30 December 2012
Vijay and Heena clinch gold in shooting national
London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar 30 december 2012 clinched the gold medal in the men’s rapid fire pistol event at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi.While Vijay shot 572 and 25 in the finals to win the top prize in his event, Punjab’s Heena Sidhu bagged the gold in the women’s air pistol competition after she shot 383 + 99.5 in the qualifiers and finals respectively.Harpreet Singh (569 + 21) of Navy clinched the silver in the men’s rapid fire pistol event ahead of Army’s Pemba Tamang who shot 572 and 18.In Heena’s event, Annu Raj Singh won the silver with scores of 383 + 96.8 while the bronze went to Priyanka Susvirkar of Railways who shot 378 + 100.8.In the 3-position men’s event, Surendra Singh Rathod of Army won the gold with scores of 1158 + 97.9.The silver went to Sanjeev Rajput who scored 1154 + 97.6 while the bronze was won by Chain Singh of Army for shooting 1150 + 100.4.
Indian economy to grow at 6.8% in 2013: D&B
According to global research firm Dun & Bradstreet (D&B),Indian GDP for the year 2013 is 6.8%.
Anti-rape draft bill proposes 30 years jail
Congress in a draft bill for a tougher law to check crimes against women has proposed imprisonment of up to 30 years which could also include chemical castration in rare cases.The final draft of the Congress’ bill, which is to be submitted to Justice JS Verma-led committee set up by the Centre in the wake of the horrific gang rape of the 23-year-old girl, who died on 29 December 2012.
Japan Launching Ambitious Asteroid-Sampling Mission in 2014
The new Japanese asteroid mission, called Hayabusa2, is scheduled for launch in 2014 and aimed at the asteroid 1999 JU3, a large space rock about 3,018 feet (920 meters) in length. It is due to arrive at the asteroid in mid-2018, loiter at the space rock and carry out a slew of challenging firsts before departing the scene at the end of 2019.If all goes well, the Hayabusa2 spacecraft will return to Earth with samples of asteroid 1999 JU3 at the end of 2020. The probe’s name is Japanese for “Falcon2.”
Indian economy to grow at 6.8% in 2013: D&B
According to global research firm Dun & Bradstreet (D&B),Indian GDP for the year 2013 is 6.8%.
Anti-rape draft bill proposes 30 years jail
Congress in a draft bill for a tougher law to check crimes against women has proposed imprisonment of up to 30 years which could also include chemical castration in rare cases.The final draft of the Congress’ bill, which is to be submitted to Justice JS Verma-led committee set up by the Centre in the wake of the horrific gang rape of the 23-year-old girl, who died on 29 December 2012.
Japan Launching Ambitious Asteroid-Sampling Mission in 2014
The new Japanese asteroid mission, called Hayabusa2, is scheduled for launch in 2014 and aimed at the asteroid 1999 JU3, a large space rock about 3,018 feet (920 meters) in length. It is due to arrive at the asteroid in mid-2018, loiter at the space rock and carry out a slew of challenging firsts before departing the scene at the end of 2019.If all goes well, the Hayabusa2 spacecraft will return to Earth with samples of asteroid 1999 JU3 at the end of 2020. The probe’s name is Japanese for “Falcon2.”
29 December 2012
Former England Cricket team captain Tony Greig died
Tony Greig, the South Africa-born cricketer who became England cricket team captain and later continued to make his mark on the game as a revered commentator in Australia, died on 29 December 2012.He played 58 tests for England and scored 3,599 runs at an average of 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.
Kohli reaches fifth spot in ICC T20 rankings
India`s batsman Virat Kohli has jumped five places to a career-best fifth position in the latest ICC Twenty20 International Player Rankings table released on 29 December 2012.Kohli scored a total of 95 runs against England and Pakistan in the four matches, thereby achieving his career-best ratings of 731.Yuvraj Singh has also moved up, jumping six places to 13th, following his 124 runs against England and Pakistan. He also climbed up a place in the bowlers` rankings list to 35th.The combined batting and bowling efforts has helped Yuvraj, who was also named Player of the Series against England, achieve career-best 337 ratings points in the all-rounders` table, where he is placed third.Meanwhile, the batting table continues to be headed by Shane Watson, followed by Brendon McCullum in second place and Chris Gayle in third.
Michael Hussey to retire after Sydney Test vs Sri Lanka
Australian veteran Mike Hussey announced on 29 December 2012 he will retire from Test cricket after the third and final match against Sri Lanka in Sydney on 3rd January 2013.Hussey has scored 19 hundreds in 78 Tests and averages 51.52.
Ramanujan’s Cryptic Death Bed Theory proved by American Scientist
Mathematicians from a US university have finally solved a cryptic puzzle renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan claimed came to him in his dreams while he was on his deathbed.While on his death-bed in 1920, Ramanujan wrote a letter to his mentor, British mathematician GH Hardy, outlining several new mathematical functions never before heard of, along with a hunch about how they worked.Now, researchers say they have proved Ramanujan was right, and that the formula could explain the behaviour of black holes.
Posted in Current AffairsKohli reaches fifth spot in ICC T20 rankings
India`s batsman Virat Kohli has jumped five places to a career-best fifth position in the latest ICC Twenty20 International Player Rankings table released on 29 December 2012.Kohli scored a total of 95 runs against England and Pakistan in the four matches, thereby achieving his career-best ratings of 731.Yuvraj Singh has also moved up, jumping six places to 13th, following his 124 runs against England and Pakistan. He also climbed up a place in the bowlers` rankings list to 35th.The combined batting and bowling efforts has helped Yuvraj, who was also named Player of the Series against England, achieve career-best 337 ratings points in the all-rounders` table, where he is placed third.Meanwhile, the batting table continues to be headed by Shane Watson, followed by Brendon McCullum in second place and Chris Gayle in third.
Michael Hussey to retire after Sydney Test vs Sri Lanka
Australian veteran Mike Hussey announced on 29 December 2012 he will retire from Test cricket after the third and final match against Sri Lanka in Sydney on 3rd January 2013.Hussey has scored 19 hundreds in 78 Tests and averages 51.52.
Ramanujan’s Cryptic Death Bed Theory proved by American Scientist
Mathematicians from a US university have finally solved a cryptic puzzle renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan claimed came to him in his dreams while he was on his deathbed.While on his death-bed in 1920, Ramanujan wrote a letter to his mentor, British mathematician GH Hardy, outlining several new mathematical functions never before heard of, along with a hunch about how they worked.Now, researchers say they have proved Ramanujan was right, and that the formula could explain the behaviour of black holes.
28 December 2012
‘Beijing 14th safest city in China, Lhasa tops the list’
A survey conducted by China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) which is a government owned body, revealed that the capital of China, Beijing is less safer than other cities of the country. The safest place is the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, followed by Shanghai.
Tejaswini, Mahaveer win gold medals in national shooting championship
Rajasthan’s Mahaveer Singh and Tejaswini Sawant of Maharashtra were among the shooters to have won the gold medals on the 10th day of the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi on 28 December 2012.In the standard pistol category, Singh shot 569 to bag the top prize ahead of Pemba Tamang (567) of Army and Samaresh Jung (563) of CISF at the Karni Singh Shooting Ranges.In the 3-position women’s event, Sawant shot 581 + 98.2 for the top prize while Raj Chaudhary of Army stood second with a score of 579 + 98.5. The bronze went to Lajja Gujarat’s Gauswami who totalled 578 + 96.6.
Protein behind aggressive breast-cancer found
Australian researchers claim to have found a key factor responsible for making breast cancers more aggressive and resistant to treatment.Chris Ormandy, researcher of Sydney`s Garvan Institute said that the protein, known as ELF5, makes breast cancer tumours more aggressive and resistant to treatment
Defence Secretary to visit China next month
Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma will visit China next month to discuss plans for a larger joint military exercise.Mr. Sharma would head a tri-service delegation on January 14-15 as part of the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue. He would also look at a proposal for joint maritime search and rescue exercises between the navies and strengthening the collaboration in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Cyclone Freda strikes Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Freda strucked the Solomon Islands, bringing heavy rains and winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour. Witnesses say roofs have been ripped off houses and trees have been flattened, while rising rivers caused flooding in some areas. There are no reports of deaths or injuries.
30% reservation for rural candidates in Assam Govt. jobs
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 26 December 2012 announced that 30 per cent state government jobs will be reserved for candidates belonging to rural areas from 2013 end,why because “In order to achieve inclusive growth and facilitate decentralisation, we are planning to bring to effect 30 per cent reservation in government jobs in all sectors to candidates from villages of Assam.”
Tejaswini, Mahaveer win gold medals in national shooting championship
Rajasthan’s Mahaveer Singh and Tejaswini Sawant of Maharashtra were among the shooters to have won the gold medals on the 10th day of the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi on 28 December 2012.In the standard pistol category, Singh shot 569 to bag the top prize ahead of Pemba Tamang (567) of Army and Samaresh Jung (563) of CISF at the Karni Singh Shooting Ranges.In the 3-position women’s event, Sawant shot 581 + 98.2 for the top prize while Raj Chaudhary of Army stood second with a score of 579 + 98.5. The bronze went to Lajja Gujarat’s Gauswami who totalled 578 + 96.6.
Protein behind aggressive breast-cancer found
Australian researchers claim to have found a key factor responsible for making breast cancers more aggressive and resistant to treatment.Chris Ormandy, researcher of Sydney`s Garvan Institute said that the protein, known as ELF5, makes breast cancer tumours more aggressive and resistant to treatment
Defence Secretary to visit China next month
Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma will visit China next month to discuss plans for a larger joint military exercise.Mr. Sharma would head a tri-service delegation on January 14-15 as part of the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue. He would also look at a proposal for joint maritime search and rescue exercises between the navies and strengthening the collaboration in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Cyclone Freda strikes Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Freda strucked the Solomon Islands, bringing heavy rains and winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour. Witnesses say roofs have been ripped off houses and trees have been flattened, while rising rivers caused flooding in some areas. There are no reports of deaths or injuries.
30% reservation for rural candidates in Assam Govt. jobs
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 26 December 2012 announced that 30 per cent state government jobs will be reserved for candidates belonging to rural areas from 2013 end,why because “In order to achieve inclusive growth and facilitate decentralisation, we are planning to bring to effect 30 per cent reservation in government jobs in all sectors to candidates from villages of Assam.”
27 December 2012
Oriya Novelist Pratibha Ray Wins 2011 Jnanpith Award
Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011 on 27 December 2012.At a meeting chaired by writer and Jnanpith award winner Sitakant Mahapatra, it was decided that Ray, 69, will be the winner of the 2011 Janapith Award.The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 7 lakh, a citation and a public felicitation.
Pranab inaugurates 4th World Telugu conference
President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the fourth World Telugu Conference in Tirupati on 27 December 2012. The theme of the World Telugu Conference is to promote Telugu language.The three-day event(i.e December 27th-29th)) will have several programmes to showcase the Telugu language. Around 3500 artists and 200 delegates will attend the Conference.
Michael Clarke breaks Ricky Ponting’s Test run record
Australia captain Michael Clarke became his country’s highest run scorer in a calendar year after making 106 on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Melbourne.Clarke’s tally of 1,595 from 11 Tests beats Ricky Ponting’s 1,544 from 15 Tests in 2005.
Pranab inaugurates 4th World Telugu conference
President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the fourth World Telugu Conference in Tirupati on 27 December 2012. The theme of the World Telugu Conference is to promote Telugu language.The three-day event(i.e December 27th-29th)) will have several programmes to showcase the Telugu language. Around 3500 artists and 200 delegates will attend the Conference.
Michael Clarke breaks Ricky Ponting’s Test run record
Australia captain Michael Clarke became his country’s highest run scorer in a calendar year after making 106 on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Melbourne.Clarke’s tally of 1,595 from 11 Tests beats Ricky Ponting’s 1,544 from 15 Tests in 2005.
26 December 2012
China launches world’s longest high-speed rail
China launched service on the world’s longest high-speed railway on 26 December 2012 with trains scheduled to run 2,298 kilometres between Beijing and Guangzhou in about eight hours.Travelling at an average speed of about 300 km per hour, the service would cut the journey time from more than 20 hours by conventional trains.
Shinzo Abe Elected Japan’s New Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, the conservative leader of Japan was elected as the prime minister of the country by lower house of the Parliament called the House of Representatives, on 26 December 2012. Shinzo Abe took oath to rebuild Japanese economy as well as mend the coalition with US.The lawmakers in Japan voted in favour of Abe by 328 votes. Opponent Banri Kaieda, the newly chosen leader of DPJ received merely 57 votes.
Narendra Modi sworn in Gujarat CM for 4th time
Narendra Modi, who led the BJP to an emphatic victory in the assembly elections, was sworn in as Gujarat chief minister for the fourth consecutive time on 26 December 2012.He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by governor Kamla Beniwal at an impressive ceremony at Sardar Patel Stadium.Modi was sworn in along with seven ministers of Cabinet rank and nine ministers of state.
Mohamed Morsi signs Egypt’s new constitution into law
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi signed into law a new constitution shaped by his Islamist allies, a bitterly contested document which would help end political turmoil and allow him to focus on fixing the economy.
Justice Usha Mehra to probe Delhi gang-rape case
The government was formed a committee of enquiry under justice Usha Mehra to reconstruct the events leading to the 16 December Delhi gang-rape, identify lapses by police and other agencies and fix responsibility for the crime..The decision was taken 26 December 2012 at a meeting of the cabinet committee on political affairs, finance minister P. Chidambaram
12th plan GDP growth target lowered to 8%
The government has decided to slash its annual economic growth target for the next five years to eight per cent from 8.2 per cent earlier.
AP IT Industry touches INR 50,000 crore
IT Industry in Andhra Pradesh (AP) has achieved a turnover of INR 53,246 crore. The turnover comprises 76% from exports (INR 40,646 crore) and 24% (INR 12,600 crore) from the domestic market. The growth rate of the industry in AP – 16% – is at par with the national average. Another important milestone for the IT industry in AP has been crossed in 2012. Direct employment crossed 300,000 for the first time; the industry today provides employment to 13.3 lakh people, of which direct and indirect employment is 3,18,624 and 10,12,769 respectively.
Shinzo Abe sworn in as Japan’s Prime Minister
On 26 December Shinzo Abe, the conservative leader of Japan sworn in as Japan’s new Prime Minister .This is his second term as Prime Minister six years after he ruled as Prime Minister for a short stint of one year.Abe was also prime minister in 2006-07 .
Shinzo Abe Elected Japan’s New Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, the conservative leader of Japan was elected as the prime minister of the country by lower house of the Parliament called the House of Representatives, on 26 December 2012. Shinzo Abe took oath to rebuild Japanese economy as well as mend the coalition with US.The lawmakers in Japan voted in favour of Abe by 328 votes. Opponent Banri Kaieda, the newly chosen leader of DPJ received merely 57 votes.
Narendra Modi sworn in Gujarat CM for 4th time
Narendra Modi, who led the BJP to an emphatic victory in the assembly elections, was sworn in as Gujarat chief minister for the fourth consecutive time on 26 December 2012.He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by governor Kamla Beniwal at an impressive ceremony at Sardar Patel Stadium.Modi was sworn in along with seven ministers of Cabinet rank and nine ministers of state.
Mohamed Morsi signs Egypt’s new constitution into law
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi signed into law a new constitution shaped by his Islamist allies, a bitterly contested document which would help end political turmoil and allow him to focus on fixing the economy.
Justice Usha Mehra to probe Delhi gang-rape case
The government was formed a committee of enquiry under justice Usha Mehra to reconstruct the events leading to the 16 December Delhi gang-rape, identify lapses by police and other agencies and fix responsibility for the crime..The decision was taken 26 December 2012 at a meeting of the cabinet committee on political affairs, finance minister P. Chidambaram
12th plan GDP growth target lowered to 8%
The government has decided to slash its annual economic growth target for the next five years to eight per cent from 8.2 per cent earlier.
AP IT Industry touches INR 50,000 crore
IT Industry in Andhra Pradesh (AP) has achieved a turnover of INR 53,246 crore. The turnover comprises 76% from exports (INR 40,646 crore) and 24% (INR 12,600 crore) from the domestic market. The growth rate of the industry in AP – 16% – is at par with the national average. Another important milestone for the IT industry in AP has been crossed in 2012. Direct employment crossed 300,000 for the first time; the industry today provides employment to 13.3 lakh people, of which direct and indirect employment is 3,18,624 and 10,12,769 respectively.
Shinzo Abe sworn in as Japan’s Prime Minister
On 26 December Shinzo Abe, the conservative leader of Japan sworn in as Japan’s new Prime Minister .This is his second term as Prime Minister six years after he ruled as Prime Minister for a short stint of one year.Abe was also prime minister in 2006-07 .
25 December 2012
America Launched Reusable Rockets
US California based SpaceX’s industry successfully launched ‘Grasshopper’ reusable rockets.The rocket took a giant leap for commercial space flight and when it rose 131 feet and landed safely back on Earth. Grasshopper rocket rose to a height of 131 feet around ten storeys and hovered before landing safely on its launch pad using closed loop thrust vector and throttle control.
Virbhadra Singh sworn in as Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister
On 25 December Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh was sworn-in as Himachal Pradesh’s chief minister for a record sixth term in Shimla .He was Chief Minister five times between 1983 and 1985; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007.
Virbhadra Singh sworn in as Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister
On 25 December Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh was sworn-in as Himachal Pradesh’s chief minister for a record sixth term in Shimla .He was Chief Minister five times between 1983 and 1985; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007.
24 December 2012
India and Russia ink defence deals worth $3 billion
India and Russia on 24 December 2012 inked defence deals worth $3 billion. The agreement was signed as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to India. According to this pact Russia will sell India 71 military helicopters for $1.3 billion and technological kits to assemble 42 Sukhoi jet fighters for $1.6 billion.
NASA to turn asteroid into space station
NASA scientists are planning to capture a 500,000 kg asteroid, relocate it and transform it into a space station for astronauts to refuel at on their way to Mars.The estimated cost for this project is $260 crores.
Aman wins gold for India in Azerbaijan boxing tourney
Junior national champion Aman Indora (56kg) clinched India’s only gold as the country finished third in the A Agalarov Cup youth boxing tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.A. Silambarasan (52kg) and Kailash Gill (75kg) also made the final but had to settle for silver medals.
8 Indians among world’s best performing CEOs
Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 best performing global chief executives, compiled by Harvard Business Review (HBR). Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall.Former chairman and MD, ONGC Subir Raha (Rank 13).Chairman and CEO, Reliance Industries,Mukesh Ambani (Rank 28).Chairman and Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro,A M Naik (Rank 32).Former CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals,A K Puri (Rank 38).Chairman, Bharti Airtel,Sunil Bharti Mittal (Rank 65).CEO, Jindal Steel & Power,Naveen Jindal (Rank 87).Former Chairman, SAIL,V S Jain (Rank 89).Former Apple CEO ,Steve Jobs (Rank 1).CEO, Amazon.com CEO,Jeff Bezos (Rank 2).
Russian President Putin Visited India
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 24 December .During the visit he met Manmohan Singh in Newdelhi and signed a series of pacts on defense cooperation and reached consensus to develop economic and trade relations.Putin last visited India as prime minister in 2010.
Apurvi Chandela won Air Rifle Gold
On 24 December Apurvi Chandela of Rajasthan won Women’s Air Rifle Gold in the Sahara 56th National Shooting Championship.Former champion and National record holder, Pournima clinched the bronze 0.2 points ahead of World championship finalist Avneet Sidhu.
NASA to turn asteroid into space station
NASA scientists are planning to capture a 500,000 kg asteroid, relocate it and transform it into a space station for astronauts to refuel at on their way to Mars.The estimated cost for this project is $260 crores.
Aman wins gold for India in Azerbaijan boxing tourney
Junior national champion Aman Indora (56kg) clinched India’s only gold as the country finished third in the A Agalarov Cup youth boxing tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.A. Silambarasan (52kg) and Kailash Gill (75kg) also made the final but had to settle for silver medals.
8 Indians among world’s best performing CEOs
Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 best performing global chief executives, compiled by Harvard Business Review (HBR). Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall.Former chairman and MD, ONGC Subir Raha (Rank 13).Chairman and CEO, Reliance Industries,Mukesh Ambani (Rank 28).Chairman and Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro,A M Naik (Rank 32).Former CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals,A K Puri (Rank 38).Chairman, Bharti Airtel,Sunil Bharti Mittal (Rank 65).CEO, Jindal Steel & Power,Naveen Jindal (Rank 87).Former Chairman, SAIL,V S Jain (Rank 89).Former Apple CEO ,Steve Jobs (Rank 1).CEO, Amazon.com CEO,Jeff Bezos (Rank 2).
Russian President Putin Visited India
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 24 December .During the visit he met Manmohan Singh in Newdelhi and signed a series of pacts on defense cooperation and reached consensus to develop economic and trade relations.Putin last visited India as prime minister in 2010.
Apurvi Chandela won Air Rifle Gold
On 24 December Apurvi Chandela of Rajasthan won Women’s Air Rifle Gold in the Sahara 56th National Shooting Championship.Former champion and National record holder, Pournima clinched the bronze 0.2 points ahead of World championship finalist Avneet Sidhu.
23 December 2012
Sachin Tendulkar retires from ODIs
Sachin Tendulkar was retired from ODI cricket. Tendulkar finishes an illustrious career in the 50-over format, having played 463 ODIs, scored 18,426 runs and made 49 centuries, each of them a world record. His last ODI was against Pakistan in Dhaka during the Asia Cup, where he made a half-century in India’s victory.
First Grand Prix title for Kashyap
Kashyap Parupalli defeated Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in a tight three game match to take his first Grand Prix title at the Shaheed Dr. KL Garg , Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold 2012.
India register third win in Asian Champions Trophy, crush Oman
India register third win in Asian Championship Hockey Trophy against Oman with 11-0 score at Doha on 24 December 2012.India, who defeated China 4-0 and Japan 3-1 in their opening two games.
‘Tata India’s best-known global brand’
Days ahead of Ratan Tata’s retirement, an Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) survey said the $100-billion Tata Group was perceived to be India’s best-known global brand within and outside the country. “Ratan Tata occupies the well-deserved iconic status. He has taken the group from largely an Indian family-owned business house into a professionally managed global conglomerate
Moscow Authorities Announced Demolishing Only Hindu Temple by January 2013
The only Hindu temple in Russia, ISKCON was scheduled to be demolished by Moscow authorities by 15 January 2013. The ISKCON monks announced that the Hindu temple was facing closure by Russian government, a year after the country had sought ban of Bhagvad Gita.
Union Government of India Constituted a Commission to suggest measures for Safety of Women
The Union Government of India on 23 December 2012 constituted a three-member Commission to be headed by the Former Chief Justice of India J.S. Verma for reviewing the laws in existence and the lapses of the police to suggest measures for ensuring safety of women in Delhi as well as across the nation. It would also look into the matter of the gang rape incident. Former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramaniam and Justice Lalitha Seth are the two other members of the constituted inquiry commission.
First Grand Prix title for Kashyap
Kashyap Parupalli defeated Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in a tight three game match to take his first Grand Prix title at the Shaheed Dr. KL Garg , Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold 2012.
India register third win in Asian Champions Trophy, crush Oman
India register third win in Asian Championship Hockey Trophy against Oman with 11-0 score at Doha on 24 December 2012.India, who defeated China 4-0 and Japan 3-1 in their opening two games.
‘Tata India’s best-known global brand’
Days ahead of Ratan Tata’s retirement, an Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) survey said the $100-billion Tata Group was perceived to be India’s best-known global brand within and outside the country. “Ratan Tata occupies the well-deserved iconic status. He has taken the group from largely an Indian family-owned business house into a professionally managed global conglomerate
Moscow Authorities Announced Demolishing Only Hindu Temple by January 2013
The only Hindu temple in Russia, ISKCON was scheduled to be demolished by Moscow authorities by 15 January 2013. The ISKCON monks announced that the Hindu temple was facing closure by Russian government, a year after the country had sought ban of Bhagvad Gita.
Union Government of India Constituted a Commission to suggest measures for Safety of Women
The Union Government of India on 23 December 2012 constituted a three-member Commission to be headed by the Former Chief Justice of India J.S. Verma for reviewing the laws in existence and the lapses of the police to suggest measures for ensuring safety of women in Delhi as well as across the nation. It would also look into the matter of the gang rape incident. Former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramaniam and Justice Lalitha Seth are the two other members of the constituted inquiry commission.
22 December 2012
Top U.S. innovation award for Indian-American
A renowned Indian-American inventor at IBM, Rangaswamy Srinivasan, was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama for the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation.In 1981, Mr. Srinivasan discovered that an ultraviolet excimer laser could etch living tissues in a precise manner with no thermal damage to the surrounding area. He named the phenomenon Ablative Photo Decomposition (APD). He got this award for the discovery of APD.
Virbhadra Singh to take oath as Chief Minister on December 25
Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh, who led the Congress to victory in the Himachal Pradesh elections, will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the sixth time in a function at historic Ridge ground,Shimla on 25 December 2012. Governor Urmilla Singh has invited the 78-year-old Congress leader to form government and take oath on December 25. Singh was Chief Minister between 1983 and 85; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007.
Manavjit, Chain Singh win gold, Bindra gets silver at National Shooting Championship
Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu clinched the men trap event gold medal in National Shooting Championship on 22 December 2012 at New Delhi.Sandhu won the gold with a score of 117 + 22 while the silver was won by Birendeep Sodhi of Air India, who shot 116 + 23. The bronze went to Zoravar Singh Sandhu of Air India for scoring 118 + 20.
Sunil Sharma got the additional charges as secretary of Infrastructure and investment (I&I)
civil supplies commissioner Sunil Sharma got the additional charges as secretary of Infrastructure and investment (I&I) on 22 December 2012.
President Napolitano Dissolved Italian Parliament
On 22 December Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved parliament following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Monti. The Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2013.Italian government under the leadership of Mario Monti brought forward a series of austerity reforms backed by EU and business leaders
‘ Higgs Boson ‘ Tops Journal Science’s 2012 List
The discovery of the Higgs Boson, an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass, leads a list of the top 10 scientific advances of 2012 released by the US journal Science on 22 December .
The other major advances, according to Science, are:-
- Scientists in Germany used a new technique to sequence the complete genome of an enigmatic group of humans called the Denisovans, based on a tiny sample teased from a finger bone some 80,000 years old found in a cave in Siberia.
- Japanese scientists created viable egg cells using embryonic stem cells from adult mice. The breakthrough raises the possibility that women who are unable to produce eggs naturally could have them created in a test tube from their own cells and then implanted in their body.
- NASA engineers landed the 3.3 ton Mars Curiosity rover on the Red Planet by using an innovative landing system that dangled the vehicle, with its wheels out, at the end of three cables.
- Use of an X-ray laser, which shines one billion times brighter than traditional synchroton sources, allowed scientists to determine the structure of a protein involved in the transmission of African sleeping sickness.
Smita Singh Appointed as member of Global Development Council
On 22 December The Obama administration has appointed Indian-American Smita Singh as member of the president’s Global Development Council.Singh was the Special Advisor for Global Affairs and the founding Director of the Global Development Program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, where she worked from 2001 to 2010.She was the first Program Officer for Higher Education Innovative Projects at the Commission on National and Community Service, now known as the Corporation for National and Community
Virbhadra Singh to take oath as Chief Minister on December 25
Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh, who led the Congress to victory in the Himachal Pradesh elections, will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the sixth time in a function at historic Ridge ground,Shimla on 25 December 2012. Governor Urmilla Singh has invited the 78-year-old Congress leader to form government and take oath on December 25. Singh was Chief Minister between 1983 and 85; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007.
Manavjit, Chain Singh win gold, Bindra gets silver at National Shooting Championship
Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu clinched the men trap event gold medal in National Shooting Championship on 22 December 2012 at New Delhi.Sandhu won the gold with a score of 117 + 22 while the silver was won by Birendeep Sodhi of Air India, who shot 116 + 23. The bronze went to Zoravar Singh Sandhu of Air India for scoring 118 + 20.
Sunil Sharma got the additional charges as secretary of Infrastructure and investment (I&I)
civil supplies commissioner Sunil Sharma got the additional charges as secretary of Infrastructure and investment (I&I) on 22 December 2012.
President Napolitano Dissolved Italian Parliament
On 22 December Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved parliament following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Monti. The Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on 24-25 February 2013.Italian government under the leadership of Mario Monti brought forward a series of austerity reforms backed by EU and business leaders
‘ Higgs Boson ‘ Tops Journal Science’s 2012 List
The discovery of the Higgs Boson, an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass, leads a list of the top 10 scientific advances of 2012 released by the US journal Science on 22 December .
The other major advances, according to Science, are:-
- Scientists in Germany used a new technique to sequence the complete genome of an enigmatic group of humans called the Denisovans, based on a tiny sample teased from a finger bone some 80,000 years old found in a cave in Siberia.
- Japanese scientists created viable egg cells using embryonic stem cells from adult mice. The breakthrough raises the possibility that women who are unable to produce eggs naturally could have them created in a test tube from their own cells and then implanted in their body.
- NASA engineers landed the 3.3 ton Mars Curiosity rover on the Red Planet by using an innovative landing system that dangled the vehicle, with its wheels out, at the end of three cables.
- Use of an X-ray laser, which shines one billion times brighter than traditional synchroton sources, allowed scientists to determine the structure of a protein involved in the transmission of African sleeping sickness.
Smita Singh Appointed as member of Global Development Council
On 22 December The Obama administration has appointed Indian-American Smita Singh as member of the president’s Global Development Council.Singh was the Special Advisor for Global Affairs and the founding Director of the Global Development Program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, where she worked from 2001 to 2010.She was the first Program Officer for Higher Education Innovative Projects at the Commission on National and Community Service, now known as the Corporation for National and Community
21 December 2012
Obama nominates John Kerry to be secretary of state
The senior senator John Kerry was nominated as America’s Foreign Minister by President Barack Obama on 21 December 2012.The John Kerry , who is the senior Senator from Massachusetts,now he became the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Astra missile successfully test-fired
India on 21 December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air interceptor missile Astra at the interim test range(ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.Astra which has the capability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at a supersonic speed can be fitted into any fighter aircraft. Considered as one of the best of its kind in the world, the 3.8 metre long missile which weighs about 160 kg can carry explosive loaded conventional warheads up to 15 kg.
Archaeologist C. Govindarajanar honoured
President Pranab Mukherjee on 21 December 2012 conferred the Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.92-year-old Prof. C. Govindarajanar was conferred Tolkappiyar Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Tamil studies.
S&P pegs India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in 2013
Global rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) has said it expects India to grow by 6.5 per cent during 2013, amidst the possibility of global economic recovery continuing during the year 2013.
Asian Champions Trophy Hockey
India defeated the Japan in Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on 21 December 2012.
Zee editor moves defamation case against Naveen Jindal
Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary on21 December slapped a defamation complaint against Congress MP Naveen Jindal and 16 officials of his firm Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) for allegedly making “deliberately false” statements against him with the intention to tarnish his image.
