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INTERNATIONAL
Victory for Suu Kyi
The opposition leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi had won the election
held in Myanmar on 1 April 2012 for 45 parliament seats and NLD won 43 seats.
US Grants $ 12 million Aid to Syria
The US Government announced an additional $12 .2million humanitarian aid for Syria as the second
meeting of ‘ Friends of Syria’ held in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul. The US State department said that the
new aid, consisting of medical supplies and other humanitarian relief for displaced and vulnerable Syrian
communities. The US aid will be used to support the work of international organisation, including World
Food Programme.
Mali Tuareg Rebels Declared Independence In Azawad
The Northern part of Mali was captured by a mix of separatist Tuareg rebels and Islamist fighters recently
on 6 April 2012 and security of the nation was in danger, The insurgent group is called National
Movement for Liberation of Azawad and they declared an independence state of Azawad.
USA & Afghanistan Signed MoU On Night Raids
United States of America & Afghanistan on 8 April 2012 signed (MoU) Memorandum of Understanding on
the controversial issue of conduct of night raids on Afghan homes. It empowered the Afghan security
forces oversight over the raids led by the US troops. The agreement leads its a more comprehensive long
term strategic partnership agreement between the two nations after the departure of all foreign troops
from Afghanistan in 2014. The issue of night raids was a big hurdle in the way of the strategic partnership
agreement
Mitt Romney Won Republic Party Crown
Mitt Romney on April 2012 effectively won the Republican Party crown to challenge President Barack
Obama in November elections as the chief rival Rick Santorum dropped from the election
Qatar is Obesity Capital Of The World
The world’s wealthiest country ranked by Forbes with highest per capita in the world Qatar is the obesity
capital of the world. Over half of its population are overweight according to a report an unhealthy
combination of low levels of exercise and growing population of fast food outlets has led to this problem. It
was very serious problem facing by Qatar.
US-Afghanistan Signed Strategic Pact
US and Afghanistan signed a long awaited strategic pact on 22 April 2012. The pact aims at setting forth
guidelines for US involvement in Afghanistan as forces are withdrawn from the trouble torn nation. The
pact provides a strong foundation for the security of Afghanistan, the region and the world. Both the
countries took almost one year to reach on the mutual agreements.
EU Suspended its Sanctions Against Myanmar
The European Union suspended its sanctions against Myanmar on 23 April 2012 for a year .The EU
move came in the back drop of a string of political reforms in the South Eastern Asian Nations. The group
however maintained that it will hold on to restrictions on arms.
INDIA & WORLD
India & Britain Economic Financial Meeting
India & Britain , held the fifth ministerial level India- UK economic financial dialogue in New Delhi on 2
April 2012. Both nations discussed ways to strengthen their mutual cooperation and further boost trade
and investment between them. Both nations agreed, while the global economy has stabilized in recent
months growth will remain subbed and at risk, aim of increasing the role of institutional investors in
infrastructure financing. Foreign capital can play an important part in this process . Both nations
supported the progress on the Reserve Bank of India ‘s (RBI) road maps for foreign banks in India.
IAERB Became The 11th Member Of MEDP
India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (IAERB) was admitted as the 11th member of MDEP (
Multinational Design Evaluation Programme) on 4 April 2012. The other members of this body are China,
Finland, Japan, Korea, South Africa, USA, UK Canada, France & Russia, MDEP is a multinational
initiative taken by national safety authorities to develop innovative regulatory authorities who are currently
or will be tasked with the review of new reactor power plant designs. the international Atomic Energy
Agency participate in many of MDEP activities, including the harmonization efforts
India & UAE Signed Agreement To Ease Indian Contract Workers
India & UAE signed an agreement on 4 April 2012 to ease the entry of Indian Contract workers in the
Emirates. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It provides for an electronic contract
registration and validation system to safeguard and protect the interests of migrant Indian workers. The
electronic contract registration and validation system for this purpose was launched in Abu Dhabi on 4
April 2012. The move would ensure a transparent, legal and less cumber some migration of Indian
workers to the Emirates.
India, China To Lead Urban Population Growth Over Next 40 Years
India & China will witness unprecedented increase in their urban population in the next four decades,
posing new challenges of providing jobs, energy, housing & infrastructure to their people. The UN’s ’2011
Revision of the World Urbanisation Projects’ said Africa and Asia will lead the global urban population
growth in the next four decades with the largest increase expected in India , China Nigeria US &
Indonesia . India will add another 479million to its urban population between 2010 to 2050, while China
341million, Nigeria 200million. US 103million and Indonesia 92milliom people moving to urban cities.
India & America Navy Training” Malabar 2012″
The India & US Navies began their 16th annual ” Malabar 12″ exercise on 7 April 2012 in Chennai, that
border of the Bay of Bengal. The 10 days joint exercise which was concluded on 16 April, consists of both
ashore and at sea training. and was supported to feature seminars on everything from air defense and
integrated antisubmarine welfare operations, to carrier aviation’s and counter privacy operations.
India, Qatar Sign Oil & Gas Pact
India & energy rich Qatar, home to half a million Indian’s on 8 April signed six agreements in diverse
areas, including a pact on cooperation in oil and gas exploration. P.M.Manmohan Singh held talks with
Qatar’s Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on a range of issues, including boosting trade and
investment as well as energy ties between the two countries. Issues relating to the welfare of India
workers in Gulf country were also discussed. Both the countries signed a pact on establishing a
cooperative framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in oil & gas.
India, US to Boost Health Cooperation
India and the US has strengthen cooperation in the area of public health by sharing information and best
practices, identify and address policy concerns and establish new technologies. The agreement to ensure
smooth implementation of issues for bilateral cooperation was reached during a meeting on 9 April 2012
in Washington between India & US.
India To Allow Pakistan FDI
India on 12 April 2012 said that it will allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Pakistan companies,
which will make the way for industrial from the neighbouring country to set up business and tap the
growing Indian markets . India had taken an in-principle decision as part of the trade non-malisation
process to allow Foreign Direct Investment from Pakistan. India – Pakistan business council to be formed
soon.
India, US Joint USD 125mn Fund For Research In Clean Energy
India & the United States had announced a joint USD 125 million fund to carry out combined research in
the field of clean energy. As such there institutions each from India and the US have been selected for
the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research & Development Center (JCERDC), which is part of the USIndia partnership to Advance Clean Energy. While national Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of
Florida & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been selected from US, three Indian Institutions
are the Indian Institute of Science- Bangalore, The India Institute of Chemical Technology Hyderabad,
and CEPT University Ahmedabad.
35 Indian Companies Attending ‘Canton Fair’ in China
Thirty five Indian Companies are participating in the China’s biggest trade show ‘Canton Fair’, hoping for
a major opening into Chinese markets as Beijing Plans to permit more foreign goods to boost to its
domestic consumptions
US Puts India, China & Pakistan On IPR List
The US Government has put India, China & Pakistan along with 10 other countries on the intellectual
property watch list for failing to present the theft of copy righted property. Other nations on the watch list
are Canada, Argentina, Algeria, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela. These
countries will be the subject of particularly intense bilateral engagement during the coming years.
NATIONAL
NPCIL Sets A Record In Production
Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) produced a 32,455 million units of power in the financial year
2011-12, marking an increase of 23% from 26,473 million units generated in 2010-11. Its 19 operating
reactors, with a total installed capacity of 4,680MW generated the 32,455 million units.
World’s First Women Paramilitary Band
The World’s first all women paramilitary pipe band on 9 April 2012, marched to its maiden tune after it got
its ceremonial colours under the CRPF at an event, during the Valour Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Minister Of State for Home Jitendra Singh presented the ceremonial “ pipe mace ” to the band
commander, called Major of pipes’, sub inspector Darshana Kumari. In 1986 the first women CRPF
battalion was established.
New Naval UAV Squadorn Inducted
The Eastern Naval Command gt a fill up with the commissioning of a new naval air squadorn an
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadorn at INS Parundu, the naval air station at Ramnathapuram in
Tamil Nadu. It is the third of its kind in the Indian Navy and the first on the Eastern Coast. INAS344 was
commissioned on 11 April 2012 by Flag Officer Commanding in-chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice
Admiral Anil Chopra. The aircraft with long endurance and stealth capabilities are suited for search and
detection.
Efftronics Instruments Get RDSO Nod
A city based Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd has developed the country’s first ever solid state block
instrument that is a micro computer supported electronic equipment approved for the use in railway
signalling. The Luknow based Research Designs & Standards Organisaton of the Indian Railways (
RDSO) approved the product. It helps in running more number of trains on the same track, it gives stressfree operational environment with smooth push buttons.
Union Cabinet Approved Extension of Funding For Swavalamban Scheme
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved the extension of funding support for implementing the
Swavalamban scheme under the new pension system (NSP) from three years to five years for all
subcribers enrolled during 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13. The cabinet decide to provide an additional
funding support of Rs. 2065crore to the scheme till 2016-17. The cabinet decision will benefit 70 lakh
workers in the unorganised sector.
Union Cabinet Approved A Proposal To Set Up SPV For GSTN
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 approved a proposal to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for
Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN) to help facilitate the smooth introduction of the New Indirect Tax
regime. GSTN SPV is to be incorporated as section 25 not for profit private limited company in which
strategic control would be held by the centre. It will provide IT infrastructure& services to various
Stakeholders including the centre & states.
Union Cabinet Approved, Amendment In the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969
The Union Cabinet on 12 April 2012 gave its approval to the introduction of a bill seeking amendment in
the Registration of Births & Deaths Act 1969 to include registration of marriages as well, so that the
existing administrative mechanism of marriage in accordance with the specified procedures and be able
to maintain necessary records and statistics for registration of marriages also. The proposal Bill is set to
benefit the women from unnecessary harassment in matrimonial & maintenance cases. It also seeks to
provide evidentiary value in the matters of custody of children.
World’s Most Influential Mamata Banerjee On Time List
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100
most influential people of the world released on 18 April 2012.
270 Million Indians Are Illiterate
According to the report by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), there are an estimated 270 million
Indians aged 15 and older who are illiterate, while young women aged 15 to 24 are twice as likely as
young men their age to be illiterate. people remain illiterate in India despite the country making major
progress in cutting down illiterate , by opening number of schools.
Asia’s First & Largest Solar Power Park In India, Dedicated
A 600MW solar power park, and the Asia’s first & largest was dedicated to the nation by the Gujarat Chief
Minister Narendra Modi on 19 April 2012. The park is situated in the state’s Patan district has a power
generation capacity of 600MW, covering 3,000 acres of the waste land bordering of the Rann of Kutch
and generating two- third of India’s total 900Mw of solar power production
TRAI Made Mandatory for Second Billing Option To Customers
The Indian Telecoms Regulatory TRAI issued a directive to all mobile phone operators in India on 20 April
2012 making it mandatory for the operators to offer a per second billing option to customers. The new
directive allowed telecoms carriers to charge premium services that mostly include phone calls and text
messages sent to participate in TV and Radio programmes.
Union Government decided on 1 million cap on ECB For Aviation Sector
The Union Government on 20 April 2012 permitted companies engaged in the aviation sector to raise
working capital resources through the External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) route to the tune of $ 1
million. The limit for individual airline companies was set at $ 300 million. This limit can be availed
themselves of either in a lumpsum or in tranches, depending on the utilisation of the limit during the one
year, when the facility is available. So far airlines were allowed to raise foreign capital only for import of
capital equipment such as aircraft.
India Second Most Economically Confident Country
Indian’s continue to be among the world’s most confident people about their economy on account of
moderating inflationary presence and the easing of tight money policy stance of the Reserve Bank, Said
a report. According to global research firm Ipsos India had emerged as the second most ergonomically
confident nation for the second consecutive time with 75% and Saudi Arabia with 89% stood top most
and China with 71% in third most . India has overtaken Japan to become the second largest economy in
terms of purchasing power parity and is heading for accelerated growth.
Rajya sabha Passed The Right Of Children To Free & Compulsory Education Bill 2010.
The Rajya Sabha , the upper house of Indian parliament on 24 April 2012, passed the Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory Education ( Amendment) bill 2010. The amendment seeks to provide the right to
receive home-based education to children with severe disabilities. The amended bill gives school
management committees and advisory role in minority schools, both aided and unaided , and keeps
madrases and vedic schools and other institutions providing primarily religious instructions out of the
perview of the Act.
India Accounted For 47% of Measles Deaths in 2010
As per a recent World Health Organisation ( WHO) study, published in the British Medical Journal, The
Lancet, on 23 April 2012 India accounted for about 47% of Measles deaths in 2010, while Africa recorded
36% of deaths due to the same disease. The study revealed that the death rates from measles went
down by 74% between 2000 & 2010, but it missed the WHO target of 90%. Africa & India two key regions
of the World where a large number of cases related to measles came into light significantly under
performed which led the WHO to miss its target
Sachin Tendulkar, nominated to Rajya Sabha
Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39th birthday recently will enter the Rajya Sabha
along with Bollywood actress Rekha and industrialist Anu Aga. The nomination of the three personalities
was approved on 25 April 2012by the president Pratibha Patil under the article 80 of the constitution.
Information & Broadcasting Ministry Notified Cable Television Networks Rules, 2012
The information and Broadcasting ( I&B) ministry of India on 28 April 2012 notified the much awaited
cable television networks rules, 2012 which paves the way for digitalisation of all the sectors. The I& B
ministry had set 30 June 2012 as the date for digitalisation of the cable sector in the four metros and
these cables rules would provide the framework on which the digitalised cable network would provide
services. As per the new rules, cable operators and multi sector operators will now have to ensure that
they have the capability to carry minimum numbers of channels as specified by the Telecoms Regulatory
Authority of India. (TRAI)
Health Of Urban Poor Worse Than Rural Poor, Parliamentary Panel
Health indication of the urban poor are worse than their rural counterparts, a parliamentary panel has said
slaming the Government failure to launch a key programme for the health of nine crore people who live in
slums in big towns and cities with an increasing number of urban poor and few Government policies for
them, the report has slammed the ministry of Health & family welfare for not launching the much talked
about National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
STATES
Financial City In Bangalore
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on 8 April 2012, laid the foundation stone for the country’s first
financial city, being built by the state run IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd ( IIDL) at the Hardware park
near the International airport a Bagalur, about 30 km from Bangalore.
India’s Largest Solar Power Plant In Rajasthan
L&T Commissions India’s largest solar power plant (40 MWP) owned by Reliance power Limited at
Dhursar village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The company officials said L&T Construction, as the
largest (EPC) Engineering, Procurement & Construction player in solar power, executed the plant from
concept, including detailed design to commissioning in 129 days.
4G Services Launched In Kolkata
Union Telecommunications Minister Kapil Sibal had Launched the country’s first ever fourth Generation
Mobile services from Bharti Airtel in Kolkata on 10 April 2012.
Adarsh Judicial Commission Its Interim Report to Maharashtra Govt
The two member Adarsh Judicial Commission set up by the Maharashtra Government to probe into the
scan-tained Adarsh Housing Society submitted its interim report to the state Government on 13 April
2012. The commission was formed under N.N.Kumbahar. It included the commissions findings on two
issues – ownership of the land in Mumbai where the 31 storey Adarsh building stands and whether the
land was reserved for Kargil war widows and their relatives.The commission refuses to rely on property
card submitted by state as evidence. The army was not dispossessed of Khukari park by either the state
or the Adarsh society.
Uttar Pradesh Government Scrapped The Post of Cabinet Secretary
The Uttar Pradesh Government on 27 April 2012 decided to scrap the post of cabinet secretary of the
state. The cabinet also decided to withdraw a proposed amendment bill meant to give immunity to
panchayat heads from no- confidence motion for two years. The decision to withdrew Kshetra Panchayat
and district panchayat amendment bill 2011 proposed by previous Mayawati Government was taken in a
cabinet.
State
Owned
Oil
Companies
Reduced
Jet
Fuel,
Prices
State owned oil companies for the second time in the month of April reduced jet fuel prices by a marginal
Rs. 312 per kilolitre on 30 April 20121. The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) jet fuel, in the reduction
was announced in the wake of Rs. 169.3 per KL cut inrates effected from 16 April 2012.
CONFERENCES
Two Day 20th ASEAN Summit
The two days 2th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was chaired by the Hunsen,
the Cambodian Prime Minister on 3 April 2012 in Cambodia. The summit themed (ASEAN) one
community one destiny was gathered by the heads of states or Government from 10 ASEAN members.
The summit is expected to discuss a wide range of issues including the implementation of the roadmap
for an (ASEAN ) Community Building and for (ASEAN ) integration work plan.
India -Russia Seventh Joint Working Meeting
The seventh meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi on 11 April 2012.
India & Russia held comprehensive discussion on combating international terrorism and reaffirmed their
commitment to consolidate bilateral interaction in the fight against this menace. The two countries
emphasised that cooperation in countering new challenges and threats is an integrate part of the IndiaRussian special and privileged Strategic partnership
RIC Meeting In Moscow
The Russia, India and China (RIC) trilateral conference was held in Mascow on 13 April 2012. Where
came up with discussions over the South China sea and discussed on a range of international issues,
including North Korea, Iran Afghanistan terrorism and regional security in Asia and over the issue of new
sanctions on North Korea.
6th Summit Of The Americas
The 6th Summit of the Americas was held At Cartagena, Colombia on 14 and 15 April 2012. Delegates
from 34 heads of states and government addressed the summit , only Cuba not attended the summit
due to restrictions from US and other countries. The central theme of the summit is ‘ Connecting the
Americas’ The main agenda were the lucrative and destructive drug trade and how the countries of the
entire regions could meet while excluding one country, Cuba.
World Agriculture Congress-2013 in Hyderabad
The World Agricultural Forum, which organised the biannual event last time in Belgium, for2013 year
World Agriculture Congress mega event will be hosted by the Hyderabad city for the first time in the
country. The state Government had given assurance for all help and support to the World Agriculture
Congress.
AWARDS & HONOURS
National Award For NTPC Ramagundam
NTPC’s Ramagundam super Thermal Power Station Situated in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh
has been awarded with Nation Award on 2 April 2012 for its Meritorious performance
Bhagwan Mahavir Award For Aung San Suu Kyi
Myanmar’s democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been chosen for the first international Bhagwan
Mahavir World Peace Award on 3 April 2012 for her devotion to Promote non-violence and peace for the
welfare of the people.
BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) Won British Safety Award
BSES Yamuna Power limited (BYPL) won the prestigious 54th British International Safety Award. BYPL
has been selected for this award given the steps taken by it for the safety of its over 11 lakh consumers
and safety & health of its employees. The list of awards winner was announced in London in the last
week of March 2012. The award will be presented in May 2012. BYPL is the first Indian discom to be
selected for this award.
Amitabh To Be Honoured For Polio Campaign
Actor Amitabh Bachchan who has been the Goodwill Ambassador for polio UNICEF Campaign from
2005, will be honoured for his contribution to the cause. In feb, the World Health Organisation had taken
India off the list of polio endemic countries.
Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award for SCR
Governor N.D.Tiwari presented the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Award to South Central Railway’s ( SCR)
on 53rd Railway Week Celebrations at Rail Kalarang in Secunderabad on 8 April 2012, which was
presented in recognition of its overall excellence among the 16 zones in the Indian Railways
New York Times Won Two Pulitzer Prizes for 2012
The 2012 Pulitzer Prize was announced on 16 April 2012. The New York Times won two Pulitzer prize,
for explanatory and international reporting. The Associated press won a Pulitzer prize for investigative
reporting for documenting the New York Police Department’s spying on Muslims.The Pulitzer prize are
given annually by Columbia University on th recommendation of a board of Journalists. Each awards
carries a $10,000 prize except for the public service award, which is a gold medal.
Gallantry Award For Lt. Gen Bikram Singh
President Pratibha Patil on 17 April 2012 presented Gallantry Award to Lt.Gen Bikram Singh and other 16
persons during the Defense Investiture Ceremony held at New Delhi . This award has been presented for
showing bravery and service during war time.
Sikkim Won The Best State Award
Sikkim, on 24 April 2012 won the best state award for strengthening its Panchayathi Raj institutions. The
North-Easatern state bagged the five pretigious national awards worth of 1.36 crore rupees, at a
Panchayat Raj Day functon held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
New Record By 10 Years Old, Aadhil
A 10 years old boy named Aadhil from Beypore, Kerala created a new record by swimming 4.63 km with
his hands and legs tied in a World record bid, Aadhil swam across from a point in the Arabian sea to the
Chaliyar river and break the current record of two miles set by a Chinese girl. And recorded in the
Giunness Bokk of Records.
Yudhvir Award For Shanta Sinha
Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Shanta Sinha has been
honoured with this year 2012 Yudhvir Memorial Foundation Award on 30 April 2012. She had been given
the award for pioneering and innovative role in protecting and promoting child rights.
Indian American’s Wins White House Journalism Award
Indian American Journalist Manu Raju was among the White House Correspondent Journalism Award
winner for 2012 honoured at the Association’s traditional annual dinner with President Barck Obama.
SPORTS
Maimi Masters Title to Novack Djokovic
World’s No-1 Novak Djokovic won the Maimi masters title on 1 April 2012 by defeating fourth seeded
Andy Murrey in the final held in Florida.
World Championship For China
World’s no-2 Zhang Jike of China won the Men’s Single World’s Table Tennis Championship held in
Durtmund, Germany on 1April 2012 by defeating Timo Boll
Women’s Single World Championship
China’s Ning Ding won the Women’s Single World Table Tennis Championship held in Durtmund,
Germany on 1 April 2012 by defeating Feng Tianwei
Geeta Kumari, First Indian Woman Wrestler to Olympics
Geeta Kumari, the woman wrestler, won a gold in 55kg category at the ongoing Asia qualifying
tournament in Astana, Kazakhastan. Geeta with this victory also made a history as she became the first
Indian woman wrestler to have ever qualified for the Olympics
Indian Boxer Vijendra Singh Qualified For London Olympics
In boxing, India’s Vijendra singh on 8 April 2012 qualified for the London Olympics in the 75 kg category,
He is the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympics for the third time in succession.
Pankaj Advani Win 11th Asian Billiards Championship
Six times world Champion Pankaj Advani on 8 April 2012 clinched the 11th ONGC Asian Billiard’s
Championship title after defeating Thowaat Sujaritthurakara of Thailand in the Final in Panaji
Sarena Wins First Title Of 2012
Fifth seeded Sarena Williams captured her 40th career Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title by
defeating ninth seeded Czech Lucie Safarova on 8 April 2012 in Charleston.
Bubba Won Augusta Masters Title
Bubba Watson of US, a third left hand player won the Augusta Masters Golf Tournament on 8 April 2012
in Augusta by defeating Louis Oosthuizen of British.
Indian Squash Player Saurav Ghosal Won The EL Gouna International Open
Top Indian Squash player Saurav Ghosal won a 3-2 victory over Rabbie Temple of England at the
$120,000 EL Gouna International open in EL Gouna on 9 April 2012
Double Honour For Sangakkara
Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has been chosen one of the five Cricketers of the Year and leading
Cricketer in the World for 2011, which was announced in 2012 edition of Wisden Cricketers Almanack on
11 April 2012.
Smriti Named ‘Player Of The Year’
Smriti Mehra, the most successful Golfer on the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour in 2011-12 was
named the ‘Player of the Year at the Hero- WGAI Awards function on 11 April 2012 held in New Delhi.
Shiva Thapa Became The Youngest Indian Boxer For Olympics
The 18 years old Shiva Thapa (56 kg category) on 11 April 2012 became the youngest Indian boxer to
qualify for the Olympics by beating Japan’s Satoshi Shimize 31-11 to enter the final of the Asian
Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Vikas Gowda Sets Nation Award
Discus thrower Vikas Gowda, the 28 years old Indian hurled the discus to 66.28 meters at Norman
Oklahana in US on 12 April 2012, to break his National record of 64.96 meters en route to winning the
gold in the event, laying down an early marker in the Olympic year. His previous record was made at
Salinas, California in 2007.
Mercedes AMG Driver Nico Rosberg Won Chinese Grand Prix
Mercedes AMG driver Nico Rosberg won the Chinese Grand Prix on 15 April 2012, first in his career at
Shanghai International Circuit by defeating Jenson Button of Britain
Under 19 Quadrangular Cricket Tournament Winner India
India recorded a convincing seven wicket win over Australia to clinch the under 19 quadrangular cricket
championship on 15 April 2012 in Townsville, Australia. The man of the match was given to Unmukt
Chand for his unbeaten 112 runs in the match. where four countries Australia, South Africa, India and
England participated.
Lanka Ravi Titled By FIDE Lecturer
Former Asian Rapid Chess Champion Lanka Ravi has been conferred a FIDE Lecturer title by the World
Chess Body (FIDE) on 15 April 2012. Ravi, who was the first International Master from Andhra Pradesh is
the only one from Asia to get this privilege in the list of 24 FIDE Lectures nominated across the world.
No Champions Trophy After 2013
The ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in England in 2013, will be last tournament, as the
association plans to have only one Championship’s for each of the game’s three formats from 2015
Korean City Slated As The Venue For Shooting World Championship
The shooting world championship of 2018 was awarded to,Korean city of Changwon on 17 April 2012.
The decision regarding the venue of the championship was made at the general assenbly meeting of
international shooting sport Federation ( ISSF) in London. The last World Championships was held in
Munich, Germany, in 2010 and the next Championship will be held in Granada, in Spain in 2014.
Rafeal Nadal Won Monte Carlo Masters
Ace tennis player Rafeal Nadal on 22 April 2012 clinched his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters
Title match held at Monaco. The second seeded Nadal defeated Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final. The
Monte Carlo Title was Nadal’s first since French Open title in 2011 and 47th of his ATP career.
Vettel Won The Formula One Title Race
Defending Double world championship Sebastian Vettel of R ed Bull claimed his first win of the year on
22 April 2012 to take over as leader of the Fotmula One Tile race in Manama.
China’s Chen Jin Clinch The Asian Badminton Championship
The third seeded China’s Chen Jin defeated fellow countryman and fifth seeded Du Pengyu in the Men’s
finals of Asian Badminton Championship in China’s eastern city of Qingdao on 22 April 2012
Umadevi On Top In World Ladies Billiards
R.Umadevi claimed her maiden World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association Title beating world no-13
Eva Palmius by 2-0 in the senior’s final held at the Cambridge snooker centre, England on 24 April 2012.
Shon Wan Ho Won Indian Open Badminton
Shon Wan Ho of Korea defeated Chinese defending champion Lee Chong Wei in the men’s singles final
clash and clinch his maiden super series title of the Indian Open Badminton on 28 April 2012 held in
India.
Nadal Won Barcelona Open Badminton Title
Rafeal Nadal defeated Davis Ferrer of Spain to clinch the seventh Barcelona Men’s Singles Title on 29
April 2012 held in Barcelona, and became the first tennis player to win two seperate ATP World Tour
events seven times.
Aditya Mehta Wons Asian Snooker Title
Aditya Mehta defeated compatriot Pankaj Advani in the final and won the Asian Snooker Title after eight
years on 29 April 2012 held at Qatar
Maria Sharapova Won Porsche Grand Prix
Russia’s Maria Sharapova won the Porsche Grand Prix Title after defeating world no-1 Belarus Victoria
Azarenka in the final match held on 30 April 2012 in Stuttgart Germany.
ECONOMY
E-Filling Mandatory For Income Above 10 Lakh
The Government had made it mandatory for individuals with income of over Rs. 10lakh to file their tax
returns for 2011-12. Electronically E-filling has been made compulsory for the person who is an individual
or a Hindu undivided family, if his or its total income or the total income in respect of which he is or it is
assessable under the Act during the previous year, exceeds ten lakh rupees for assessment year 201213 onwards.
India Spends Least On Healthcare
Data from World Bank confirm that among the comparable BRICS Nations, which have similar social,
political & economic influence in the globe, India spends the least on public healthcare. Among all the
BRICS nations, India’s share of public expenditure in the total health expenditure is the lowest in each of
the years from 2004 to 2009 at 0.936%
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 0.50%
After a gap of three years, Reserve Bank of India on 17 April 2012 cut the repo r ate from 8.5% to 8%
And the reverse repo rate reduced from 7.5 to 7%, As the CRR remains at 4.75%, which would stimulate
growth and softening of inflation, And set the stage for a reduce in interest rate on home, auto and
corporate loans.
Print of MICR & IFSC Code Mandatory on Passbooks, RBI
The Reserve Bank of India on 21 April 2012 directed all commercial banks to print the MICR( Magnetic
Ink Chracter Recognition) and IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) Code on the passbook and
statement of account of the customer.
World Economic Outlook By IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook (WEO), released ahead of the IMF
World Bank Spring meetings, marginally lowered India;s economic growth forecast to 6.9% in 2012, from
7% projected earlier. The IMF projected world economic growth rate to slump to 3.5% in 2012 from 3.9%
in 2011. It pegged India’s growth during the 2013 year at 7.3%. According to the estimates of India’s
Central Statistical Organisaton ( CSO), the growth rate during the financial year 2011-12 slipped to a 3
year low of 6.7%. the Union Government projected a growth rate of 7.6% for 2012-13 fiscal year .
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Indian Navy Inducted Russian Origin Submarine
The Indian Navy on 4 April 2012 inducted a Russian origin nuclear Submarine, INS Chakra into its flotilla.
The nuclear submarine has placed India into the elite group of nations which operate nuclear vessels.
The Akula II class submarine K-152 Nerpa, renamed INS Chakra II is on a 10 years lease from Russia at
a cost of nearly 1billion dollar
AWACS Test Flight Sucessful
Achieving a major milestone, India has successfully carried out the maiden- test flight of its second
indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in Brazil on 5 April 2012 the DRDO
said. The successful flight is seen as a major boost as the aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in June
2012 to the (IAF) Indian Air Force.
World’s First Flying Car
Woburn, mass based Terrafugia said that its prototype flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the
company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle dubbed the transition
has two seats, four wheels and wings that folds up so it can be driven like a car. It flew at 1,400 feet for
eight minutes, Terrafugia will be introduced in the New York Auto show and is expected to cost $
279,000.
Fossilized Bone Of a Foot In Ethiopia
Scientists in the first week of April 2012, unearthed fossilized bones of a foot in Ethiopia which they
believe could be a new species of human that roamed the planet some three million years ago and could
offer insight into how man evolved to walk on two feet. The shape of the bones shows that the creature
could walk upright at times. The ability to walk upright is an important feature that separate humans from
other great apes.
New ISRO Centre to Control Spy Satellite Launch
The Indian rocket that will carry the 1,850 kg indigenous surveillance Satellite- Radar Imaging
Satellite(Risat-1) to the skies in April month will be controlled by the new mission control centre at
Sriharikota, said by senior officials of Indian space agency ISRO. The second mission control centre was
inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil this January. The forth coming rocket launch would be controlled
and monitored from the new mission control centre. The new mission control centre is modern and has
layer area to accommodate more space scientist.
Pre-Magalithic Period Discovered In Tamil Nadu
Pottery & iron age megaliths dated the Pre -Megalithic/ iron age period in Tamil Nadu 1,800 BC-1,500BC
found at Mandapam village, near Aarpakkam intersection, about 14 km from Kancheepuram in April
2012. The importance of the vast urn- burial site is that it belongs to a period earlier than the Megalithic
age or 1 run age in Tamil Nadu.
Gravity Changes Along Moon’s Surface
Planetary Scientists claim to have coated a new gravity map of the Moon which shows that the gravity
pull changes from location to location oves the surface of the Earth’s Natural Satellite. Using detailed top
graph-phase information from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbitar Mission an international term was
able to reveal the fine structure of the Moon’s gravity field in brand new detect.
Agni-V Test Fired Successfully
India on 19 April 2012 emerge as a regional super power with the successfully test fired of 5000 km-plus
Long Range Ballistic Missile (LRBM) Angi -V from the Integrated Test Range on the Wheeler Island in
Odisha. India entered into the elite club of nations with Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Technology by successfully test firing nuclear capable Angi-V. This missile is 17.5 metre long, can carry 1
to 1.5 tonne conventional and nuclear warheads. Which can hit targets in large parts of China including
Beijing. And can also target whole of Pakistan and South Asia .
India To Join Project To Build Largest Telescope
In a giant leap for astronomy, India will help to build the World’s Largest and most advanced telescope.
About 20 institutions like the India Institute of Astrophysics, Aryabhatta Research Institute of
Observational Sciences and many other will join to construction of the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT), a
Telescope that will have nine times the collecting areas of the current largest optical /infrared telescope
and will provide unparalleled high sensitivity spatial resolution more than 12 times sharper than what is
achieved by the Hubble Space Telescope,
Six Scientists Of Indian Origin Elected Fellows Of Royal Society
Bangalore based biologist Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan and Professor Tejinder Singh Virdee of
Imperial College, London who was associated with the design and construction of the large Hadron
Collider,proff Chandrashekhar Bhalchandra Khare, Proff Mathukumalli Vidhyasagar, Proff Shankar
Balasubramanian, Proff Varinder Kumar Aggarwal are among six internationally renowned scientists of
Indian origin elected to the prestigious fellowship of Royal Society, Britain’s Premier Science Academy.
They join the ranks of some of the world’s most famous names including Albert Einstein Isaac newton
and Stephen Hawking etc.
Pakistan Test Fired Hatf-IV Missile
Pakistan Successfully test fired a nuclear capable international range ballistic missile on 25 April 2012.
Intermediate range ballistic missile could reach targets up to 1000 km. The Hatf -IV, which was launched
in the sea, was a version of the Shaheen-I with improvements in range .It can carry nuclear and
conventional warheads. It can hit targets anywhere in India
Indigenous Imaging Satellite PSLV-C19 Launched
India’s first indigenously built all weather Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-I with applications ranging from
agriculture to natural disaster management, is now in polar orbit after its carrier the PSLV-C19 was
launched with clinical precision from the Sriharikota Spaceport of The Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) on 25 April 2012.RISAT-I, weighing 1,858 kg and the heaviest satellite launched yet
by the PSLV is a state of the art active Microwave Remote Sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture
Radar ( SAR) that will operate in the C-band. RISAT-I can imaging of the Earth surface features at day
and night and under all imagined weather conditions.
Indian Navy Inducted Stealth INS Teg
The Indian Navy on 26 April 2012 added one more war fighting capabilties missile stealth frigate INS Teg
to its navy. An advanced version of the Talwar class frigate which are already in service with its Teg was
commissioned by Vice-admiral K.N Sushil at the ceremony at the Yantar shipyard at Kalingrad Russia .
INS Teg had been built to meet the specific command and control needs of the navy for coordinated
surface, air and water missions. The weapons suits of the 125 metre, 4,000 tonne frigate includes the
Brohmos surface to surface missile system.
India To Build Anti-Radar Missile
After the success of the Agni-v project, India had set to take its defense capabilities a stride further, It is
developing an Anti- Radiation Missile ( ARM) which can hugely multiply the strike capabilities by
destroying the enemy’s advance warning system production of the Anti- Radiation Missile, Which is
among the most advanced missiles is being undertaken on priority basis by the Defense Research &
Development Laboratory. Such missiles can be mounted on Sukhoi fighter planes SU-30 MKI, 140 of
which have already been acquired from Russia and around 100 more are expected to be delivered in due
course of time.
China Launches Two More Satellites For Navigation System
China on 29 April 2012 successfully launched two more satellites for its proposed Beidou global
navigation & positioning network being built to counter the US Global Position System (GPS). China had
so far launched 13 satellites. The Beidou 2-satellites launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre
in the province of Sichvan, was boosted by a long march 3B carrier rocket and has entered the sheduled
orbit. It is the first time China has launched two Navigation Satellites with one rocket and two satellites will
help to improve the accuracy of the Beidou and compass system.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) Appointments
Ibrahim Kalifulla As Supreme Court Judge
Jammu & Kashmir High Court chief Justice F.M.Ibrahim Kalifulla was appointed as Supreme Court Judge
on 2 April 2012. He will remain a Supreme Court Judge for a period of four years.
New CDM For BDL
Satya Narayana Mantha has been appointed as the new chairman & Managing Director of Bharat
Dynamics Ltd ( BDL ) on April 2 2012.
Ajit Pal Singh Named India’s Chef-de Mission For Olympics
Ajit Pal Singh had became the first sports person to be named India’s Chef-de-Mission for the Olympic
games, on 2 April 2012, bringing an end to the bitter wranglings for the post within the IDA. The seven
members committee, which was formed to appoint the Chef-de-mission for the July 27 2012 Olympic
Games, unanimously selected the former hockey star to head the Indian contingent in the London
Olympics.
Amarendra Khatua, New Envoy To South Sudan & Sudan
India in the last week of March 2012 appointed Amarendra Khatua as its special envoy to South Sudan &
Sudan to broker peace between two countries. This was done with the objective of strengthening India’s
pursuit of oil & other Hydrocarbon resources in Africa. Amarendra Khatua is the MEA additional secretary
he handles the passport division,
Malawi’s New President
Prominent women’s right campaigner Joyce Banda has taken sworn in as Malawi’s new president on 7
April 2012. After the former President Binju Wa Mutharika died of heart attack on 5 April 2012
Malaysia ‘s New King
Sultan Abdul Halim takes oath as Malaysia’s new king on 11 April 2012
New Pakistan Envoy To India
Pakistan’s former foreign secretary Salman Bashir was appointed as new envoy to India on 14 April 2012
. Who has been part of the post 26/11 Indo-Pak dialogue process.
New World Bank President
The World Bank on 16 April 2012 had chosen Korean born American health expert Jim Yong Kim as its
new president. Mr. Jim was president of Dartmouth College will assume his new position from 1 July after
the Bank’s current president Robert Zeollick steps down.
World Heart Federation President
Dr. Srinath Reddy had been appionted as the president of World Heart Federation (WHF) on 21 April
2012. Dr. Srinath Reddy was the first Indian ever to be conferred this honour.
S.Narsing Rao took as Chairman of CIL
S. Narsing Rao, former chairman of Singareni collieries company Ltd was appointed as the chairman &
Managing Director of Coal India Limited ( CIL) on 24 April 2012.
B) RESIGNS
James Murdoch Stepped Down From British Sky Broad Casting
James Murdoch on 3 April 2012 resigned as the chairman of Satellite Broad Caster British Sky Broad
Casting, Murdoch was forced to step down given his alleged role in phone haking at closed the news of
the world newspaper.
Mali President Resigns
The President of Mali, Amadov Toumani Toure resigned on April 8 2012 following the agreement signed
with the mediators.
Greek Prime Minister Quits
Greece’s P.M Lucas Papademos resigns to his position on 11 April 2012 to set a stage for early elections
on May 6 2012.
Netherland’s Prime minister Resigns
The Netherland’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet resigned on 23 April 2012 after failing to
reach agreement on reducing the country’s budget to meet European guidelines.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi Resigned As Congress Spokesperson
Abhishek Manu Singhvi , the spokesperson of the ruling congress party, tendered his resignation on 23
April 2012. Singhvi also resigned from a powerful parliamentary law committee that he headed.
Jordan Prime Minister Resigns
Jordan’s Prime Minister Awn Al- Khasawneh resigned on 26 April 2012, just six months after he took
offices with a pledge to push for political reforms.
C) Deaths
Former BCCI President N.K.P. Salve Passes Away
Former BCCI President and former Union Minister N.K.P.Salve passed away on 1 April 2012 in New
Delhi. N.K.P Salve had been the president of the BCCI when India won the World Cup in 1983.
Communist Leader Promode Gogoi Passed Away
Veteran communist leader & President of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Promode Gogoi
passed away on 6 April 2012 in Guwahati.
China’s Dissidents & Astrophysicist Died In US
One of China’s best known dissidents & Astrophysicist Fang Lizhi died in excile in the US on 6 April
2012. He had become a force to reclon with prominent during the 1989-pro-democracy movement. He
was known as China’s Sakharavo.
Legendary Newsman Mike Wallace Died
Mike Wallace, a legendary newsman known for impertinent, the CBS reporter who became one of
America’s best known broadcast journalist as an interrogator of the famous & infamous on ” 60 minutes”
died on 8 April 2012 in America.
Nityananda Mohapatra Passes Away
Nityananda Mohapatra, author, freedom fighter, Gandhian and editor passes away on 17 April 2012 in
Odisha
D)VISITORS
Pakistan President Visit To India
The Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited India on 8 April 2012 at New Delhi for the high level
meeting over trade, security and friendly issues
Visit of Qatar President to India
The president of Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad Bin Khallifa Al-Thani visited India for boosting trade and
investments between the two countries.
UN Secretary General Visit to India
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited India for two days, and had meetings with Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh regarding the relatives of victims of the 1984 anti sikh riots.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
Titanic Wreckage To Become UNESCO Heritage
On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, its wreckage will become underwater cultural
heritage protected by the UNESCO, under a convention ratified by 41 states, the organisation said on
April 14, 1912 Titanic hit iceberg in North Atlantic and sank. This year will mark 100 years since the
tradegy, that the hull will from now on be protected by the 2011 convention on the protection of the
underwater cultural heritage. The convention can only be applied to objects that sank more than 100
years ago. The Titanic, the biggest and most luxurious Ocean liner of its time, sank in international waters
and no state has exceptional jurisdiction over the wreckage.
Railways New Rail Bheem
With an aim of hauling heavier trains, railway is ready to roll out a newly designed 5500 horse power
diesel locomotive equipped with all modern features including 100 km per hour running speed. Aptly
named as ‘ Bheem’, the high horse power locomotive is currently undergoing safe trail. Manufactured at
diesel Locomotive Works at Varanasi, the prototype has cost about Rs. 17crore to the railways.
Second Child Genius
A four years British girl, Heidi Hankins has been hailed as a child genius after being ranked just one point
below Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking in IQ of 159 against average adult 100 IQ. She has became
the second youngest ever child to be accepted into the Elite Mensa Society for people with high IQs. Two
and a half years Oscar Wrigley remains the first youngest with an IQ of 160.
London, Most Impressive City In The World
The wealth report, a study which focuses on the ten international cities deemed the most impressive by
high net worth individuals each with assets in excess of its 15.5 million. Economic activity, quality of life,
political power, knowledge and influence were all factors in assessing what made a city important
according to the survey. London has been voted the world’s most important city according to the wealth
report study. Taking second & third place, are New York and Hong Kong.
PLACES IN NEWS
China’s Highest Bridge
Aizhai is the World’s Highest Tunnel Bridge and the fourth suspension bridge in China to cross the valley
so wide its seems to be connecting two mountain ranges, the first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and
Beipanjiang bridges of the world’s 400 or so highest bridges, non has a main span as long as Aizhai with
a Tower to tower distance of 3,858 feet (1,176mtrs) Located deep in the heart of China’s Hunan province
near the city of Jishou. The suspension bridge is the largest structure on the Jishou to Chadong
expressway with a deck 1, 102 feet above the Dettang Canyon
8.7 Earthquake Hit Indonesia Aceh Province
An earthquake measuring 8.7 on Richter scale hit Indonesia’s Aceh province on 11 April 2012, which
issued tsunami warning over 28 countries mild tremors were felt in all 28 countries. In Indian cities
including Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore Andhra Pradesh and several other cities on the Eastern coast.No
damage was occurred anywhere due to the earthquake.
ABBREVIATIONS
IIP- Index of Industrial Production
GSTN – Goods & Services Tax Network
EEPC – Engineering Export Promotion Council.
AFSPA – Armed Force Special Powers Act.
TDSAT – Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal
INCOIS- Indian Nation Centre for Ocean Inforamation Services
ICBM- Inter Continental Ballistic Missile.
NTCA – National Tiger Conservation Authority
AWACS- Airborne Warning And Control System
BOOKS IN NEWS
Book Released on Sachin’s Statistics
A book was released featuring the statistical peak scaled by cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who celebrated
his 39 birthday on 24 April 2012 during his glorious international career. titled as “Sachin A Hundred
Hundreds ” book was introduced by former Indian Captain Rahul Dravid and foreword by the Tendulkar
first coach cum mentor Ramakant Achrekar. The book is about every hundred, every peak scaled by
Tendulkar and photos.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Sub-Committee Suggested Creation Of A National Funds For UTP
A Government sub-committee was set up to look into probable sources of funds for Urban Transport
Projects (UTP) in the 12th plan recommended creation of a national fund, resources for which can be
generated through taxes on vehicles& petrol consumption. The sub -committee on financing Urban
Infrastructure in the 12th plan report suggested investments to the tune of Rs. 87,000crore in the five year
plan duration.
Defense Minister Set Up 3 Committees to Accelerate BIP
The Defense Ministry in its meeting on 17 April 2012, decided to set up three new committees to
procurements and Border Infrastructure Projects( BIP). The meeting was chaired by Defense Minister
A.K.Antony. The committee was also set up to decide a whether the Army will get combat aviation assets,
and to expedite infrastructure development in the Northern region that has borders with both China and
Pakistan.
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