vaid’s ics lucknow b-36, sector-c, aliganj, lucknow cont

VAID’S ICS LUCKNOW B-36, Sector-C, Aliganj, Lucknow Cont.9415011892/93

OCTOBER, 2015

Vaid’s ICS Lucknow B-36, Sector –C, Aliganj, Lucknow

Ph: 0522-2326249/ Mob: 9415011892/93 website: www.vaidicslucknow.com

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Content

Pages 1. National Events 3

2. International Events 7

3. Science & Technology 10

4. Economy 12

5. Environment 15

6. Sports 19

7. Awards 22

8. Appointments 23

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NATIONAL EVENTS Union Government released National Health Profile 2015 The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on 22 September 2015 released the National Health Profile (NHP) 2015 prepared by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI). The E-book (digital version) of NHP was also released for the first time. This is the 11th edition of NHP. The National Health Profile covers demographic, socio-economic, he alth status and health finance indicators, along with comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health. NHP 2015 for the first time also incorporates the health data from ESIC and Railways. The NHP 2015 indicates that significant progress has been made in the country for various health outcomes, which is an encouraging signal. Highlights of the National Health Profile 2015 • Every government hospital serves an estimated 61000 people in India with one bed for every 1833 people. • In undivided Andhra Pradesh, every government hospital serves over 3 lakh patients while in Bihar; there is only one bed for every 8800 people. • Every government allopathic doctor serves a population of over 11000 people, with Bihar and Maharashtra having the worst ratios. • India now has cumulatively 9.4 lakh allopathic doctors, 1.54 lakh dental surgeons and 7.37 lakh AYUSH doctors of who more than half are Ayurvedic doctors. • India’s 400 medical colleges admit an estimated 47000 students annually. Cancer Data • As per NHP 2015 data, there will be 19 percent increase in cancer among men by 2020 with mouth cancer registering the highest spike and a 23 percent increase among women with gall bladder cancer showing the sharpest increase.

• The cancer incidence in men will rise from the current 522164 to 622203 in 2020. • Despite the countrywide ban on gutkha, mouth cancer will register a 51 percent jump. • There will be a 48 percent increase in prostate cancer, 31 percent increase in liver cancer and 22 percent increase in lung cancer. Spread of Communicable diseases in India as per NHP 2015 • Deaths from most communicable diseases have been falling steadily in India. Despite recording over 10 lakh cases, deaths from malaria are officially down to just over 500 annually. • Odisha accounted for over one in three cases of malaria in 2014. • The number of recorded chikungunya cases has fallen since a 2010 outbreak, but Maharashtra accounts for nearly half of all cases. • Just over 40000 cases of dengue were officially reported in 2014 and 131 deaths. • While the number of cases of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease has risen every year to 1.16 crore in 2014, mortality from the disease has been steadily declining. • However, 2014 saw a sharp spike in cases and deaths due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, a disease concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal. • Japanese Encephalitis concentrated in Assam and Uttar Pradesh also rose last year. • Pulmonary tuberculosis remains the biggest communicable disease killer in India, accounting for over 63000 deaths in 2014. About National Health Profile • The National Health Profile is released every year by CBHI since its launch in 2005. • It helps in understanding the goals, our strengths and weaknesses and it is also an important means to strategize. Good compiled data enables the policymakers to make evidence-based policies. • The data is not only important for understanding the health indicators of the

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country, but it also provides an opportunity to monitor the situation. • It highlights substantial health information under 6 indicators viz. demographic, socio-economic, health finance and health status indicators, comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health in India. Union Government notified Mid-Day Meal Rules, 2015 The Union Government on 30 September 2015 notified Mid Day Meal Rules, 2015 under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA, 2013) that contains provisions related to welfare schemes including Mid Day Meal Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the NFSA Act, the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development finalized the Mid Day Meal (MDM) Rules after consultation with the States and other related Central Ministries. The rules will be in effect from the date of notification in the Gazette of India. Provisions of the Mid Day Meal Rules, 2015 Entitlements of children: Every child within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII who enrol and attend the school, shall be provided hot cooked meal having nutritional standards of 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary free of charge every day except on school holidays. The place of serving meals to the children shall be school only. Implementation of the Scheme: Every school shall have the facility for cooking meal in hygienic manner. Schools in urban area may use the facility of centralised kitchens for cooking meals wherever required in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government and the meal shall be served to children at respective school only. Responsibility of School Management Committee: The School Management Committee mandated under Right to Free and

Compulsory Education Act, 2009 shall also monitor implementation of the Mid-day meal Scheme and shall oversee quality of meals provided to the children and cleanliness of the place of cooking. Central Victim Compensation Fund set up with 200 crore rupees by Union Government The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 14 October 2015 introduced a scheme called Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF) with an initial amount of 200 crore rupees. The scheme aims at enabling support to victims of various attacks, such as rape, acid attacks, human trafficking and women killed or injured in the cross border firing. States were asked to accordingly modify the State Victim Compensation Schemes to reduce inconsistency in quantum of compensation amount notified by them and claim financial support from the CVCF. Key objectives of the scheme • To support and supplement the existing Victim Compensation Schemes (VCS) notified by states/UT administrations. • To reduce disparity in quantum of compensation amount notified by different states / UTs for victims of similar crimes. • To encourage states / UTs to effectively implement the Victim Compensation Scheme notified by them under the provisions of Section 357A of Cr. P.C. • To continue financial support to victims of various crimes especially sexual offences including rape, acid attacks, crime against children, human trafficking, etc. The victims will be compensated on the grounds of various injuries, loss and death with respect to acid attack, rape, human trafficking, disabilities and burns affected on them. Women victims of cross-border suffering permanent or partial disability or death will also be compensated under the scheme.

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Rameswaram, birthplace of Dr. Abdul Kalam, included as 498th town under AMRUT Union Minister of Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu on 15 October 2015 declared that former President Dr. Abdul Kalam’s birth place Rameswaram has been included in Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for providing basic urban infrastructure. The announcement was made on the occasion of 84th birth anniversary of Dr. Kalam at a programme organised at DRDO. Rameswaram is the 498th to be included in the Mission. With the addition of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu would have 32 cities and towns under Atal Mission. Besides, a committee comprising of Union Ministers M Venkaiah Naidu, Manohar Parrikar, Pon Radhakrishnan and former Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy will work out the details of a Memorial for Dr. Kalam at Rameswaram. This Committee will consult all concerned before giving a final shape to the Memorial. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 April 2015. The mission aims at providing basic infrastructure facilities in 500 cities with an outlay of 50000 crore rupees over the next five years (2015-16 to 2019-20). SC declared National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) unconstitutional The five-judge Constitutional Bench of Supreme Court (SC) in a collective order on 16 October 2015 ruled that 99th Constitutional Amendment Act and the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 is unconstitutional and void. It also upheld the Collegium system that existed before the NJAC as operative. Collegium

System was established by the SC in 1993 for the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary. Moreover, the apex court rejected the plea of the Union Government that the petition challenging NJAC Act be referred to a larger Bench in light of the two 'Judges Cases' of 1993 and 1998 and scheduling a hearing on November 3 to improve the Collegium system. Although the NJAC Act was upheld by Justice J Chelameswar but he recused himself from passing any judgment on the NJAC statute as the majority of four had already held it unconstitutional. The five-judge bench comprised of Justices JS Khehar, J Chelameswar, Madan B Lokur, Kurian Joseph and AK Goel. Background The Union Government on 13 April 2015 notified the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014 and the Constitution (Ninety-ninth Amendment) Act, 2014. It was designed to replace the existing Collegium system of appointing judges of higher judiciary, viz., Supreme Court and High Courts. The NJAC Bill and the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty First Amendment) Bill, 2014 were passed unanimously by the Lok Sabha on 13 August 2014 and Rajya Sabha on 14 August 2014 respectively. Subsequently these Bills were ratified by the required number of State legislatures before getting the President’s assent on 31 December 2014. Union Government extended stock limits on pulses to four categories of stocks The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on 18 October 2015 extended stock limits on pulses to four categories of stocks that were exempted under the order issued in September 2015. The four categories of stocks are-pulses sourced from imports, stocks held by exporters, stocks to be used as raw-materials by licensed food processors and stocks of Large Departmental Retailers.

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http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/union-cabinet-approved-atal-mission-for-rejuvenation-and-urban-transformation-amrut-of-500-cities-1430388239-1



http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/union-government-notified-national-judicial-appointments-commission-act-2014-1429010458-1

http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/union-government-notified-national-judicial-appointments-commission-act-2014-1429010458-1


The extension of stock limits is aimed at easing supply side pressures on pulses by checking hoarding activities. In September 2015, a Central Order was issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 imposing stock limits on pulses, edible oils and edible oil seeds for one year up to 30 September 2016. The order was in addition to the following measures undertaken by the government to cool down pulse prices in the open market. • Export of pulses was banned. • Zero import duty on pulses was extended. • Around 5000 tonnes of pulses were imported from Price Stabilization Fund. • The minimum support price (MSP) has been increased to 4625 rupees per quintal for Urad and Arhar dal and to 4850 rupees per quintal for Moong dal. • A buffer stock was created by procurement and imports of pulses. • States are directed to take strict action against hoarders and black marketers. • It was decided to bring transportation, handling and milling charges of imported pulses under the Price Stabilization Fund. • States were encouraged to lift stocks of imported pulses. • Distribution of pulses through retail outlets-Kendriya Bhandar and Safal-at subsidized prices. Financial powers of Health Institutions enhanced to 5 lakh rupees per patient under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 26 October 2015 enhanced delegated financial powers of designated Central Government Hospitals and institutes under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme. After the enhancement, only cases for financial assistance beyond 5 lakh rupees would now be required to be referred to the Ministry from the earlier upper limit of 2 lakh rupees per patient. The move is aimed at curtailing procedural delays for treatment, which would bring relief to thousands of patients annually.

About Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi • It was set up in 1997 to provide financial assistance to patients, living below poverty line (BPL). • Patients suffering from major life threatening diseases related to heart, liver, kidney and cancer cases, etc., are covered under the scheme. • Patients receive medical treatment only at any of the designated super specialty Government hospitals / institutes or other Government hospitals. • Revolving Funds have been set up in 12 Central Government hospitals/institutes and amount up to 50 lakh rupees is placed at their disposal for providing financial assistance.

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INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

World Bank released global poverty projections for 2015 World Bank on 4 October 2015 released global poverty projections for the year 2015. As per the projections, the number of people living in extreme poverty around the world is likely to fall to under 10 percent of the global population in 2015. Consequently, the world is all set to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 1- ending poverty in all its forms by 2030. The projections were based on the updated poverty line of 1.90 US dollars per day on the 2011 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates basis. The earlier poverty line was 1.25 US dollars per day at 2005 PPP exchange rates. Takeaways from the poverty projections • Sustained reduction in poverty, began in 1990, is moving the world closer to the historic goal of ending poverty by 2030 • Global poverty will have fallen from 902 million people or 12.8 per cent of the global population in 2012 to 702 million people or 9.6 per cent of the global population in 2015. • Reductions in poverty were due to strong growth rates in developing countries in recent years, investments in people’s education, health, and social safety nets that helped keep people from falling back into poverty. • Present challenges in eradicating extreme poverty are- slower global growth, volatile financial markets, conflicts, high youth unemployment, and the growing impact of climate change. • For the last several decades, three regions, East Asia and Pacific, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, have accounted for some 95 percent of global poverty. • In 1990, East Asia accounted for half of the global poor, whereas some 15 percent lived in in Sub-Saharan Africa; by 2015 Sub-Saharan

Africa accounts for half of the global poor, with some 12 percent living in East Asia. • Poverty is declining in all regions but it is becoming deeper and more entrenched in countries that are either conflict ridden or overly dependent on commodity exports. • While some African countries have seen significant successes in reducing poverty, the region as a whole lags the rest of the world in the pace of lessening poverty. • Sub-Saharan poverty fell from an estimated 56 percent in 1990 to a projected 35 percent in 2015 • Poverty in East Asia and the Pacific would fall to 4.1 per cent of its population in 2015, down from 7.2 per cent in 2012. • Latin America and the Caribbean would see fall to 5.6 per cent in 2015 from 6.2 in 2012. • In South Asia, the poverty would fall to 13.5 per cent in 2015, compared to 18.8 per cent in 2012. The projections for 2015 are in tune with two goals set by the World Bank for itself in April 2013-to end extreme poverty by 2030, and to boost shared prosperity by raising the incomes of the bottom 40 percent of populations. India, Germany signed 18 MoUs in various sector to strengthen bilateral relations India and Germany on 5 October 2015 signed 18 MoUs in various sector including renewable energy, skill development and culture. The MoUs were signed at the end of third Indo-German Inter-governmental Consultations in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel co-chaired the meeting. List of Agreements/MoU’s signed • Promotion of Languages: Joint Declaration of Intent signed between Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The agreement seeks to promote German as a foreign language in India and the promote Modern Indian Languages in

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Germany. • Indo-German Solar Energy Partnership: MoU between the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on Indo-German Development Cooperation Regarding the Indo-German Solar Energy Partnership. • Security Cooperation: MoU was inked between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany. • Aviation Security: MoU was inked between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Federal Republic of Germany. • Cooperation in the Field of Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training: A Joint MoU was inked between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, on one hand, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, on the other hand. • Cooperation in the Field of Disaster Management: The Joint Declaration of Intent was inked by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany. • For extension of tenure of Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC): Announced as a Joint Declaration by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany. • Indo-German Partnerships in Higher Education (IGP): MoU was inked between University Grants Commission (UGC) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany. • Plant Protection Products: Joint Declaration of Intent was inked by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, (MoA & FW) and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), Germany. • Cooperation in the Field of Railways: to further develop the cooperation in the field of railways a Joint Declaration of Intent was inked between the Federal Ministry of Transport and

Digital Infrastructure, Germany and the Ministry of Railways. • Cooperation in the Field of Manufacturing: MoU was inked between the Department of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises of India and Fraunhofer Society of Germany. • Fast-Track system for German companies in India: Joint Announcement was made. • Cooperation in the Field of Advanced Training of Corporate Executives and Junior Executives from India: Joint Declaration to continue the cooperation was inked between the two nations. • Cooperation in Food Safety: Joint Statement of Intent was inked between the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). • Cooperation in Food Safety: Joint Statement of Intent was inked between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). • Cooperation in Agricultural Studies: MoU inked between German Agribusiness Alliance and Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI). • Supporting participation of Indian Young Scientists in Natural Sciences for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings: Letter of Intent was inked between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of India, the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings (Council), and the Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings (Foundation). • Summary Record of the Negotiations on Development Cooperation: Inked between the Union Government and the Government of Germany. The first Indo-German Inter-governmental Consultations took place in India in 2011 and in 2013, Germany hosted the second round. Since taking up this format of cooperation, Indo-German relations have been on a steady upswing.

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Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay elected as non-permanent members of UNSC United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 15 October 2015 elected Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay to serve as non-permanent members on the UN Security Council (UNSC). These members will serve the UNSC for two-year terms beginning on 1 January 2016 until 31 December 2017. Egypt and Senegal will replace Chad and Nigeria from Africa Group, Japan will replace Jordan to represent Asia-Pacific Group, Uruguay will replace Chile to represent Latin America and Caribbean States Group and Ukraine will replace Lithuania to represent Eastern European Group. The Western European and Others Group did not contest for any seats in 2015, as its two seats (currently held by New Zealand and Spain) are up for election every even calendar year. New Composition of UNSC With the new non-permanent members now the composition of UNSC stands as follows: Five permanent Council members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States with each wielding veto power Non-permanent members until end of 2016: Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela Non-permanent members until end of 2017: Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay Under the UN Charter, the UNSC has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Each of the Council’s members has one vote. Under the Charter, all UN Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. Bidhya Devi Bhandari elected as first women President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari was on 28 October 2015 elected as the President of Nepal. She is the first women president of Nepal. She received 327 votes against her opponent’s 214 in the Nepal’s Parliament.

Election to the post of president became necessary as the first democratically-framed constitution was adopted on 20 September 2015 declaring the Himalayan nation as a Republic. In Nepal, Bidhya Devi is long known for advocacy for women’s rights. At present, she is the deputy leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist)-CPN (UML) to which the Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli also belongs to. World Bank released a report on Arab Spring Revolution World Bank on 21 October 2015 released a report entitled Inequality, Uprisings, and Conflict in the Arab World as part of the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) Economic Monitor series. The report explains widespread inequality in the society despite overall growth and development of the nations as a whole as the possible answer to Arab inequality puzzle-what drove people to the streets in the MENA despite the region making steady progress? Findings of the Report Judging by economic data alone, the revolutions of the 2011 Arab Spring should have never happened. There are ample evidences showing progress toward eliminating extreme poverty, boosting shared prosperity, increasing school enrollment, etc. in the decades prior to the Arab Spring. Still, in late 2010 and early 2011, millions of people poured onto the streets of major cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), calling for change. Growing and broadly shared dissatisfaction with the quality of life—evident in perception data from value surveys but not in objective data—were the main reasons for the uprisings. Ordinary people, and especially those from the middle class, were frustrated by their deteriorating standards of living due to a lack of job opportunities in the formal sector, poor quality public services, and the lack of government accountability.

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By 2010, people in the countries that became most involved in the Arab Spring—Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen – were among the least happy in the world. Dissatisfaction was widespread but more pronounced for the middle 40 percent of the population than the bottom 40 percent. Further, wealth disparities, which are typically higher than income disparities, could have been a factor in the Arab Spring uprisings that was not captured in standard economic data. China abandoned its decades old 'One Child Policy' China on 29 October 2015 allowed all couples to have two children and scrapped its decade-long One Child Policy. The decision is intended to balance population development and address the challenge of an ageing population. The announcement was made through a communiqué issued by the ruling communist party after a four-day Communist party summit in Beijing. The summit participated by China’s top leaders saw debate on financial reforms and how to maintain growth at a time of heightened concerns about the economy. One Child Policy was introduced in 1980 as a way to curb the population and limit demands for water and other resources. The controversial policy restricted most couples to only a single offspring, and for years’ it was debated that the policy resulted in China’s economic boom. As an active response to an ageing population and to manage the demography of the country, China has been relaxing the family planning laws. Earlier on 28 December 2013, it allowed minority ethnic families and rural couples whose firstborn child was a girl to have one more child. It seems that the decision will help China in reducing its gender imbalance. As the previous decision of 1980s led to forced sterilizations, infanticide and sex-selective abortions, causing a dramatic gender imbalance which meant millions of men will never find female partners.

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Strong Evidence of Liquid Water on Mars: NASA New findings from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)provide a strong evidence that liquid water flows intermittently on the present-day Mars. The findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience on 28 September 2015. The researchers detected signatures of hydrated minerals on slopes where mysterious streaks are seen on the Red Planet using an imaging spectrometer on MRO. These darkish streaks appear to fade and flow over time. They darken and appear to flow down steep slopes during warm seasons, and then fade in cooler seasons. They appear in several locations on Mars when temperatures are above minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit and disappear at colder times. These downhill flows known as Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL), often have been described as possibly related to liquid water. Garni crater on Mars Dark narrow streaks called Recurring Slope Lineae originate out of the walls of Garni crater on Mars. The dark streaks here are up to few hundred meters in length. They are hypothesized to be formed by flow of briny liquid water on Mars. The detection of hydrated salts on these slopes means that water plays a vital role in the formation of these streaks. The spectrometer observations show signatures of hydrated salts at multiple RSL locations, but only when the dark features were relatively wide. When the researchers looked at the same locations and RSL weren't as extensive, they detected no hydrated salt. The MRO's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) observations now have documented RSL at dozens of sites on Mars.

The scientists interpret that the spectral signatures were caused by hydrated minerals called perchlorates. The hydrated salts most consistent with the chemical signatures are likely a mixture of magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate and sodium perchlorate. Perchlorates have previously been seen on Mars. Conclusion There is a strong evidence for hydrated salts at all four locations in the seasons when recurring slope lineae are most extensive, which suggests that the source of hydration is recurring slope lineae activity. The findings strongly support the hypothesis that recurring slope lineae form as a result of contemporary water activity on Mars. China launched 20th satellite for its BeiDou Navigation System China on 30 September 2015 launched a 20th new generation satellite into orbit that will support its global navigation and positioning network. The satellite was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the south-western province of Sichuan. A Long March-3B carrier rocket carried the satellite. The launch of the 20th satellite for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has put China one step closer to providing an alternative to the U.S. operated Global Positioning System (GPS). Besides, it was the first time that the satellite featured a hydrogen atomic clock. Also, multiple tests related to the clock will be done. What is BeiDou Navigation Satellite System? The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is a Chinese satellite navigation system. The BeiDou project was formally launched in 1994. The first BeiDou system, which was officially called the BeiDou Satellite Navigation Experimental System, was also known as BeiDou-1. The system incorporates three satellites and offers limited coverage and applications. It has been offering navigation

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services since 2000 for customers in China and neighbouring regions. Named after the Big Dipper constellation, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System serves as a metaphor for the purpose of the satellite navigation system. Global Navigation Satellite Systems • India: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) • United States: Global Positioning System (GPS) • Russia: GLONASS • France: Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) • Japan: Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) NASA released Plan outlining Next Steps in the Journey to Mars with an aim to establish colonies by 2030s NASA on 9 October 2015 released a report titled NASA’s Journey to Mars: Pioneering Next Steps in Space Exploration. The document contains plan for establishing permanent settlements and creating deep-space habitation facilities on the red planet Mars by 2030s. The plan under which, Humans will be living and working on Mars in colonies entirely independent of Earth by the 2030s, will act as stepping stones to Mars. Three stages of Journey to Mars The journey to Mars will cross three thresholds as identified by NASA, each threshold will have its own challenge. The challenges will increase as humans will move farther from the Earth and closer to Mars. To manage these challenges, NASA is developing and demonstrating capabilities in incremental steps and they are: • Earth Reliant exploration: It is focused on research aboard the International Space Station. From this world-class microgravity laboratory, NASA is testing technologies and advancing human health and performance research that will enable deep space, long duration missions.

• Proving Ground: In this, NASA will learn to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment that allows crews to return to Earth in a matter of days. Primarily operating in cislunar space—the volume of space around the moon featuring multiple possible stable staging orbits for future deep space missions—NASA will advance and validate capabilities required for humans to live and work at distances much farther away from our home planet, such as at Mars. • Earth Independent activities: It will build on what NASA learn on the space station and in deep space to enable human missions to the Mars vicinity, possibly to low-Mars orbit or one of the Martian moons, and eventually the Martian surface. Future Mars missions will represent a collaborative effort between NASA and its partners to seek the potential for sustainable life beyond Earth. Technological and Operational Challenges NASA has identified three technological and operational challenges in the report. These are: • Transportation, sending humans and cargo through space efficiently, safely, and reliably; • Working in space, enabling productive operations for crew and robotic systems; and • Staying healthy, developing habitation systems that provide safe, healthy, and sustainable human exploration. The report concludes. “Was Mars home to microbial life? Is it today? Could it be a safe home for humans one day? What can it teach us about life elsewhere in the cosmos or how life began on Earth? What can it teach us about Earth’s past, present and future?” Sweet banana species, Musa Indandamanensis, discovered in tropical rain forest of Andaman Islands Scientists at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new species of banana, named Musa Indandamanensis, from a remote tropical rain forest on the Andaman Islands. The species was located about 16 kilometers inside the Krishna Nalah forest in the island.

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Bananas of this species are very sweet in taste and are eaten by tribal people of the island. Features of Musa Indandamanensis • It is a distinct global species with unique green flowers and fruit bunch lux (axis) thrice the size of a regular banana species. • The fruit pulp of the species is orange in colour, which is distinctive from the white and yellow colour of regular bananas. • Trees of this species are about 11 meter high, whereas, the regular species are about three to four meters high. • The fruit lux of the species is about one metres, which is thrice the size of regular species. • The flowers of the species are cylindrical, whereas, the flowers of other banana species are conical. • Unlike other common species, the seeds can be used for germinating new plants. The details of Musa Indandamanensis species of banana was published in Taiwana, an international journal on taxonomy and life sciences. At present, about 52 species of banana are reported to occur in the wild across the world of which 15 are reported to be in India.

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ECONOMY India signed 123.51 Million US dollar Loan Agreement with Asian Development Bank India on 28 September 2015 signed a 123.51 million US dollar loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to upgrade tourism infrastructure and services in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The agreement was signed by M Teresa Kho, Country Director for ADB in India and Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions), Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance. The loan will be used for development and conservation of the places of tourist attractions. It will also be used to improve basic tourism facilities and to build the capacity of sector agencies and local communities in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. It will also support conservation of important heritage structures including some century-old structures, new facilities including centers for arts and crafts in the three states. Eco-parks and eco-tourism will also be developed to help the states attract more tourists. Moreover, to improve income opportunities for the local communities, more than 4000 community members will be trained in tourism-related skills such as guides, crafts, and other recreational activities. And at least 30 community-based societies will be made operational to manage heritage sites. This is the third tranche loan agreement and it is a part of the 250 million US dollar multi-tranche financing facility named Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism that was approved by ADB in 2010. Growth of eight core sectors increased by 2.6 percent in August 2015 The Index of Eight Core Industries with base year 2004-05 was released on 30 September 2015 by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

As per official figures released on 30 September 2015, growth of eight core sectors grew by 2.6 percent in August 2015, as compared to the August 2014. The combined Index of Eight Core Industries stands at 169.6 in August 2015. Its cumulative growth during April to August, 2015-16 was 2.2 percent. Growth in Core Sectors in August 2015 compared to August 2014

Core Sectors Weight in IIP

Growth in August 2015

Cumulative Growth April-August 2015

Coal 4.38 % 0.4 % 4.6 %

Crude Oil 5.22 % 5.6 % 0.5 %

Natural Gas 1.71 % 3.7 % Declined by 2.7 %

Refinery Products (93% of Crude Throughput)

5.94% 5.8 % 4.3 %

Fertilizers 1.25% 12.6 % 5.9 %

Steel (Alloy + Non-Alloy)

6.68% Declined by 5.9 %

Declined by 0.03 %

Cement 2.41% 5.4 % 1.8 %

Electricity 10.32% 5.6 % 2.8 %

Union Ministry of Road Transport launched Green Highways Policy, 2015 Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on 29 September 2015 launched Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015. The policy that seeks to promote green covers along National Highway corridors was launched at the National Conference in New Delhi. Main Highlights • The Green Highway Policy will make it compulsory for road developers to set aside 1 percent of the Total Project Cost (TPC) for Highway Plantation and Maintenance. • The policy seeks participation from the various segments of community including farmers,

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private sectors, government institutions and NGOs. • The scheme will supposedly spend 1000 crore rupees for trees plantation along National Highways in the fiscal year 2015-16. • Once implemented, the scheme will help in creating huge employment opportunities and entrepreneurship development. • Besides, the policy will also help in cutting down the carbon footprints and hugely benefit the environment. Green Highway Fund • The policy calls for creation of fund account called Green Highways Fund (GHF) for developing green covers along the NH corridors. • The GHF will be created from the fund collected through 1 percent of the TPC contributed by the developers. • NHAI will act only as a Fund Manager for maintaining the Account and releasing payments Background The policy is the revised version of the Circular dated 20 May 1976 that called for maintenance of trees and plantation of new ones on existing roads to be done from funds allocated for maintenance and repair of National Highways. The Circular was updated on 26 November 1996 thereby permitting public sector corporations / reputed private companies / voluntary organizations to develop & maintain tree plantation. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated IDFC Bank Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 October 2015 inaugurated the IDFC Bank in New Delhi. IDFC Bank Limited, which started its operations on 1 October 2015, is an Indian Banking company with headquarters in Mumbai that forms a part of IDFC, an integrated infrastructure finance company. IDFC Bank was granted a universal banking license in July 2015 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). IDFC was incorporated on 30 January 1997. It founded a non-operative financial holding company (NOFHC) in 2014 to manage its five subsidiaries IDFC Bank, IDFC MF, IDFC

Alternatives, IDFC IDF & IDFC Securities to conform with RBI guidelines. First time in eight years fiscal balance turned surplus in August 2015: CGA The Controller-General of Accounts (CGA) in the second week of October 2015 announced that India’s fiscal balance turned from deficit to surplus for the first time in 8 years. Fiscal deficit-difference between revenue and expenditure excluding borrowings- for August 2015 was pegged at -15808 crore rupees that indicates surplus of revenues over expenditure. The surplus amount in the exchequer is significant due to the fact that the fiscal deficit was 73005 crore rupees during the same period in the previous fiscal-August 2014. In August 2015, the total expenditure was only 131214 crore rupees against the total revenue of 147022 crore rupees. The government could achieve surplus due to sharp surge in revenue receipts and decline in its total expenditures. However, the 15.8 thousand crore rupees surplus was not wide enough to offset the fiscal deficit in the 2015-16 financial year. Between April and August 2015, the cumulative fiscal deficit was 3.69 lakh crore rupees against 3.97 lakh crore rupees during the same period in 2014. Department of Heavy Industries drafted National Policy on Capital Goods The Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) on 26 October 2015 came out with draft national policy on capital goods. This is thousand crore rupees surplus was not wide enough to offset the fiscal deficit in the 2015-16 financial year. Between April and August 2015, the cumulative fiscal the first time that such a policy is being framed after active consultation with industry associations. The Policy on Capital Goods is focused on the most critical sector for achieving the vision of Make in India and also is envisages unlocking

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the potential for this promising sector and establish India as a global manufacturing hub. Vision • To increase the share of capital goods contribution from present 12% to 20% of total manufacturing activity by 2025 Mission • To become one of the top capital goods producing nations of the world by raising the total production to over twice the current level • To raise exports to a significant level of at least 40% of total production and thus gain 2.5% share in global exports of capital goods • To improve technology depth in Indian capital goods from the current basic and intermediate levels to advanced levels Objectives • Increase total production to achieve total production in excess of 5 lakh crore rupees by 2025 from the current 2.2 lakh crore rupees • To increase domestic employment from the current 15 lakhs to at least 50 lakhs by 2025 thus providing additional employment to over 35 lakhs people • To increase the share of domestic production in India's capital goods demand from 56% to 80% by 2025 and in the process improve domestic capacity utilization to 80-90% • To improve skill availability by training 50 lakhs people by 2025 • To improve 'technology depth' in capital goods sub-sectors by increasing research intensity in India from 0.9% to at least 2.8% of GDP Proposed nine-point action plan- The policy has proposed a comprehensive set of policy actions which would enable the achievement of the objectives for the sector and had recommended a set of nine new initiatives and policy actions and they are: • Devising a long term, stable and rationalized tax and duty structure to ensure cost competitiveness of the sector • Drafting a comprehensive public procurement policy with amended qualifying criteria and

introducing special provisions in contracts for domestic value addition • Promoting development of new technology through indigenous sources • Providing Technology Upgrade Fund Support across all capital goods sub-sectors • Creating a level playing field vis-à-vis imports by restricting imports of second hand machinery and mitigating duty disadvantages • Supporting availability of short and long term of financing at competitive rates to capital goods manufacturers • Enabling skill development by setting up sub-sector specific Skill Councils. • Enabling higher participation of India in standard creation and developing support system to improve compliance. • Developing manufacturing clusters with shared facilities especially for SMEs Governance Mechanism The policy proposes a governance mechanism for smooth implementation and effectiveness of the policy. The mechanism will be in the form of inter-ministerial and inter-departmental committees at the highest level to ensure due consideration of the interests of all stakeholders. The committees will be tasked with driving coordinated action and monitoring the progress and effectiveness of policy on an annual basis Periodic Review of Policy The capital goods sector operates in a dynamic local and global environment and it is imperative for the policy to undergo a periodic review and revision to maintain its relevance. The National Capital Goods Policy will be reviewed every five years and revised appropriately to take account of progress in implementation and emerging trends in the national and international environment.

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ENVIRONMENT WWF Report Hidden Himalayas: Asia’s Wonderland released World Wide Fund (WWF) on the day of World Habitat Day, that is, 5 October 2015 released Hidden Himalayas: Asia’s Wonderland report. The Eastern Himalayas spans Bhutan, the north-eastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, North Bengal, the trans-boundary landscape of Terai Arc, far north of Myanmar, Nepal and southern Tibet. According to the report, 211 new species like sneezing monkey, walking fish and jewel-like snake, were discovered in the Eastern Himalayas region between 2009 and 2014. On an average 34 new species were discovered annually for the past six years. The 211 new species include 133 plants, 39 invertebrates, 26 fish, 10 amphibians, one reptile, one bird and one mammal. These species were found by scientists from various organizations. This volume and diversity of discoveries highlight the region as one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Top unique species discovered in the region • Bulbophyllum Nepalense: It was for the first time reported from Nepal. The new species was collected from Shivapuri National Park, Kathmandu at an altitude of 2300 meters. The species has oblong dorsal sepals, the elliptic petals and oblong decurved ligulate lip with narrow pseudobulbs. • Vibrant blue dwarf ‘walking’ snakehead fish (Channa Andrao):Discovered from Lefraguri swamp, West Bengal can breathe atmospheric air and survive on land for up to four days, although moving in a manner much clumsier than a slithering snake. • Koponenius Unicorns: It is a millipede and represents the first westernmost indigenous representatives of Haplodesmidae reported from the Himalayas of Nepal and India. Its 19 body segments are unique among millipede species. • Mycomya Jeti: Discovered by Dr. Rauno

Vaisanen, a Finnish taxonomist is one among the seven species of mosquito discovered. It is named after the abominable snowman of the Himalayas - the Yeti and another one after his wife’s first name, Mycomya anneliae. • Elachura Formosa: The spotted wren-babbler discovered in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar belongs to a unique family of birds which contains no other known species. • Leptobrachium Bompu: A striking blue-eyed 47-mm frog was discovered at an altitude of 2000-m in Arunachal Pradesh, the second most heavily forested state in India. • Parachiloglanis Bhutanensis: The first endemic fish species to Bhutan found nowhere else in the world and its common name, Khaling Torrent Catfish is in reference to the village of Khaling. • Megophrys Ancrae: A rare endemic horned frog was discovered in Deban, Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh. Commonly known as the litter frogs, Megophryids range in size from 2 to 12.5 cm in length. • Rhinopithecus Strykeri: Critically endangered monkey without nose was found in Kachin state of Myanmar. It is nicknamed as Snubby. • Danionella Dracula (Dracula Fish): Discovered in Myanmar, the fish represent the largest group of vertebrates and while the majority of fish are found in oceans almost as many can be found in freshwater habitats. • Protobothrops Himalayansus: The bejeweled lance-headed pit viper was found in Tibet, Norther Sikkim, India and Western Bhutan. It is believed to be a new addition to the Asian pitviper genus Trimeresurus. Threat to the region and ecosystem The report also underscored dire threats and challenges faced by the ecosystem across the region spanning Bhutan, north-east India, Nepal, north Myanmar and the southern parts of Tibet. It also found that as a consequence of development, only 25% of the original habitats in the region remain intact and hundreds of

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species that live in the Eastern Himalayas are considered globally threatened. Some of the threats to the region include climate change; by far the most serious, population growth, deforestation, overgrazing, poaching, the wildlife trade, mining, pollution and hydropower development have all contributed to the pressures on the fragile ecosystems in the region. The stakes are high as the Himalayas are home to at least 10000 plant species, 300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269 types of freshwater fish. Solution to protect the ecology of the region- To protect the region’s rich diversity of flora and fauna, the WWF is involved in supporting the countries of the Eastern Himalayas’ progress towards green economies that value ecosystems and the services they provide to the millions of people in the region. For this purpose, it runs the WWW Living Himalayas Initiative that urges a strong regional collaboration to ensure that people in this region, live within the ecological means and remain within the boundaries of one planet. It also develops and support programmes that help secure a brighter future for the region’s people and biodiversity, including its rich array of species. Green Indian Mission Plans approved for four states National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) on 9 October 2015 approved the Perspective Plans & Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) submitted by four States, namely Mizoram, Manipur, Jharkhand and Kerala. The plans were approved during the second meeting of NEC of GIM. Approval was granted for alternative energy devices such as biogas, solar devices, LPG, biomass-based systems and improved stoves for 27032 households for the financial year 2015-16 and 81233 households for the total plan period. This will help in reducing pressure on forests,

gaining carbon benefits, along with health and other associated benefits. Highlights of the mission • The plans have been approved with a total financial outlay of 90202.68 lakh rupees for a period of 5 to 10 years. • APOs of 11195.32 lakh rupees have been also approved for financial year 2015-16. • The total forest and non-forest area taken up in the four states under GIM during the total plan period will be 108335 hectares. • Out of the total forest and non-forest area, 81939 hectares will be improving the density of existing forests and 16396 hectares will be new areas. About National Mission for Green India (GIM) The National Mission for Green India (GIM) is one of the eight Missions delineated under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The mission aims at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. New species of Giant Tortoise named Chelonoidis donfaustoi identified in Galapagos Islands Team of Ecuadoran and international scientists have identified a new species of giant tortoise, named Chelonoidis donfaustoi on the Galapagos Islands in Pacific. The tortoise was named after a retired Galapagos park ranger. The discovery of Chelonoidis donfaustoi was published in the Journal Plus on 21 October 2015. The newly-identified species, also known as the Eastern Santa Cruz tortoise, lives on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Island and was also found to be genetically different from tortoises on other islands. These 250 slow-moving reptiles with compressed shell from other species carries more compressed shape than other species is distinct from another species on Santa Cruz Island.

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Process adopted to differentiate the two species which was earlier thought to be of single named species, C. porter The team of scientists differentiated the two species through genetic and morphological studies, within this taxon. They find that there are two evolutionarily and spatially distinct lineages on the western and eastern sectors of the island, known as the Reserva and Cerro Fatal populations, respectively. Analyses of DNA from natural populations and museum specimens, including the type specimen for C. porteri, confirm the genetic distinctiveness of these two lineages and support elevation of the Cerro Fatal tortoises to the rank of species. The identified that DNA characters that define this new species, and infer evolutionary relationships relative to other species of Galapagos tortoises. Till date it was believed that the two giant tortoise populations on Island were the same species, but genetic testing proved this to be wrong. Giant tortoises in the Galapagos Chelonoidis donfaustoi is the 15th known tortoise species to be discovered on the archipelago, though four are now extinct. The species also needs protection and restoration as their estimated population is about 250. Giant tortoises in the Galapagos tend to weigh up to 250kg and live longer than 100 years. Giant tortoises were among some of the well-known creatures studied closely by British naturalist Charles Darwin in the Galapagos Islands in the 1830s. V20 Group launched by Vulnerable Nations to Foster Greater Investment in Climate Resiliency Finance Ministers of 20 nations vulnerable to climate change launched the V20 Group on 8 October 2015. The Group launched was during the annual meeting of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Lima, Peru. The Group aims to pool resources for their fight against the impact of global warming and is a counterpoint to the G20 group of leading

industrialised and emerging economies. With the launch, the V20 Group Finance Ministers also held their inaugural meeting which was chaired by Cesar Purisima, Finance Minister of the Philippines. Main Highlights of the V20 Group Meet • They committed to act collectively to foster a significant increase of public and private finance for climate action from wide-ranging sources, including international, regional and domestic mobilization. • They agreed to establish a sovereign V20 Climate Risk Pooling mechanism to distribute economic and financial risks arising due to climate change and ensure enhanced security for jobs, livelihoods, businesses and investors. • V20 countries committed to develop or improve their financial accounting models and methodologies to enhance accounting of climate change costs, risks and response co-benefits in all their forms. • They voiced support for an international financial transaction tax to aid the mobilization of additional resources for the fight against climate change. • They also called for improved access to international climate change finance for adaptation and mitigation action, the fulfillment of the 100 billion dollars commitment to the Green Climate Fund. • They also called for acceleration towards a 50:50 balance in resources mobilized given prevailing shortfalls for initiatives to adapt to climate change. Background The establishment of the V20 was conceptualised in the 2013 – 2015 Costa Rica Action Plan of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). The V20 Group represents close to 700 million people threatened by climate change. The V20 members, all CVF participating countries, comprise: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

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SPORTS Russia retained 2015 Women’s European Volleyball Championship Russia on 4 October 2015 won the Women’s European Volleyball Championship title. In the final played at the Sportpaleis Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Russia defeated Netherlands, 3–0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-20). This was the 19th title for Russia. Medal Tally • Gold: Russia • Silver: Netherlands • Bronze: Serbia Individual Awards • Most valuable player: Tatiana Kosheleva of Russia • Best outside Spikers: Tatiana Kosheleva (Russia) and Anne Buijs (Netherlands) • Best opposite Spiker: Lonneke Sloetjes (Netherlands) • Best Setter: Maja Ognjenovic (Serbia) • Best Middle Blockers: Irina Zaryazhko (Russia) and Eda Erdem Dündar (Turkey) • Best Libero: Anna Malova (Russia) • Fair Play Award: Hans Nieukerke (Netherlands) 2015 Women's European Volleyball Championship 2015 Women's European Volleyball Championship was the 29th edition of the tournament. It was jointly hosted by Netherlands and Belgium from 26 September to 4 October 2015. South Africa won the 3-match T-20 series against India 2-0 South Africa on 8 October 2015 won the three-match T-20 International series against India 2-0. The third and the final match of the series was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of a wet outfield. The umpires called off the match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata after they inspected the ground and found it not suitable for the play.

Series Report 1st Match: Played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on 2 October 2015, South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 2 balls remaining). JP Duminy (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match. Sreenath Aravind made his Twenty20 International debut for India. 2nd Match: Played at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on 5 October 2015, South Africa won by 6 wickets (with 17 balls remaining). Albie Morkel (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match. 3rd Match: The match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata was called off • Player of the series - JP Duminy (South Africa) The visitors are also slated to play 5-match ODI series that begins with the opener in Kanpur on 11 October 2015 and four Tests thereafter. India won four-match Men’s Hockey Test series against New Zealand by 2-1 margin India on 11 October 2015 won the four-match Men's Hockey Test series against New Zealand 2-1. In the final test played at Christchurch, India through its brilliant play held the hosts to a 1-1 draw. After witnessing no goals in the first half, one each goal was scored from both the sides. From New Zealand, Nick Ross scored the first goal in the 41st minute which was matched by SV Sunil of India in the 43rd minute of the match. After losing the first match of the series in Nelson against the hosts, India came back strongly to register back-to-back wins in the last two games. Zaheer Khan retired from International Cricket Zaheer Khan, one of India’s finest pacers, on 15 October 2015 retired from all forms of international and first-class Cricket. However, he will continue to play in IPL for one more season.

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Zaheer, with 311 wickets, is the fourth highest Indian wicket-taker in Tests behind Anil Kumble (619), Kapil Dev (434) and Harbhajan Singh (417). He was also the third highest wicket-taker in international cricket among left-arm pacers. Zaheer Khan He played his debut ODI match on 3 October 2000 against Kenya at Nairobi (Kenya); while he played his debut Test match on 10 November against Bangladesh at Dhaka. Nicknamed Zak, he is a left-arm fast-medium bowler of Indian cricket team, was known for his hostile seam and pace bowling, especially fast inch-perfect Yorkers. Zaheer with 311 Test wickets was the second-most successful Indian pace bowler in Test cricket, behind Kapil Dev with 434 Test wickets. He was one of the key members of the 2011 ODI World Cup winning team, leading the pace attack with 21 wickets in just 9 games. He was also the part of 2003 World Cup squad of Indian cricket team that lost the final match against Australia at Johannesburg, South Africa by 125 runs. In 2011 he was conferred with the Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting award by the President of India. In 2008, he was also selected as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year. Details of his cricket career Test: Bowled in 165 innings of 92 test matches and took 311 wickets. He batted in 127 innings and had scored 1231 runs of which 75 was his highest score. ODI: Bowled in 197 innings of 200 ODI internationals and took 282 wickets. He batted in 101 innings and had scored 792 runs of which 34 not out was his highest score. T20Is: Bowled in 17 innings of 17 matches and took 17 wickets. He batted in 4 innings and had scored 13 runs of which 9 was his highest score.

Sehwag retired from all forms of International Cricket, IPL Indian cricketer Virender Shewag on 20 October 2015 retired from all forms of international Cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL). Sehwag revealed his decision after signing up to play in 2016 Masters Champions League Twenty20 tournament in Dubai. Masters Champions League, a UAE-based Twenty20 tournament requires its participants to have retired from all international formats.

Virender Sehwag- An aggressive right-handed opening batsman and a part-time right-arm off-spin bowler, Sehwag played his debut One Day International in 1999 and joined the Indian Test team in 2001. He was also the part of two World Cup winning teams under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership, 2007 World T20 in South Africa and the ICC ODI World Cup in India. Details of his Cricket career Test: Batted in 180 innings of 104 matches and scored 8586 runs of which 319 was his highest score. He also bowled in 91 innings and took 40 wickets. ODI: Batted in 245 of 251 matches and scored 8273 runs of which 219 was his highest score. He also bowled in 146 innings and took 96 wickets. T20Is: Batted in 18 of 19 matches and scored 394 runs of which 68 was his highest score. In April 2009, Sehwag became the only Indian to be honoured as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for his performance in 2008, subsequently becoming the first player of any nationality to retain the award for 2009. • Nicknamed Veeru, Sehwag holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319 against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai), which was also the fastest triple century in the

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history of international cricket (reached 300 off only 278 balls). • He holds the record of fastest 250 by any batsman (in 207 balls against Sri Lanka on 3 December 2009 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai). • His other innings of 309 and 293 are also the second and third best by any Indian player. • Sehwag also holds the distinction of being one of four batsmen in the world to have ever surpassed 300 twice in Test cricket, and the only one to score two triple centuries and take a five-wicket innings haul. • On 8 December 2011, he hit his maiden double century in ODI cricket, against West Indies, becoming the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. • His score became the highest individual score in ODI cricket – 219 off 149 balls which was later bettered by Rohit Sharma – 264 off 173 balls on 13 November 2014. • He is one of only two players in the world to score a double hundred in ODI and a triple hundred in Test Cricket, the other being Chris Gayle. South Africa clinched 1st ever bilateral ODI series in India South Africa on 25 October 2015 won the five-match One Day International (ODI) series against India 3-2. This was South Africa’s first ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil. In the fifth and final match played at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, South Africa defeated India by 214 runs, which was India’s second biggest ODI loss in terms of runs. South Africa after winning the toss chose to bat first and posted 438 runs at a loss of four wickets; this was third highest score in the history of ODIs. In reply, Indian team was bundled out for 224 in the 36th over, with Ajinkya Rahane top scoring with 87. Series Report 1st Match: Played at Green Park, Kanpur on 11 October 2015, South Africa won South Africa won by 5 runs. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

was declared as the Man of the Match. 2nd Match: Played at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on 14 October 2015, India won the match by 22 runs. MS Dhoni (India) was declared as the Man of the Match. 3rd Match: Played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on 18 October 2015, South Africa won the match by 18 runs. M Morkel (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match. 4th Match: Played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 22 October 2015, India won the match by 35 runs. V Kohli (India) was declared as the Man of the Match. 5th Match: Played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 25 October 2015, South Africa won by 214 runs. Q de Kock (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match. Player of the series - AB de Villiers (South Africa) ICC released Test, ODI, T20I and Women’s Ranking The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 26 October 2015 launched the official ICC men’s Team Rankings from Test, One Day International (ODI) and T20I cricket. South Africa with 125 rating was placed at the top position in the Test ranking list; while Australia topped the ODI list with 127 ratings. Sri Lanka with 126 points topped the list of T20I rankings. On the other hand, Australian women team with 134 ratings topped in the ICC Women’s Rankings, which was released for the second time ever. The ICC on 1 October 2015 launched the official ICC Women’s Team Rankings, which incorporated results in all three formats of the game into one rankings system. The innovative new system treated results from Test, ODI and T20I cricket equally. In Test, ODI, T20I as well as Women's Cricket, India was placed at fifth, second, sixth and fourth position respectively.

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Top three Rankings in the three formats of Men’s team ICC Test Rankings Rank Team Matches Points Rating

1 South Africa

24 3008 125

2 Australia 32 3376 106

3 England 36 3686 102 ICC ODI Rankings Rank Team Matches Points Rating

1 Australia 44 5569 127

2 India 56 6380 114

3 South Africa

57 6362 112

ICC T20I Rankings Rank Team Matches Points Rating

1 Sri Lanka 15 1891 126

2 Pakistan 24 2903 121

3 Australia 17 2006 118

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AWARDS

List of Nobel Prize Winners 2015 Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015. It was announced by the Kaci Kullman Five, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee on 9 October 2015. It was awarded for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of Jasmine revolution of 2011. 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature – Belarusian author Svetlana Alexievich was on 8 October 2015 awarded with the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time. She will be awarded with the 8 million Swedish kronor prize money at the annual award ceremony on 10 December 2015. Svetlana Alexiyevich is a Belarusian investigative journalist and prose writer. In 2014, she was nominated by Ural Federal University to receive the 2014 Nobel Prize in literature. 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics – Japan's Takaaki Kajita and American Arthur B. McDonald on 6 October 2015 jointly won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have mass. Takaaki Kajita belongs to the University of Tokyo while McDonald is from Queen's University, Canada. Both the winners will share the 8 million Swedish kronor prize money with one half going to McDonand and the other half to Kajita. Each winner will also get a diploma and a gold medal at the annual award ceremony on 10 December 2015, the anniversary of the death of prize founder Alfred Nobel.

2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry – Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar were on 7 October 2015 jointly awarded with the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for having mapped how cells repair damaged DNA and safeguard the genetic information at a molecular level. All the three laureates will share the prize money of 8 million Swedish kronor equally. Tomas Lindahl is from the Francis Crick Institute, UK; Paul Modrich is from Duke University School of Medicine, USA and Aziz Sancar belongs to University of North Carolina School of Medicine, USA. 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine – The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine on 5 October 2015 announced the recipients of the 2015 award. The 2015 prize was divided, one half jointly to William C Campbell (Ireland) and Satoshi Omura (Japan) for their discoveries concerning a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworm parasites and the other half to Youyou Tu (China) for her discoveries concerning a novel therapy against Malaria. 2015 Nobel Prize in Economics- Microeconomist born in Edinburgh Angus Deaton on 12 October 2015 won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Economics. He was awarded for his analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare. The key to his work is measuring how public behaviour changes if, say, the government raises the VAT rate on food. According to Nobel Committee, “by linking detailed individual choices and aggregate outcomes, his research has helped transform the fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics.” Arun Jaitley chosen 'Finance Minister of the Year, Asia' by Emerging Markets Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was chosen as 'Finance Minister of the Year, Asia' by London-based publication Emerging Markets in October 2015. The magazine in an article said that Jaitley too deserves some recognition for India’s relative

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economic success over the last 18 months. It says that without his decisions and stewardship of India’s financial direction, India would not have achieved what it has. Apart from this, Atiur Rahman, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank was named as the Central Bank Governor of the Year, Asia 2015. He was awarded for generating considerable strength and resilience in the economy of Bangladesh. In 2014, the magazine had named governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan for Central Bank Governor of the Year award for Asia. In 2010, it also chose Pranab Mukherjee as 'Finance Minister of the Year, Asia'. Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi conferred Harvard University’s 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award Nobel Peace Prize winner of 2014 Kailash Satyarthi was on 16 October 2015 conferred with the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award is given annually by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations of the Harvard University. He was awarded for his continuing contribution to the cause of child rights and abolition of child slavery. Satyarthi was successful in getting the issue of child protection included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that was adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2015. His co-sharer of the Nobel Peace Prize 2014 Malala Yousufzai of Pakistan was conferred with the Humanitarian of the Year award in 2013. In 2014, this award was conferred on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. About the Award Each year, the Harvard Foundation of Harvard University presents the Humanitarian Award to an individual whose works and deeds have served to improve the quality of our lives and have inspired us to greater heights. This award is given in the name of the Rev. Professor Peter J. Gomes, Plummer Professor and Minister in Harvard's Memorial Church, and

is authorized by the Dean of Harvard College and the President of Harvard University.

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APPOINTMENTS Shashank Manohar elected BCCI President Shashank Manohar on 4 October 2015 was elected President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was elected unopposed during a special general meeting called by the BCCI following the demise of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Manohar, who has also served as the 29th President of the board from 2008 to 2011, will remain at the helm for two years. He is also referred to as Mr. Clean and is also known for his spotless track record and integrity in cricketing circles. Shashank Manohar was born on 29 September 1957 in the family of lawyers. VK Malhotra appointed as head of the All India Council of Sports The Union Government on 19 October 2015 named veteran sports administrator Vijay Kumar Malhotra as the President of the All India Council of Sports. His position will be in the rank of Minister of State. The council also includes former sportspersons, including PT Usha, Limba Ram, N Kunjarani Devi, IM Vijayan, Baichung Bhutia and P Gopichand. Malhotra acted as the Senior Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the acting President of the IOA after the arrest of Suresh Kalmadi in connection with the alleged irregularities in awarding contracts for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Malhotra had also been the President of the General Association of National Sports Federations and the President of the Archery Association of India. He was born on 3 December 1931 in Lahore, Pakistan. He holds a Doctorate in Hindi Literature. About All India Council of Sports The Government of India on 24 July 2015 constituted the All India Council of Sports as an

advisory body for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The council advises the Ministry on matters relating to the promotion and development of sports and games in the country. A few of the objectives of the council are: • Popularizing sports amongst the youth as a way of life • Increasing outreach of sports to rural and tribal areas, areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), North-East and Jammu & Kashmir • Implementation of policies for promotion of sports and games in the country • Preventing drug abuse in sports, fraud of age and sexual harassment of women in sports • Promotion of sports sciences and sports medicine • Integration of sports in educational curriculum in schools, colleges and universities Najib Shah appointed as Chairman of CBEC Senior IRS officer Najib Shah was on 28 October 2015 appointed as Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), apex body on Indirect Taxes. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC). Shah will serve the office till 11 March 2017, when he will attain the age of superannuation that is 60 years. Shah is a 1979 batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise). Prior to this appointment, he has been working as Member of the CBEC since May 2015. He was also the Interim Chairman of the CBEC after retirement of Kaushal Srivastava in June 2015. Shah had also been the Director General of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Kundhavi Kadiresan appointed as FAO Assistant Director-General An Indian national, Kundhavi Kadiresan was on 14 October 2015 appointed as the Assistant Director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Regional

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Representative for Asia and the Pacific. She was appointed at the post by FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva. Kadiresan succeeded Hiroyuki Konuma who retired from FAO earlier in 2015. As FAO’s Assistant-Director General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Kadiresan’s primary objectives are to advocate FAO’s policies throughout the region, support the coordination and monitoring of regional events, knowledge and information exchange and the further development of regional norms and standards. This includes joint UN approaches on policy and regulatory frameworks, collaborative capacity development of FAO constituents, resource mobilization and aid coordination. Kadiresan will lead the prioritization of FAO’s work across the region in close consultation with technical specialists in the Organization and in partnership with relevant regional organizations.

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