 mt a year
LNG.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DEAL SIGNED

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• The deal would enhance GAIL’s scale of operations in the US where the company
already have presence through their participation in a shale gas asset in the Eagle Ford
basin.
• This deal would also provide GAIL with an opportunity to trade part of the volume in the
international market apart from organizing the ships required to transport rest of the
volume to India.
• The deal would provide GAIL with an outlet for the gas assets it holds in the US as LNG
from Cove point could be exported to nearby markets and also brought to India with
necessary permissions.
INFOSYS AGREEMENT WITH EUROPEAN ENERGY TRADING HOUSE
Infosys on 2 April 2013 signed a five-year agreement with a European Energy Trading House,
RWE Supply & Trading (RWEST). RWE Supply & Trading (RWEST) is a leading, Energy Trading
House which provides technology services to transform its trading operations to create
business efficiencies and drive growth from new markets and commodities.
ABOUT THE AGREEMENT
• The agreement is an innovation and gain-share model supported by a joint investment

framework to identify and implement innovative business and technology projects that
will deliver measurable benefits to RWEST.
• The agreement highlights include consulting and technology services for applications
transformation and business platforms, and transition to a managed services model for
application management.
Infosys, which is the multinational provider of business consulting, technology, engineering, and
outsourcing services, is basically associating with RWEST to enable a strategic growth through
the transformation of their trading platform.
SAIL SIGNED MOU WITH KSIDC AND KMML
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Government of Kerala PSEs, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and
Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML), for setting up a Titanium Project in Joint Venture in
Kerala.
Through this MOU, possibilities of setting up of the Titanium Project in Joint Venture in Kerala
will be explored by SAIL and KSIDC& KMML, in a phased manner. To begin with in Phase 1,
setting up of a Titanium Sponge and Metal Plant based on supply of Titanium Tetrachloride by
KMML will be considered. In subsequent phases, backward and forward integration will be
explored for ensuring long term viability of the project.

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SBI TO DISCONTINUE FREE ACCIDENT INSURANCE COVER FROM JULY
India's largest bank SBI will discontinue a free accident insurance cover given to its home and
car loan customers from July 2013.In a notification to its customers, the State Bank of India
(SBI) said the complimentary group personal accident insurance cover (death only) for home
and car loan customers will be discontinued on the expiry of current Master Policy on 1 July
2013.
The bank, however, did not mention the reasons for scrapping the complimentary cover. SBI
said that its home and car loan borrowers, who do not have any insurance cover for their loan
liabilities, may opt for the policies being offered by SBI's insurance venture.
Currently, SBI General Insurance Company Limited is offering an Accident Insurance cover of Rs
4 lakh for SBI's savings bank account holders for an annual premium of Rs 100. Earlier this year,
SBI had said it provided personal accident cover to over 7 million of its account holders across
the country in association with SBI General Insurance. SBI General Insurance Company is a joint
venture between the State Bank of India and Australia's leading general insurance provider
Insurance Australia Group (IAG).
TVS MOTOR AND BMW MOTORRAD TIED-UP TO DEVELOP BIKES
The TVS Motor Co. Ltd. and BMW Motorrad on 8 April 2013 announced a deal to jointly develop
Made in India Bikes in below 500 CC segment. BMW signed a long term joint technical co-
operation and manufacturing agreement with TVS.
At present, BMW operates in the 600 to 1600 cc category of Bikes, while TVS operates in sub-
250 cc category of bikes. The bikes developed in a joint collaboration of the two companies will
be launched in the market in two distinct variants of which one variant will be badged with
BMW and sold in India and international market and the second variant will be badged with TVS
and is to be sold in India and the global market as per the desire of TVS Motors.
Products developed in the joint-collaboration of the two giants will be rolled-out in the market
in 2015 and the initial stage development of these products will take place in TVS current
facilities located at Hosur or Mysore.

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ENVIRONMENT ECOLOGY
FOSSIL CALLED ICHTHYOSAURS NAMED AFTER VLADIMIR LENIN
Russian Scientists, in the last week of March 2013, announced that a prehistoric fossil was
named after the Russia's Communist revolution hero- Vladimir Lenin. The prehistoric fossil is
named Leninia Stellans.
In a similar affair in the past, the U.S. paleontologists had named ancient toothy lizard after the
name of President Barack Obama.
Leninia Stellans was the name that was agreed upon collegially. The ichthyosaur fossil was dug
out several years ago near Ulyanovsk’s village. Leninia Stellans name suggested that it was a
unique species of ichthyosaurs. Ichthyosaurs are the marine lizard which was found in sea in
Mesozoic era between 251 million and 65 million years ago.
The skull of Ichthyosaurs was more than one meter or 3.3 feet long. On looking at its exterior, it
appeared like the dolphin of modern era. It fed on mollusks and fish.
SEA ICE OF ANTARCTICA INCREASING DESPITE WARMING: STUDY

A team of scientists from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) in De Bilt
explained in their recent study that the reason for expansion of sea ice of Antarctica is climate
change. This phenomenon may be caused because of cold plumes of fresh water which is
derived because of melting that happens beneath the Antarctic ice shelves.
The melted water has comparatively low density which is why it accumulates in top layer of
ocean. Cool surface water thereafter re-freezes easily during, the Winter and the Autumn. This
phenomenon explains why there is an increase in the level of sea ice of Antarctica during these
particular seasons.
Climate scientists observed that Antarctic sea ice displayed a slight but statistically crucial
increase of around 1.9 percent per decade ever since 1985. On the contrary, level of sea ice in
Arctic has been continuously shrinking over past few decades. These observed changes were
tried to be reproduced in the computer-based climate model. The lead author of the study,
Richard Bintanja explained that sea ice around the Antarctica has been increasing inspite of an
increase in the global temperature.
COOLING SYSTEM POWER RESTORED AT JAPAN’S FUKUSHIMA N. PLANT

Power was restored to part of the cooling system at Japan's tsunami-hit Fukushima nuclear
plant. The ponds cool the fuel (which generates intense heat) and provide shielding from

Page 27
radiation. The spent fuel remains in the ponds for a year or more. The temperature of water
inside the cooling pool at reactor 3 was 15.1C, well below the safety limit of 65C. This suggested
that the spent fuel remained stable and did not pose an immediate danger to the environment.
The power cut in March 2013 shut down cooling systems for four spent fuel ponds at reactors
1, 3 and 4, although cooling for the reactors themselves was not affected. Possibly, a rat had
damaged the electrics which caused a short circuit in a switchboard and triggering the power
cut.
On 11 March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami severely damaged the plant. The mighty waves
severely crippled cooling systems for the reactors, resulting to meltdowns at three of them.
Since then Engineers have tried to stabilise the plant but years of work are still remaining to
fully contain the disaster and tackle its effects.
RED WOODS ANTS SENSE EARTHQUAKE BEFORE IT HITS: RESEARCH
Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, discovered that the red wood
ants can sense earthquakes even before they strike. Researchers discovered that red wood ants
preferred building the colonies along the active faults and fractures where the Earth ruptured.
Lead author of the research, Gabriele Berberich described that the behaviour of red wood ants
changed considerably before the earthquake above magnitude 2.0 struck the area. The
behaviour of these ants remained like that and did not come back to normal till a day after the
earthquake. The research of Gabriele Berberich was presented at European Geosciences Union
annual meeting in Vienna.
A team of researchers counted 15000 ant mounds lining the active faults. These ants were
tracked continuously for three years between 2009 and 2012. It was discovered that the ants
underwent the usual activities on the day just before the earthquake. Then they went back to
their moulds. But before an earthquake strikes, the ants remain awake and outside the moulds
during night.
It was found that the insects can predict earthquakes by knowing about the changing gas
emissions or shifts in magnetic fields of the Earth. In case of red wood ants, there are chemo
receptors for carbon dioxide gradients along with magneto receptors for electromagnetic fields.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AMS DETECTED SCOPE FOR D ARK MATTER IN THE SPACE
A group of Scientists on 3 March 2013 announced that the 2 billion dollar, Alpha Magnetic
Spectrometer (AMS) placed on the International Space Station (ISS) may have detected the
elusive dark matter. The scientists made the announcement after they observed an excess of
positrons in the Cosmic Ray Flux, which can be the reason of the presence of elusive dark
matter.
The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer over a period of one and a half year have detected billions of
particles and recorded a signal that may be a dark matter. Before this in the year 2008 using the
space-based detector namedPAMELA (Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-
nuclei Astrophysics) Satellite. PAMELA was launched into the space in 2006 and is a
multinational collaboration of Russia, Italy, Germany and Sweden.
The evidences collected by the AMS supports the existence of Dark Matter in the Universe but
it doesn’t rules out the presence of pulsars. Since May 2011, the AMS has identified more than
400000positrons, which is the largest number of positrons measured from the space directly.
ALPHA MAGNETIC SPECTROMETER
• It is the most powerful and sensitive Spectrometer installed in the space

• It is an antimatter detector placed on the International Space Station and it is basically a
giant magnet
• The AMS is designed for studying the cosmic ray particles that floods the space before
they get in touch with the earth and its atmosphere
DARK MATTER
Dark matter accounts to more than a quarter of Universe mass energy balance. It is believed
that the Dark matter holds the universe together. Dark matters don’t emit any light and hence
can’t be seen but it communicates with the rest of the universe by its gravity. Few examples of
its gravitational power includes, bending of lights around invisible objects and speed of stars
orbiting their galaxies that is faster than what it actually should be or can be
US GOVERNMENT LAUNCH ED NEW RESEARCH INITIATIVE CALLED BRAIN
US government on 3 April 2013 announced a new research initiative called Brain (Brain
Research through Advancing Innovative Neuro technologies) which is designed to revolutionise

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the understanding of the human brain. Launched with approximately 100 million US dollars in
the President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, the BRAIN initiative ultimately aims to help researchers
find new ways to treat, cure, and even prevent brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease,
epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
The BRAIN Initiative will accelerate the development and application of new technologies that
will enable researchers to produce dynamic pictures of the brain that show how individual brain
cells and complex neural circuits interact at the speed of thought. The scientists possess the
capability to study individual neurons and figure out the main functions of certain areas of the
brain, but a human brain contains almost a hundred billion neurons making trillions of
connections.
EXHALED BREATH CAN B E AS UNIQUE AS A FINGERPRINT: STUDY
A recent study conducted by Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich found out
that the compounds (metabolites) which are found in the exhaled breath are as unique as the
fingerprints of an individual. The metabolites have always been seen as the waste products of
the chemistry of someone’s body, but the uniqueness of these metabolites was never shown.
The study suggested that these metabolites could be very useful for the purpose of medical
diagnosis, just like that found in the blood or urine. The breath test is said to be non-invasive
and their results are also available instantly, which is why a breath test can be convenient,
especially for doping tests or anaesthesia.
The lead author of the study, Renato Zenobi explained that in Chinese medicine in the
traditional times, tongue, pulse and also the breath are used for diagnosis of ailments. Earlier
researches have also depicted that particular kind of bacteria responsible for lung infections or
stomach cancers can be detected using the exhaled breath. During the study, the team took
breath samples of 11 volunteers over four time slots of nine working days. The samples were
then run through the mass spectrometer, a device which is used to effectively measure the
masses of the chemical compounds in breath. Uniqueness of the exhaled breath was thus
detected.
Breath test is non-invasive as well as immediate in nature, which makes it very promising. For
example, it could be used for determination of appropriate dosage in anaesthesia. Now, the
team is also working along with the pulmonologists for detection of signs of lung-related
ailments such as breath cancer, sarcoidosis and asthma.
CAMERA THAT CAN CAPTURE OBJECTS AT LONG DISTANCES DEVELOPED
Researchers in the first week of April developed a New Laser powered Camera System that can
take image of any object from a distance of about one kilometer by creating high-resolution 3D
images.

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The technique on which the camera is based is called Time-of-Flight (ToF) navigation systems
for autonomous vehicles. In this principle of photography, to capture the image of the far away
object, a laser beam is bounced on the object and measure the time that is taken by the beam
of light to be back to the detector. The research on the time-of-flight technology of imaging was
conducted by the team of researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland that
was led by Professor Gerald Buller.
NUCLEAR CAPABLE AGNI-II MISSILE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED
The medium range nuclear capable Agni-II missile was on 7 April 2013 successfully test-fired
with a strike range of more than 2000 km from the Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. The two-
stage missile equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system, guided by a novel
scheme of state of the earth command and control system was propelled by solid rocket
propellant system.
The 20-metre long Agni-II is a two-stage, solid-propelled ballistic missile. It has a launch weight
of 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of 1000 kg over a distance of 2000 km. The state-of-the-
art Agni-II missile was developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) and integrated by the
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad. Agni-II is part of the Agni series of missiles
developed by DRDO which includes Agni-I with a 700 km range, Agni-III with a 3000 km range,
Agni-IV with 4000 km range and Agni-V more than 5000 km range. The last trial of Agni-II
conducted on 9 August 2012 from the same base, was a total success.
SUCCESSFUL TRANSPLANTATION OF BIO-ENGINEERED KIDNEY IN RAT
The researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, United States on 14 April 2013
announced that they had bio-engineered a kidney that can be marked a step-ahead in the quest
to help patients suffering from Kidney Failure. The researchers as an experiment transplanted
the bio-engineered kidney into rats and discovered that the experiment was successful.
The success of the experiment has laid a way for building replacement structures of lungs, livers
and hearts. The process of kidney transplant into the rat involved taking out a rat kidney and
stripping out its living cells by using a solution made of detergent and leave behind a shell made
of collagen. Further, the rats’ empty structure with living cells was repopulated that comprised
human endothelial cells that lined the walls of kidney blood vessels and kidney cells taken from
newborn rat.
Then the cells were seeded in the correct part of the kidney with the help of a muscle duct that
is called ureter as a tube and then transplanted the organ into the living rat from which the
kidney was removed. The result of the experiment was that the new kidney started filtering the
blood and produced urine as soon as the blood supply was restored. The results of the
experiment had brought human being a step-closer to create lab grown organs for humans. The
team of researchers was led by Harald Ott.

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SPORTS
INDIA COMPLETED A 5-0 WHITEWASH OF INDONESIA IN DAVIS CUP
India completed a 5-0 whitewash of Indonesia in the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup relegation
play-off tie in Bangalore on 7 April 2013 as Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri posted
straight-set wins in their respective reverse singles.
Somdev outplayed David Agung Susant 6-3 6-1 in little over an hour while Yuki Bhambari
registered a thumping 6-0 6-1 victory over Wisnu Adi Nugroho. India stay in Asia Oceania
Group-I and will strive to qualify for the World Group in 2014. India had already retained their
place in the group, after they took a lead of 3-0 on 6 April 2013.
AMERICAN SERENA WILLIAMS TOPPED THE WOMEN’S TENNIS RANKING
American Serena Williams was ranked number one in an unchanged top 10 issued on 8 April
2013 by the WTA (Women Tennis Association). Williams has 11,115 points to her credit while
Russia’s Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka of Belarus got 10240 and 9325 points
respectively.
WTA top 10 women tennis players are as following: (1) Serena Williams, United States, 11115
points (2) Maria Sharapova, Russia, 10240 (3) Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, 9325 (4) Agnieszka
Radwanska, Poland, 6845 (5) Li Na, China, 5880 (6) Angelique Kerber, Germany, 5500 (7) Sara
Errani, Italy, 5405 (8) Petra Kvitova, Czech Republic, 5225 (9) Samantha Stosur, Australia, 3790
(10) Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark, 3760.
PAVLYUCHENKOVA WON MONTERREY OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova won final of the Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament after
defeating Germany’s top-seeded Angelique Kerber 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 on 7 April 2013. With this, her
International-level tournament record remained intact with 15-0.
She won the Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament all the three times she played it. She played
the Monterrey Open in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has overall four WTA
titles of her career.
The doubles title of Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament was won by Kimiko Date-Krumm and
Timea Babos, who defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn and Eva Birnarova 6-1 6-4. After the victory,
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova won a cheque of 40000 US dollar as well as 280 ranking points.
Angelique Kerber on the other hand got a cheque of 20000 US dollar and 200 ranking points.

Page 32
Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament is one among the main tennis tournaments of Mexico.
Other important Mexican tennis tournament is Acapulco Open which was won by Italy's Sara
Errani and Spain's Rafael Nadal in March 2013.
DJOKOVIC WON MONTE-CARLO ROLEX MASTERS TOURNAMENT
Novak Djokovic on 21 April 2013 defeated Rafael Nadal in the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters
tournament at Monte-Carlo, Monaco. With this win in the Monte-Carlo Tournament, Djokovic
ended Nadal’s eight-year reign in the tournament as well as 46 match winning streak in the
Monte-Carlo Clay Court Masters tournament.
Djokovic defeated Nadal with 6-2, 7-6 (1) in the game that lasted for 1 hour and 52 minutes and
for Djokovic. He lost to Nadal in Monte Carlo 2009 and 2012 tournament and became the first
player to defeat the king of clay court Nadal in three different finals on clay; previously he
defeated Nadal in Madrid and Rome in 2011. Nadal’s eight straight titles in the row is the
record for the tournament in ATP.
Djokovic also ended the 81 match winning streak of Nadal on the clay court in April 2013,
before this Nadal last lost a match on clay court on 8 April 2005 in the Valencia quarter finals to
Igor Andreev.
This is the first Monte-Carlo title and 14th ATP world Masters 1000 titles with overall 37
trophies for Djokovic. With this win, he has won every ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title
except the Western and Southern Open Cincinnati.
MONTE-CARLO ROLEX MASTERS
The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is also known as the Gem of the Mediterranean. The event
celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006 and is first among all the three ATP World Tour
Masters 1000 tournaments that are played on the clay court. The tournament is a player and
fan favourite due to its magnificent location and long tradition of champions. Rafael Nadal of
Spain won an Open Era record eight successive title from 2005-2012 and has a staggering event
record of 48-2.

Page 33
STATE
GOVT OF GUJARAT INTRODUCED LOKAYUKTA BILL IN STATE ASSEMBLY
The state government of Gujarat on 2 April 2013 introduced a bill in the Gujarat assembly which
Places restrictions on the primacy of the chief justice of the state high court and the Governor
in the matter of appointment of the Lokayukta.
The Lokayukta Aayog Bill, 2013 is put forward to give all the powers of the appointment to a
selection committee headed by Chief Minister and wants state Governor to act on the
recommendations of this committee. It is important here to note that the Gujarat government
on the one hand filed curative petition against the Supreme Court order and on the other, has
brought this Bill in the Assembly.
Also, for the purpose of conducting investigations and inquiries in accordance with the
provisions of this Act, the Governor shall, by warrant under his hand and seal and, on the
recommendations of a Selection Committee appoint a person to be known as the Lokayukta
and not more than four other persons each to be known as Up-Lokayuktas," reads the
proposed section 3 of the Bill.
Whereas in the existing Gujarat Lokayukta Act, 1986, power of selection and consequent
appointment of new Lokayukta has been vested with the High Court Chief Justice and the
Governor.
Section 3(1) of the 1986 Act says, For the purpose of conducting investigation in accordance
with the provisions of this Act, the Governor shall, by warrant under his hand and seal appoint a
person to be known as Lokayukta.
As per the Bill there is also a special provision which gives pivotal power to the state
government in excluding any 'public functionaries' from the jurisdiction of the Lokayukta. As
per another significant provision (Sec 12(8)), whoever discloses to the public or to the press any
information or publishes such information in contravention of the provisions of this section
should invite two years' imprisonment and also a fine of two lakhs Rupees.
ABOUT LOKAYUKTA
The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman organization in the Indian states. The

Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) headed by Morarji Desai submitted a special interim
report on "Problems of Redressal of Citizen's Grievances' in 1966. In this report, the ARC
recommended the setting up of two special authorities designated as 'Lokpal' and 'Lokayukta'
for the redressal of citizens' grievances.

Page 34
The LokAyukta, along with the Income Tax Department and the Anti Corruption Bureau, mainly
helps people bring corruption amongst the politicians and officers in the government service to
public attention. Many acts of the LokAyukta have not resulted in criminal or other
consequences for those charged.
SIKKIM STATE ANNUAL PLAN FOR 2013-14 FINALIZED AT 2060 CRORE

The Annual Plan for the year 2013-14 for the state of Sikkim was finalized on 3 April 2013. The
plan size was agreed at 2060 crore rupees at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning
Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling.
The per capita NSDP of Sikkim has increased by 159.28% from 2004-05 to 2011-12 which is
higher than the increase in national per capita NNI of 62.13% for the same period. Poverty ratio
in Sikkim has declined by about 10 percentage points. The number of persons below poverty
line in Sikkim has fallen to a great extent. The State needs to match up with the National
Average to perk up its ranking. Monthly per capita income of people of Sikkim, both urban and
rural, has been well above the National average.
Sikkim has managed to leverage its natural advantages and central resources to bring the
growth rate of its economy and per capita income at successful level. State is striving towards
higher achievements within the framework of 12th Five Year Plan of the Government of India.
The industrial base comprises of fruit processing, brewing & distilling and pharma companies.
Tourism accounts for almost 8 per cent of the GSDP. Sikkim is dependent on central transfers &
has relatively high level of capital expenditure which has sometimes resulted in very large fiscal
deficits.
TWIC: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR WATER TREATMENT

The Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company which is a joint venture of IL&FS and the State
Government, in month of April 2013 made the project management agency on behalf of the
Government for water treatment and recycling for industry.
As per the policy note which was tabled in the Assembly on 4 April 2012, the State Government
decided to make use of the company’s expertise in water supply and waste water management.
According to the project management agency, the company will be the devoted for
development, operation and maintenance of common effluent treatment plants and recycling
of sewerage water and desalination for industrial supply.
ABOUT TWIC (TAMIL NADU WATER INVESTMENT COMPANY)
The Water Investment Company is the promoter of the New Tiruppur Area Development
Corporation, considered a pioneering public private partnership in the water sector. The
corporation was promoted to set a 185 million litre a day water supply project for the knitwear

Page 35
industry and residences in Tiruppur. The company has handled the consultancy for water supply
for a number of local bodies.
BIHAR CABINET GAVE ITS NOD ON QUOTA FOR WOMEN IN POLICE

The State Cabinet of Bihar on 16 April 2013 gave its nod to the Home Department’s proposal to
grant 35 percent reservation for women in the recruitment of constables and sub-inspectors in
reserved and unreserved categories of the state.
The state cabinet meeting was presided over by the Chief Minister of the State, Nitish Kumar.
The reservation for women would be in addition to the three per cent already existing for
women belonging to backward class. The decision is the follow up of the state’s recent women
centric policies to uplift women in the state. Before this, the state cabinet approved quota of 50
percent in cooperatives for women in the state.
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CANCELLED 49 MINE LEASES IN KARNATAKA

The Supreme Court cancelled 49 mine leases in Karnataka. The court accepted most of the
recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee on mining issues in Karnataka. The
Supreme Court ruled that illegal iron ore mining on the Andhra-Karnataka border would remain
suspended till demarcation of the boundary between these two states is completed.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) set up by the Supreme Court to investigate illegal
mining in Karnataka submitted its final report on 4 February 2012. The committee
recommended the cancellation of leases of 49 mines that have violated the terms of their
license. It also recommended the auction of these leases.

Page 36
NEWS CAPSULE
OSCAR WINNER AUTHOR RUTH PRAWER JHABVALA DIED IN NEW YORK
Oscar and Booker Prize winner writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala died on 3 April 2013 in Manhattan,
New York after a long illness. She died at the age of 85 and is survived by her three daughters,
her husband Cyrus Jhabvala and six grandchildren.
ABOUT RUTH PRAWER JHABVALA
• She was a long time member of Merchant Ivory Productions and wrote 22 films for it
over a period of four decades
• Her long association with Merchant Ivory Productions won her two Academy Awards
(Oscars) for her work on the films A Room with a View and Howards End, an adaptation
of the E.M. Forster novels.
• She won her booker in 1975 for her fiction Heat and Dust
• She wrote 19 novels and short stories during her carrier span of more than five decades
• She lived in India for a period of about two-decades
Her last story was published in the New Yorker Magazine in its March 2013 issue with the title
The Judge’s Will.
NIA FILED A CHARGE SHEET AGAINST 26/11 MASTERMIND ABU JUNDAL
National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 4 April 2013 charge sheet against Sayed Zabiuddin
Ansari alias Abu Jundal, the suspected terrorist of the banned Lashker-e-taiba (Let) and the
mastermind of Mumbai Terror Attacks in the designated court in Patiala house in New Delhi.
Abu Jundal is accused of making recruitments for Pakistan for LeT, the Pakistan based terror
outfit. Jundal made many deliberated efforts to recruit people through internet to join LeT for
the cause of carrying out terror activities in India, in 2011 and 2012. The NIA has alleged that
Jundal, during 2011 and 2012, had made deliberate attempts for recruiting different persons
through internet for joining LeT and carrying out terror activities in India.
SAARC MINISTERIAL LEVEL MEET ON POVERTY CONCLUDED IN NEPAL
The third SAARC Ministerial Level Meet on Poverty concluded in Nepal on 5 April 2013. The
representatives from all the eight members of SAARC attended the meet and pledged to reduce
regional poverty through strategic cooperation with each other.
DECISIONS MADE

Page 37
• Formulation of a Common Poverty Reduction Strategy following the end of UN

Millennium Development Goals in 2015
• The meet that started on 5 April 2013 was inaugurated by the chairman of the Interim
Election Government of Nepal Khil Raj Regmi
Before the Ministerial level meet, fifth SAARC secretary-level meet was held on 4 April 2013.
The Indian delegation that consisted of four members led by Vandana Kumari Jena, the
Principal Advisor to Planning Commission of India attended the meeting.
CHILE TO EXHUME PABL O NERUDA’S BODY TO INVESTIGATE MURDER

MYSTERY
A team of forensic specialists in Chile on 8 April 2013 began work of exhuming poet Pablo
Neruda’s body to find out whether he was murdered or died of prostate cancer. Nobel prize-
winning poet Pablo Neruda died just 12 days after military coup of 1973. The 1973 military coup
had ousted Chile’s socialist president Salvador Allende, thus bringing General Augusto Pinochet
in power.
It was believed that Pablo Neruda died because of prostate cancer but in 2011, the possibility of
poisoning of the poet by agents of Pinochet regime also came in limelight. He died on 23
September 1973 in Santiago. The remains of Pablo Neruda were in a tomb at his home in Isla
Negra. The poet had won the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. He was renowned for his love
poems. Apart from being the poet, he was also a Communist Party politician. The Chilean
justice system ordered probe in June 2011 after filing of complaint by the Chilean Communist
Party.
PRAN HONOURED WITH DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD
Legendary actor, Pran Krishan Sikand, 93, on 12 April 2013 was awarded with Bollywood’s
highest honour in Indian Cinema Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2012. The award is instituted on the
name of the Dada Saheb Phalke, the man who made first feature film in India.
He is the 44th Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner. He gave a different and unique frame to the
negative and character roles of Indian Cinema with his impressive performances. His
contribution to the film industry makes him a celebrated actor of the industry. He brought new
mannerism and style, in the arena of acting.
Pran got his first break in a Punjabi Film Yamla Jat in 1940 in undivided India. But his debut in
Bollywood happened in the film Ziddi, in which he acted alongwith the evergreen hero of
bollywood Dev Anand in 1948. Pran served Bollywood for a career span of more than six
decades in more than 350 films and is known for his brilliant performances in films like Ram Aur
Shyam, Purab aur Paschim, Karz, Zanjeer and Amar Akbar Anthony and many more.
ABOUT PRAN KRISHAN SIKAND

Page 38
• He was born in Old Delhi on 12 February 1920

• In 2001 he was awarded with India’s third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan
• In his career span, he received four film fare awards
• He was awarded the title of Villain of the millennium by Stardust in 2000
• In 2010 he was named among the Top 25 Asian Actors of All times by CNN
ABOUT THE AWARD
The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth
and development of Indian Cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, a cash prize of Rs.10
lakhs and a shawl. The award is given on the basis of recommendations of a Committee of
eminent persons.
BOOK: RELIGION, LAW & SOCIETY - ACROSS THE GLOBE
Book: Religion, Law & Society – Across the Globe authored by Prof. Tahir Mahmood
The Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari on 12 April 2013 released a book titled Religion, Law
& Society – Across the Globe. The book is authored by Prof. Tahir Mahmood. The book contains
descriptions of foreign and Indian Conference addresses and commissioned papers, a section
on Minority Rights in Indian as well as Global Context and more. The book also offers insights
into a variety of intricate and inter-connected issues of constitutional and socio-legal
significance.
MAHATMA GANDHI FIGURED AMONG TOP 3 LEADERS OF THE WORLD
As per the 16th Annual Global CEO survey, Mahatma Gandhi figured among the top three most
admired leaders of the world. An accountancy firm, PwC surveyed 1400 CEOs around the
world.Winston Churchill topped the list of 10 most admired leaders, while Mahatma Gandhi
figured in the third position after Steve Jobs.
Other leaders included: warriors; Napoleon and Alexander the Great, reformers; Jack Welch,
leaders though adversity; Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln, leaders who caught the
imagination of the masses; (Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela) and consensus builders like
Bill Clinton.
Winston Churchill was the most popular choice of all CEOs while Steve Jobs admired in the
most number of nations, 37. Churchill got wide appeal and popularity across Western Europe.
He came top in France ahead of Charles de Gaulle and beat Niccolo Machiavelli to get the same
position in Italy. Winston Churchill served as British Prime Minister twice; in 1940-45 and 1951-
55. As per the PwC survey, Nelson Mandela, Jack Welch and Abraham Lincoln, were at the 4th,
5th and 6th positions, respectively. Among women Margaret Thatcher was the only woman to
make it to the top ten (7th position). Former US Presidents Ronald Reagan, John F Kennedy and

Page 39
Bill Clinton were at 8th, 9th and 10th positions. French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte was at the
10th position along with Clinton.
QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

Q.1) India and Saudi Arabia decided to set up a Joint Working Group to address Nitaqat Law.
What is Nitaqat law? What will be the other major functions of India and Saudi Arabia? Do you
agree that Nitaqat law is against the process of globalization? Find what Nitaqat Law is.
Q.2) Falkland Islands Voted Unanimously to Stay under British Rule. Where are Falkland Islands
located? Describe and discuss the issues of Falkland Islands. Find about Falkland Island
Decision.
Q.3) The Union Finance Ministry on 24 April 2013 launched medi claim facility for the farmers
holding Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) issued by Dena Bank. Mention the main features of medi claim
facility. How it will benefit the rural economy of India? Find about the Medi Claim Facility.
Q.4) The High Seas, Our Future Conference concluded on 11 April 2013 in Paris. What were the
major highlights of the conference? Discuss. Find what Decisions of High Seas Conference.
Q.5) Write short notes on the following:
a) New Keyboard called KAL Q to beat QWERTY
b) Kepler-62f and Kepler-62e
c) HFLS3
d) Pig-26
Q.6) The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) under the Chairmanship of C
Rangarajan on 23 January 2013 presented the Economic review 2012-13. Mention the
highlights of the Economic review 2012-13. Find Highlights of PMEAC
For Original Current Affairs eBook April 2013 Click Here

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CURRENT AFFAIRS EBOOK

www.jagranjosh.com Current Affairs eBook April 2013

Pick of the Month........................................................................................................................6

Margaret Thatcher Former British Prime Minister Died .......................................................6

Connecticut signed Gun Control Legislation .........................................................................7

National Policy for Children-2012 approved by Union Cabinet.............................................7

Chris Gayle: the Fastest Century Maker in Cricket History ...................................................9

SC: Endangered Asiatic Lions to be shifted from Gujarat to MP ...........................................9

Archeologists Discovered Gate to Hell from Ruins in Turkey ..............................................10

President’s two-Day Visit to Mauritius: Major Deals Signed ...............................................11

India signed Enhanced Air Services Agreement with Singapore .........................................12

US asked to Close Guantanamo Prison Camp Immediately ................................................13

Sheikh Hasina Rejected New Anti-Blasphemy Law Demands .............................................13

Prime Minister of India Visited Germany: Documents Signed ............................................14

SC Rejected Novartis’ Patent Plea for Cancer Drug Glivec ..................................................18

SOI filed compliant against Google over Mapathon Contest ..............................................19

Number of Judges to be doubled in next 5 years ...............................................................19

President appointed two Judges to the Supreme Court of India ........................................20

SC sought Response from Union Govt. on Anti-Porn Laws .................................................20

Infrastructure Scheme for LWE affected States .................................................................21

CCEA approved de-control of Sugar ...................................................................................21

www.jagranjosh.com Current Affairs eBook April 2013

Govt. achieved FY13 Revised Tax Collection Target ...........................................................21

Govt. Sanctioned 4065.81 Crore to control Water Pollution ..............................................22

Retail Inflation declined to 10.39% in March 2013 .............................................................23

Gold Prices Decreased to 15-Month Low ...........................................................................23

Samsung Emerged as Most Popular Brand.........................................................................24

Infosys agreement with European Energy Trading House ..................................................25

SAIL signed MoU with KSIDC and KMML ............................................................................25

SBI to discontinue Free Accident Insurance Cover from July ..............................................26

TVS Motor and BMW Motorrad tied-up to Develop Bikes..................................................26

Environment Ecology ................................................................................................................27

Fossil Called Ichthyosaurs named after Vladimir Lenin.......................................................27

Sea Ice of Antarctica Increasing Despite Warming: Study ..................................................27

Cooling System Power restored at Japan’s Fukushima N. Plant..........................................27

Red Woods Ants Sense Earthquake Before It Hits: Research ..............................................28

Science & Technology ...............................................................................................................29

AMS detected Scope for Dark Matter in the Space ............................................................29

US Government launched New Research Initiative Called BRAIN .......................................29

Exhaled Breath can be as Unique as a Fingerprint: Study ...................................................30

Camera that can Capture Objects at Long Distances Developed ........................................30

Nuclear Capable Agni-II Missile was successfully Test-Fired ...............................................31

Successful Transplantation of Bio-Engineered Kidney in Rat ..............................................31

India completed a 5-0 Whitewash of Indonesia in Davis Cup .............................................32

American Serena Williams Topped the Women’s Tennis Ranking ......................................32

www.jagranjosh.com Current Affairs eBook April 2013

Pavlyuchenkova won Monterrey Open Tennis Tournament...............................................32

Djokovic won Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Tournament .....................................................33

Govt of Gujarat Introduced Lokayukta Bill in State Assembly .............................................34

TWIC: Project Management Agency for Water Treatment .................................................35

Supreme Court of India cancelled 49 Mine Leases in Karnataka .........................................36

News Capsule ............................................................................................................................37

SAARC Ministerial Level Meet on Poverty concluded in Nepal ...........................................37

Chile to exhume Pablo Neruda’s body to investigate murder mystery ...............................38

Pran honoured with Dada Saheb Phalke Award .................................................................38

Book: Religion, Law & Society - Across the Globe ..............................................................39

Mahatma Gandhi figured among Top 3 Leaders of the World ...........................................39