INTERNATIONAL
Croatia Joins The EU as 28th Member State
On 1 July Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union.It is the first
addition since Bulgaria and Romania joined EU in 2007.Croatia formally applied
for EU membership in 2003.
International Assistance Force In Mali Transformed
into UN Force
On 1 July A new United Nations peacekeeping mission for insurgent-affected Mali
was launched on 1 July .The previous African-led International Support Mission
in Mali (AFISMA) has been transformed to the UN Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).The transfer of authority from the
forces of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) to the
UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took
place during a ceremony in Bamako, capital of the West African country.
Pakistan – China Signed 8 Agreements
On 5 July Pakistan and China signed eight documents of cooperation in various
areas of economy , for furthering already strong economic and technical ties
between two friendly countries.The first pact signed pertained to the building
of a long term project (Pak-China Economic Corridor) a 200KM tunnel which will
be built at a cost of $18 billion.These agreements and MoU were signed in the
presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqaing.Federal
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal signed the pact from the
Pakistani side while Chairman National Development and Reforms Commission of
PRC, Xu Shao Shi inked the pact from the Chinese side.
Hazem El-Beblawi Named As New Egyptian Prime
Minister
On 9 July Hazem el Beblawi a liberal economist and Egypt s former finance
minister was named as the new Prime Minister of Egypt by the Interim President
Adly Mansour.El-Beblawi is a founding member of the Egyptian Social Democratic
Party, Al Ahram.He has also served as the undersecretary-general at the United
Nations between 1995 and 2000.
Taiwan and New Zealand Signed Free Trade Agreement
On 10 July New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with Taiwan.Two-way trade
is worth 1.6 billion New Zealand dollars (US$1.2 billion) annually, with New
Zealand exporting mainly agricultural products like milk and Taiwan shipping
largely electronics.Taiwan is New Zealand’s 12th largest trading partner, with
bilateral trade totalling about $120.7 million.
France and Switzerland Signed New Inheritance Tax
Agreement
On 11 July France and Switzerland have signed an agreement on inheritance tax
as part of an amended double taxation agreement. Paris hopes will help it bring
in more money.Under the agreement inheritances would be taxed based on where
the recipient resides, not where the deceased lived, as used to be the case.
Bhutan’s Opposition Party Wins Parliamentary
Elections
On 14 July Bhutan’s Election Commission formally announced that the People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) won the National Assembly elections by having secured a
majority of thirty two seats.The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) won fifteen seats
and was elected as the opposition party.PDP leader Tshering Tobgay is likely to
be named prime minister of the new government.
Bangladesh Passes Labour (Amendment) Bill 2013
On 15 July the Bangladesh Parliament passed ‘Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill
2013′ aimed to protect the interest and rights of the workers and ensuring
their safety.The new law has seen amendments to a total of 87 sections of the
Labor Act 2006.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II Signed Bill Legalizing
Gay Marriage
On 17 July Britain has legalized gay marriage after Queen Elizabeth II gave her
royal stamp of approval.The queen’s approval was a formality.Britain became the
15th country to legalize gay marriage after a bill cleared Parliament and Queen
Elizabeth II signed off on the law.
Iran and Iraq Signed Gas Export Agreement
On 21 July Iran has signed an agreement to export gas to Iraq, worth 3.7
billion dollars a year.The agreement was signed in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad
by Iran’s Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi and his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Kareem
Luaibi.
EU Declared Hezbollah’s Military Wing As Terrorist
Organization
On 22 July The European Union (EU) declared the military wing of Hezbollah a
terrorist organization.The EU’s 28 foreign ministers reached the decision
unanimously at their meeting.The Iranian-backed group plays a major role in
Lebanese politics and has dominated the government since 2011.The blacklisting
would mean imposing visa bans on individuals and asset freezes on organizations
associated with the group.
Thirty Meter Telescope Partners Signed Agreement
On 26 July The partners building the world’s largest and most advanced optical
telescope at Mauna Kea’s summit have signed an agreement laying the foundation
for the telescope’s operation.Mauna Kea is a volcano on the island of
Hawaii.The Thirty Meter Telescope project representatives from partnering
institutions in the U.S., Canada, China, India and Japan signed the
document.The agreement defines project goals, member party rights, obligations
and benefits. It also establishes a governance structure.The telescope is a
partnership of the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in
Astronomy, the California Institute of Technology, the National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan, institutions in India, a consortium of Chinese
institutions and the University of California.
Liberals, Smaller Tribes Win Seats In Kuwait’s
Parliamentary Elections
On 27 July Liberals and candidates from some of Kuwait’s more marginalised
tribes have won seats in a parliament .The ballot was the sixth since 2006 in
the major oil producer, where political upheaval and bureaucracy have held up
the vast majority of projects in a 30-billion-dinar (68 billion pounds)
economic development plan announced in 2010.Kuwait has the most open political
system in the Gulf Arab region but parliaments have been repeatedly dissolved
over procedural disputes or for challenging the government in which members of
the ruling Al-Sabah family hold top posts.Shiites – estimated at 20-30 percent
of the population – won just eight seats in the 50-member parliament compared
to 17 in the last election in December, after Sunnis in their districts ramped
up a campaign to win seats.
Myanmar – China Gas Pipeline Starts To Deliver Gas
To China
On 28 July Myanmar-China natural gas pipeline (Myanmar section) was inaugurated
in northern Myanmar’s Mandalay and started to deliver gas to China.The gas
pipeline stretches for 793 kilometers onshore within Myanmar’s territory with
six processing stations, while the crude oil pipeline, which is nearing
completion, starts from Made Island and extends onshore for 771 kilometers.
Republican Turkish Party Wins Turkish Cypriot
Parliamentary Elections
On 29 July the centre-left Republican Turkish Party (CTP) emerged as the winner
on in the Turkish Cypriot parliamentary elections, but came short of winning an
outright majority.The CTP won 38.49 per cent of the vote and 21 seats in the
50-seat Parliament of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
results showed.The nationalist National Unity Party (UBP) won 27.16 per cent
and 14 seats and the centre-right Democratic Party (DP) took 23.1 per cent of
the vote and 12 seats.The centre-left Communal Democracy Party (TDP) won 7.41
per cent of the vote and three seats.The CTP will now need to form a coalition
government.The election was called a year early after the Government of Prime
Minister Irsen Kucuk, in power since 2009.Cyprus has been divided into a Turkish
northern part and a Greek south since a Turkish invasion in July 1974.
Mamnoon Hussain Elected As Pakistan’s New President
On 30 July Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) nominee Mamnoon Hussain was
elected as the 12th President of Pakistan.Hussain emerged as a clear winner in
the contest with ex-judge Wajihuddin Ahmed of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party ,
headed by cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan.Mamnoon Hussain has secured
432 votes whereas justice Wajihuddin (Ahmed) secures 77 votes.The presidential
office of Pakistan will be vacated on 8 September 2013 by the incumbent Asif
Ali Zardari, as his term of 5 years ended.Mamnoon Hussain will be administered
the oath of the office on 9 September 2013. Mamnoon Hussain was born on 2 March
1940 in Agra, India.He is the textile businessman as well as politician of
Pakistan.He migrated to Pakistan from India in 1954.
Ireland President Signed The Abortion Bill In To
Law
On 31 July Ireland President Michael D. Higgins has signed the abortion
bill into law. The bill, overwhelmingly passed by both houses of the Irish
parliament on 12 July 2013, permits abortions only in cases where doctors deem
the woman’s life at risk from continued pregnancy.
INDIA & WORLD
India Ranks 66th On ‘Global Innovation Index ‘
On 2 July India ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index 2013, published by
Cornell University, INSEAD, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as a knowledge partner.Switzerland and
Sweden maintained rank 1 and 2 respectively The study ranked 142 economies
across the world on their innovation capacity and efficiency.
India and Mauritius Signed 5 MoUs
On 5 July India and Mauritius signed 5 MoUs (Memorandum of understanding).The 5
MoUs are signed in the presence of the Union Minister of Commerce &
Industry Shri Anand Sharma and Mr. Sayyad Abd-Al-Cader Sayed Hossen, Minister
of Industry, Mauritius, in Port Louis.Five institutional level MoUs were signed
to take the partnership forward. These are:
* MoU between Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and Enterprise Mauritius
(EM)
* MoU between Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) and Mauritius
Standards Bureau
* MoU between NITRA and National Productivity and Competitive Council (NPCC) of
Mauritius
* MoU between Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Mauritius
Export Association (MEXA); and
* MoU between Institute of Apparel Management (IAM) and Fashion and Design Institute
of Mauritius (FDI)
UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013
On 5 July According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, the
world has reached the poverty reduction target five years ahead of schedule. In
developing regions, the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day
fell from 47 per cent in 1990 to 22 per cent in 2010. Extreme poverty is also
falling in every region.Nevertheless, the gender gap in employment persists,
with a 24.8 percentage point difference between men and women in the
employment-to-population ratio in 2012.
India, Albania Signed Agreement For Avoidance Of
Double Taxation
On 8 July India and Albania signed an agreement for avoidance of double
taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income
and on capital.The agreement was signed by Ms Sudha Sharma, chairperson,
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and Mr Fatos Kerciku, Ambassador,
Republic of Albania.
India, Iraq Signed Agreement To Enhance
Co-operation In Energy Sector
On 8 July India and Iraq signed a agreement to enhance co-operation in energy
security, bilateral trade & commerce, infrastructure development among
others.The agreement was signed between the Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa
Moily and his counterpart from Iraq, Abdul Karim Luaibi at the end of the
India-Iraq Joint Commission on technical co-operation in Baghdad.
India, SriLanka & Maldives Signed Tripartite
Maritime Security Agreement
On 8 July India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have entered into a tripartite agreement
on maritime cooperation to secure sea routes in the Indian Ocean region at the
end of the Meeting on Trilateral Cooperation on Maritime Security.The agreement
was reached by all on the importance of raising the maritime cooperation
between the three countries in the current context of maritime security
environment in the Indian Ocean region.
India – Tanzania Signed Agreements On Bilateral
Cooperation
On 9 July India and Tanzania have signed agreements on bilateral cooperation in
several sectors, including agriculture, health and education, mines and
minerals.All the agreements were signed between the Union Minister of State for
External Affairs, Preneet Kaur and the Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, Bernard K. Membe at Dar es Salaam.
15th India – Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting
On 11 July India and Vietnam held 15th Joint commission meeting in New
Delhi.The meeting was co-chaired on the Vietnam’s side Foreign Minister Pham
Binh Minh and on the Indian side by India’s External Affairs Minister Salman
Khurshid .In the meeting both nations discussed the strengthening of strategic
partnership which included an exchange of a co-operative agenda on bilateral
relations.At the end of the meeting, both nations signed the Agreed Minutes of
the JCM and witnessed the signing of an Agreement on the US$19.5 million LOC
for setting up Nam Trai-IV hydropower project and Binh Bo Pumping station by
CMD, Exim Bank and the Vietnam Vice Minister of Finance.
India, Nigeria Signed Solar Power Plant Agreement
On 22 July India and Nigeria have signed an agreement to locate sites for solar
power plants in Niger state.The agreement will provide additional energy for
Nigeria’s national grid.The agreement was signed between Nigeria’s permanent
secretary in the Ministry of Power Godknows Igali and the secretary to the
Government of India, Sutanu Behuria.
India, Belarus Signed Protocol To Enhance Trade
Ties
On 24 July 2013 India and Belarus signed a protocol to enhance trade ties
during the sixth session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade,
Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New
Delhi.The session was co-chaired from the Indian Side by Dr. E.M. Sudarsana
Natchiappan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Dmitry S.
Katerinich, Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus.
India and France Hold Talks On Military Cooperation
On 26 July India and France discussed their ongoing military cooperation
including the progress over Rs 50,000 crore 126 multirole combat aircraft deal
during the defence minister-level talks in NewDelhi.The two sides are also
holding negotiations for a Rs 30,000-crore project for co-developing the Maitri
surface-to-air missile defence system.In a joint statement issued after the deliberations
between defence minister A K Antony and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le
Drian, they agreed that such cooperation should continue to be progressed to
the mutual benefit of both countries, including in high technology areas
involving joint research and development and transfer of technology.
India and Afghanistan Signed MoUs for SDP scheme
projects
On 30 July India and Afghanistan have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs)
in Kabul for implementing 60 projects in ten Afghan provinces under the Small
Development Projects (SDP) scheme.The MoUs signed by Afghan Minister of Economy
Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal and Indian Ambassador Amar Sinha in Kabul are related to
the third phase of the SDP scheme and will be completed in the next four years.
NATIONAL
Government Announced National Cyber Security Policy
On 2 July the Union Government of India announced the National Cyber Security
Policy with an aim to protect information and build capabilities to prevent
cyber attacks. The National Cyber Security Policy 2013 to safeguard both
physical and business assets of the country.This policy aims at facilitating
creation of secure computing environment and enabling adequate trust and
confidence in electronic transactions and also guiding stakeholders’ actions
for protection of cyber space.The National Cyber Policy in order to create a
secure cyber ecosystem has planned to set-up a National Nodal Agency to
coordinate all matters related to cyber security in the country.
President Pranab Mukherjee Signed Ordinance On Food
Security
On 5 July President Pranab Mukherjee signed the ordinance on food security
,which seeks to give legal rights to 67 per cent of the population over
subsidised grains every month.Now, with the presidential consent, the bill will
be presented before the Parliament when it convenes for the Monsoon Session.The
Government had issued the ordinance to give nation’s two-third population the
right to get 5 kgs of foodgrains every month at highly subsidised rates of 1-3
Rupees per kg amid political opposition.
District Rural Development Agency Disbanded
On 9 July the Union government announced disbanding of the Rural Development
Agency (DRDA), the body which looks after implementation of anti-poverty
programmes of Rural Development Ministry.The agency will now be rechristened
and it will perform its role under zila parishads, the local elected bodies at
the district level.The District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were set up
as independent societies in 1980 and since then have been principal organs at
the district level to oversee the implementation of the ministry’s anti-poverty
programmes.
Cabinet Approved For Aviation, Women Varsities In
Raebareli
On 11 July the Union cabinet has approved two universities for Raebareli, the
parliamentary constituency of Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh.Raebareli
will get the first ever all-women university and first national aviation
university in the country.National University for Women in Uttar Pradesh by the
name of “The Indira Gandhi National University for Women”.This will be the
first university of the country to be established exclusively for women.The
cost involved is Rs.500 crore.National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of
“Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University ” at the District of Rae Bareli in
the State of U.P. as a Central University.The ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation
University‘ will be established as a Central University and as an autonomous
body under the administrative control of Ministry of Civil Aviation in Rae
Bareli District of U.P. with an estimated Central Government’s funding of Rs.
202 crore in 12th Plan period.Both universities bills will be introduced in the
coming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Govt Approved To Replace DGCA With Civil Aviation
Authority
On 11 July The government cleared a proposal to replace Directorate General of
Civil Aviation(DGCA) with a new aviation regulator with full operational and
financial autonomy.The new regulatory body would be called the Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) and it would replace the DGCA.The estimated cost of
establishing the new Authority would be over Rs 110 crore.
Free Medical Treatment For Pregnant Women
On 16 July Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the government will
provide free pre-natal health care and ambulance facilities to pregnant women
across the country .Under the Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) scheme, pregnant
women are provided free medical treatment during the delivery and post natal
care.Pregnant women will be given “free medical and ambulance facilities” from
conception to delivery. They will also be able to avail free consultation from
doctors at government hospitals for 45 days from delivery and infants will be
given free treatment at the hospitals for one year.
Indian Telegram Service Stopped
The 163-year old telegram service in the country ends on 14 July.Started in
1850 on an experimental basis between Koklata and Diamond Harbour, it was
opened for use by the British East India Company in 1851and it was opened to
the public in 1854.Within a short time of BSNL handling telegram services in
1990s, the PSU had a rift with the Department of Posts following which
telegrams were accepted as phonograms from various villages and other centres
from telephone consumers.
Bengaluru International Airport Renamed as
“Kempegowda International Airport”
On 17 July the Union Cabinet gave its approval for renaming Bengaluru
International Airport as “Kempegowda International Airport” to fulfill the long
pending demand of the people of Karnataka, as well as the State Government of
Karnataka.Hiriya Kempegowda, known as Kempegowda was a ruler under the
Vijayanagar Empire, who ruled most parts of Karnataka during the sixteenth
century. He had the vision of building a large futuristic city and is
widely accepted as being the founder of Bengaluru. Kempegowda built
Bengaluru Fort and moved his capital from Yelahanka to the new Bengaluru.
President Of India Promulgated The ” Securities
Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 “
On 18 July Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India promulgated the “Securities
Law Amendment Ordinance 2013″. The ordinance would grant Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the powers to regulate any pooling of funds
under an investment contract involving a corpus of 100 crore rupees or more and
attach assets in case of non-compliance.The Chairman of SEBI would have powers
to authorize the carrying out of search and seizure operations, as part of its
efforts to crack down on ponzi schemes.
Acid Attacks On Women Non-bailable Offence
On 18 July the Supreme Court o made acid attack a non-bailable offence and
ordered all state governments to pay Rs 3 lakh compensation to acid attack
victims. The states were also directed to frame rules for regulating sale of
acid within three months.The material cannot be sold to a person who is below
the age of 18 years.Going through the compensation schemes of 17 states and
seven Union Territories (UTs), the bench found the amount being paid to the
victims as grossly inadequate.The compensation for after-care and
rehabilitation at present ranges between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1,50,000.
Union Tourism Minister Launched “Clean India
Campaign”
On 24 July Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi launched the Project “Clean
India Campaign” at Taj Mahal.Clean India Campaign has been initiated by the
Ministry of Tourism with the objective to increase tourist arrivals to the
country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment
in and around tourist destinations across the country.Taj Mahal is the second
heritage site to be covered under this project. The first being Qutub Minar
Delhi, which has been adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June
2012.On the request from the Tourism Minister, the Oil and Natural Gas
Commission (ONGC) has agreed to adopt and upkeep the environs of Taj Mahal
Complex including up gradation of tourist facilities in the monument.Besides
Taj Mahal, the ONGC has also agreed to adopt five more monuments including
Ellora and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in the national capital,
Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.
STATES
Himachal Pradesh Declared First Smoke – Free State
In Country
On 2 July Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first “smoke-free” State in
the country in compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco
Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with the
relevant parameters.
Uttar Pradesh Grants District Status To Amethi
On 5 July the Uttar Pradesh government granted district status to Amethi ,which
will include three tehsils of Sultanpur and one of Rae Bareli. The district
headquarters of Amethi will be Gauriganj.Sultanpur’s Amethi, Gauriganj and
Musafirkhana tehsils and Rae Bareli’s Tiloi will be part of Amethi
district.Some revenue villages of Maharajganj tehsil of Rae Bareli were
included in Tiloi tehsil of Amethi and in exchange some villages of Tiloi were
included in Maharajganj.
Karnataka Launched ” Anna Bhagya ” Scheme
On 10 July Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ambitious ‘Anna
Bhagya’ scheme in Bangalore.The scheme under which 30 kg of rice per month will
be given to BPL (below poverty line) families across the state at Re 1 per kg.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the scheme after taking oath on June
13.The government will spend Rs 4,300 crore every year on the scheme.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Starts Fission
On 13 July India’s 21st nuclear power reactor and the country’s first
pressurised water reactor under the light water reactor category ,Kudankulam
Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu began the nuclear fission process.India’s
atomic power plant operator, NPCIL is setting up two 1,000 MW reactors with
Russian technology and equipments at Kudankulam, around 650 km from Chennai.The
over Rs 17,000 crore project, which generated severe protests from the locals,
has started generating heat and steam from the 163 uranium fuel bundles loaded
in the reactor.
Night Policing Scheme Launched In Punjab
On 14 July Punjab government launched the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) with 4000
police personnel and an independent cadre and command structure. The NPS is
aimed at augmenting and strengthening the deployment of police personnel,
through the usage of modern technology during night hours in cities and towns
of the state.The NPS will also focus on the national and state highways and major
roads crisscrossing the state, mainly to instill a sense of security among the
citizens.
UP Launched Family Health Campaign
On 15 July the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, launched the
‘Hausla’ awareness state-wide campaign to improve family health in 75 districts
of the State.The campaign’s twin goals include galvanizing state health systems
to deliver high-quality, accessible health programs and services, while also
increasing awareness and utilization of services by families and communities
across the state’s 75 districts.
Kerala Govt.Approved Tapping Sweet Toddy From
Coconut
On 16 July the Kerala Government has given its nod for tapping neera or
unfermented sap from coconut across the State.Neera, which is also called sweet
toddy, is the non-alcoholic drink which is extracted from immature
inflorescence of coconut.This decision would prove to be very beneficial for
depressing coconut sector.Neera tapping will take place in units of 1500
coconut trees in each and every district all over Kerala, in the beginning as a
part of the pilot project.lic content.
Madhya Pradesh Police Health Security Scheme
On 17 July Madhya Pradesh state cabinet has decided to implement Madhya
Pradesh Police Health Security Scheme for police officers and employees. The
scheme will be applicable only to the police personnel working in the state.The
scheme will not be applicable to Indian Police Service officers. It will be run
by a registered trust, whose state-level management committee will be headed by
the Director General of Police. Members and their dependents will be entitled
for treatment of up to 8 lakh rupees in a financial year. They can avail the
treatment facility in hospitals recognised by the state government.
Maharashtra Extended Ban On Gutkha and Paan Masala
On 19 July Maharashtra state government has announced a ban extension on
nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala for another year considering health
hazards of these products.In July 2012, the government had banned the sale,
storage and consumption of nicotine-laced gutkha and paan masala in any form
for a year, which was to end on 19 July 2013. The government move was prompted
by the incidence of oral diseases, including cancer due to consumption of such
gutkha and paan masala.
Latest Statistics Data On Tourism In India Released
By Ministry Of Tourism
On 23 July According to the latest statistics on tourism in India released by
Ministry of Tourism during the year 2012.
* Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country
recording 206.8 million domestic tourists last year.
* Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh stood at second and third positions respectively
with 184.1 million and 168.4 million domestic tourists.
* According to the data, the top ten states in terms of number of domestic tourist
visits (in millions) during 2012 are: Andhra Pradesh (206.8), Tamil Nadu
(184.1), Uttar Pradesh (168.4), Karnataka (94.1), Maharashtra (66.3), Madhya
Pradesh (53.2), Rajasthan (28.6), Uttarakhand (26.8), Gujarat (24.4) and West
Bengal (22.7).The contribution of these States was about 84.5% to the total
number of domestic tourist visits during 2012.
* The number of foreign tourists visiting the country too registered a growth
of 6.33 per cent during the same year.
* Maharashtra (5.1 lakh) topped the list in number of foreign tourist visits,
followed by Tamil Nadu (3.6 lakhs) and New Delhi(2.3 lakhs).
* The top ten most sought after states by foreign tourists (in millions) during
2012 were :- Maharashtra (5.1), Tamil Nadu (3.6), Delhi (2.3), Uttar Pradesh
(2.0), Rajasthan (1.5), West Bengal (1.2), Bihar (1.1), Kerala (0.8), Karnataka
(0.6) and Himachal Pradesh (0.5).
First Textile Park Inaugurated at Bagru near Jaipur
On 24 July First Textile Park dedicated to hand block printing and craft was
inaugurated by the Union Minister of Textile, Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao at Bagru
near Jaipur. The textile park would bring in new opportunities for exporters
and artisans, as the textile sector holds vast potential of employment. The
park has been named Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt. Ltd. (JITPPL) and is
also known as is also known as Jaipur Bloc.Bagru the place where the park is
located is known all over the world for its traditional textiles, various
styles of hand block printing and related skills. This is the first park in
India that will cater to the segment of hand block printing. The textile park
is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to conserve and preserve water.
WIFS Programme Launched In Rajasthan
On 25 July the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme for the
State of Rajasthan was launched by ShriGhulamNabi Azad, Union Minister of
Health & Family Welfareat Jaipur.Adolescents form 22 % of India’s total
population who are the future of the country. But half of the adolescent population,
both girls and boys, suffers from anaemia.Anaemia results in poor physical
growth, poor school performance and reduced concentration in daily
tasks.Anaemia contributes to poor maternal and child health, resulting in
increased morbidity and mortality.For this reason, the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare has taken up“Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)”
programme” to prevent and control the anaemia situation in adolescents.The
programme will reach out to 13 crore boys and girls of the country enrolled in
government, government aided and municipal schools as well as out-of-school
girls.
Himachal Government Launched Video Chat In Prisons
On 26 July Himachal Pradesh state government launched video chat facility in
all six prisons of the state .The video conference facility, first of its kind
in the country, would help family and friends save time and money on travelling
to prisons to meet the inmates. Even foreigners can avail this facility.The
government has already amended the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), enabling the
courts to utilize the video-conference facility between the jails and the
courts. This would also help save time and money of the prison department in
escorting the prisoners from jails to courts.
Two New Rail and Road Projects Launched In Haryana
On 28 July Two rail as well as road projects which are worth 1500 crore Rupees
were launched in Haryana.The foundation stone of 68 Kilometer rail line between
Hansi-Meham and Rohtak at Hansi was laid down by Union Railway Minister
Mallikarjun Kharge. The cost of this project is 500 crore Rupees. The rail
route would include eight railway stations, four halt stations as well as four
crossing stations.The projected rail line will connect the crucial parts of
Haryana, i.e., Fatehabad and Sirsa direct with Delhi. The Union Transport
Minister Oscar Fernandes, at Hansi laid the foundation of 99 Kilometer long
Hisar-Rohtak four lane National Highway. The cost of this project would be 1000
crore Rupees. The road project would include two road-over bridges, under pass
as well as 29-bus bays at both the sides.
Government Of Odisha Announced Rice For Olive
Ridley Conservation Scheme
The Government of Odisha announced Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC)
scheme for the year 2013 in order to help the fishermen families affected by
seven-month ban on marine fishing at Odisha coastal areas.The identification of
beneficiaries under Rice for Olive Ridley Conservation (ROrC) Scheme was
announced on 22 July 2013.The main aim of the ROrC scheme is to help the
fishermen families who are affected by seven-month ban on marine fishing as an
Olive Ridley turtle protection measure.
CONFERENCES
First IOR-ARC Economic and Business Conference
(IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius on 4 –
5 July 2013.The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand
Sharma co-chaired the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
(IOR-ARC) Economic and Business Conference.India and Mauritius co-hosted the
first economic and business conference under the theme of “Deepening Economic
Linkages for Balanced, Inclusive & Sustainable Growth”. The IORARC has 20
members, of which India and Australia are the largest economies.During the meet
– Trade and industry ministers of member countries and dialogue partners of the
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) agreed to push
trade within the grouping to promote economic cooperation and development in
the strategic Indian Ocean region.The Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional
Cooperation (IOR-ARC), initially known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative, is
an international organization with 20 member states.It was first established in
Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched on 6–7 March 1997.
National Conference Of State Tourism Ministers Held
In New Delhi
The National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was held in New Delhi on 18 July
2013.The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Shri K. Chiranjeevi.
State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented in the
conference either through their Tourism Ministers and/ or senior officials.The
objective of the conference was discussion of the future strategies for
realising the complete tourism potential of India.The Departments of Tourism of
all States and UTs will consider setting up of a special force such as a
Tourist Police, where it does not exist at present, either by taking few
companies on deputation from the Police Department or by engaging Ex-Servicemen
or Home Guards.During the conference, a new campaign known as “I Respect Women
” was also launched.The campaign was launched with Ministry of Tourism issuing
badges in Hindi and ten international languages.
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
Meeting Held in Moscow
The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held on 19-20
July in Moscow,Russia.G20 Countries ministers ,Central Bank Governors and
Indian Finance minister P.Chidambaram ,RBI governor D Subbarao attended the meeting.In
the meeting delegates discussed traditional G20 agenda including the G20
Framework agreement for strong, sustainable and balanced growth, the financial
regulation reforms, and market transparency. The final communique contains the
usual sentence urging convergence stressing this time how convergence can
contribute to financial stability:At the end of the meeting Finance Ministers
and Central Banks Governors approved the Joint Communique.
AWARDS & HONOURS
27 Individuals Conferred With National Youth Awards
2011-12
National Youth Award 2011-12 was conferred by Pranab Mukherjee, the President
of India on 4 July 2013 to 27 individuals and an organization at a function
held at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is for the first time that the National Youth
awards were given by the President of India.A total of 27 individuals and one
organisation received he award this year.The youth award carries a Silver
Medal, a Certificate and a cash prize of 40000 rupees in cases of individual
awardees and 2lakh case prize for voluntary organizations.The selected
individuals are expected to possess leadership qualities and use them in
carrying out voluntary activities in the field of youth development.
IIFA Awards 2013 Winners
The 14th IIFA awards held at Macau on 6 July 2013. And this year’s IIFA will
always be remembered for some outstanding performances by veteran actresses
Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi.Ranbir Kapoor won the Best Actor Award for Barfi,
while Vidya Balan took the Best Actress Award home for Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani.
Winner’s List :-
* Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!)
* Best Female Actor: Vidya Balan (Kahaani)
* Best Film: Barfi!
* Best Director: Anurag Basu (Barfi!)
* Best Story : Tani and Anurag Basu (Barfi!)
* Best Supporting Actor (Male): Annu Kapoor (Vicky Donor)
* Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan)
* Best Music Director: Pritam (Barfi!)
Zubin Mehta Conferred Tagore Award 2013
On 10 July Zubin Mehta, western classical music conductor of Indian-Parsi
origin, has been awarded 2nd Tagore Award For Cultural Harmony ( for 2013).He
was named for the award because of his outstanding contribution to cultural
harmony.The first Tagore Award was conferred on Pt. Ravi Shankar, the Indian
Sitar Maestro in 2012
Two Indians Among 7 Girls Awarded On Malala Day
On 12 July Two Indians were among the seven young girls honoured with the UN
Special Envoy for Global Education’s Youth Courage Award for Education as part
of Pakistani teen activist, Malala Yousafzai, “Malala Day” celebrations at the
world body.Among them were two Indians,Ashwini from Bangalore and Razia from
Uttar Pradesh who were awarded with UN Special Envoy for Global Education’s
Youth Courage Award for Education.
Tongam Rina Selected For German Media Prize
On 13 July Senior journalist of Arunachal Pradesh-Tongam Rina has been selected
for the prestigious “Prize for the Freedom and Future of the Media – 2013″
instituted by Media Foundation, Leipzig, Germany.Brigitte Alfter and Ides
Debruyne are the initiators of the “European Fund for Investigative
Journalism”. Instituted in 2001, the award, which carries a prize of 30,000
Euros.
Human Powered Helicopter Wins US prize
On 13 July The world’s first human-powered helicopter by a Canadian engineer
has become the first winner of a decades-old US$250,000 (S$316,255) engineering
prize ,after performing a minute-long flight at an altitude of 3.3 meters –
fueled only by the pilot’s pedaling of a modified bicycle.The winning vehicle
is called the ” Atlas ” , and was designed by a team of about 20 students and
young professionals.The aircraft is extremely light — just 121.4 pounds (55
kilograms) — but it spans a sprawling 162 feet (49.4 meters).
Shalini Singh Wins 2013 Prem Bhatia Award
Shalini Singh, a deputy editor with The Hindu, has bagged the prestigious Prem
Bhatia Award for Political Reporting – 2013.She has been selected for her
‘excellent coverage of several key issues,’ particularly her ‘reporting of the
telecom and Coalgate scandals.Previous award-winners include Harish Khare,
Praveen Swami, P. Sainath, Gargi Parsai, Nirupama Subramanian, Pallavi Aiyar
and Amit Baruah for their works in The Hindu.
Amitabh Bachchan Received Maestro Award
On 17 July Amitabh Bachchan, classical flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and ace
santoor exponent Shivkumar Sharma were honoured with the WWI (Whistling Woods
International) Maestro Awards.The honour was bestowed on the trio by filmmaker
Subhash Ghai’s film and media institute.
2013 Ramon Magsaysay Award Winners
On 24 July the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced the Ramon Magsaysay
Awards for the year 2013.Three individuals and two organizations from
Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines to receive the Ramon
Magsaysay Award, the Asia’s premier prize.The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an
annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon
Magsaysay’s example of integrity in government, courageous service to the
people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society.The prize was
established in April 1957.
The Awardees are:-
* Habiba sarabi Afghanistan’s first woman governor, was selected for helping
build a functioning local government and pushing for education and women’s
rights in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province despite working in a violent and
impoverished environment in which discrimination is pervasive.
* Lahpai Seng Raw of Myanmanr honoured for helping the rehabilitate work in
damaged communities amid armed conflict.
*Ernesto Domingo, from the Philippines.He is being recognized for his exemplary
embrace of the social mission of medical science and his profession, his
steadfast leadership in pursuing ‘health for all’ as a shared moral
responsibility of all sectors.
*Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (Corruption Eradication Commission), from
Indonesia.The organization is being recognized for its fiercely independent and
successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia.
*Shakti Samuha (“Power Group”), from Nepal.The organization’s founders and
members are being recognized for transforming their lives in service to other
human trafficking survivors, their passionate dedication towards rooting out a
pernicious social evil in Nepal.
Azim Premji Bags ‘Asian Business Leaders ‘ Award
On 24 July Wipro chairman Azim Premji has been awarded the Asian Business
Leaders Award 2013 for his impressive business credentials and service to
society by London-based Asia House.Past recipients of the honour includes Ratan
Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, and Lord Stephen Green, UK’s minister of
state for trade and investment and former group chairman of HSBC Holdings.
Four Indian Americans Won Simons Investigators
Awards
On 27 July Four Indian-American Professors Kannan Soundararajan, Rajeev Alur,
Salil P Vadhan and Senthil Todadri won Simons Investigators Awards 2013. Apart
from these, 9 other mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical
computer scientists were also selected for the Simons Investigators Awards for
their cutting edge research.The 2013 awards were announced by the New
York-based Simons Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation. Its mission
is to advance the lines of research in mathematics and basic sciences. The
Simons Investigators program provides a stable base of support for outstanding
scientists, enabling them to undertake long-term study of fundamental
questions. The foundation was incorporated in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons.
“Metro Man” Sreedharan Chosen For ‘ 2013 Lokmanya
Tilak ‘ Award
On 29 July ” Metro Man” E. Sreedharan has been selected for the prestigious ‘
Lokmanya Tilak ‘ award for 2013 for his outstanding contribution to
society.Name of Sreedharan, considered as the architect of the ambitious Delhi
metro project, was announced by Lokmanya Tilak Trust.The Padmashree laureate is
also credited for pulling off the Konkan Railway project.
Amjad Ali Khan To Get Rajiv Gandhi National
Sadhbhavna Award
On 30 July Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan was chosen for the 21st Rajiv Gandhi
National Sadhbhavna Award for his contribution towards promotion of communal
harmony and peace. The award was instituted by All India Congress
Committee of the Indian National Congress Party (INC).
SPORTS & GAMES
Negi Won Continental Chess Open Title
On 2 July India’s young Grand Master Parimarjan Negi has won the Continental
Chess Association Open title in Washington.The second and third places are won
by the International Master Bindi Cheng of Canada and American Grand Master
Konrad Holt from Kansas respectively.
Chris Martin Announced Retirement From All Cricket
On 3 July Chris Martin, the fast Bowler of New Zealand has announced his
retirement from all forms of cricket.Chris Martin is New Zealand’s
third-highest Test wicket taker only after Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori.
He had taken 233 Test wickets with an average of 33.81.Martin played 71 Tests,
20 ODIs and six Twenty20s for his country in an international career.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Title 2013 Winners
Women’s Singles :- On 6 July France’s Marion Bartoli won the Wimbledon
2013 women’s title after defeated Germany’s Sabine Lisicki in the final.Bartoli
is the fifth oldest woman to become a first-time Grand Slam winner in the Open
Era.By finally winning her maiden major title in the 47th Grand Slam appearance
of her career, Bartoli surpassed the previous record set by Jana Novotna, who
won Wimbledon in 1998 after 45 appearances at the majors.
Men’s Singles :- On 7 July Andy Murray (Britain) won the Men’s
Singles title after defeated Novak Djokovic (Serbia) in the final.Andy Murray
became the Britain’s first male winner after almost eight decades, to win the
championship. Earlier he was Fred Perry, who won his last Championship in 1936.
Women’s Doubles :- Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) and Peng Shuai (China) won
the women’s doubles title after defeated Australian duo Ashleigh Barty and
Casey Dellacqua in the final at Wimbledon.
Men’s Doubles :- Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won the
Wimbledon men’s doubles title after defeated Ivan Dodig (Croatia )and Marcelo
Melo (Brazil) in the final.
Indian Women Won Gold At Asian Athletics
Championship
On 7 July India clinched a gold medal in women’s 400m relay in a sensational
race to finish sixth overall as the curtains were drawn on the 20th Asian
Athletics Championships with China confirming their supreme status in the
continent.The home team came up with a rich haul of eight medals, one gold, two
silvers and five bronzes on the fifth and final day .India ended the
Championships with two golds, five silvers and 10 bronzes, a much improved
performance than the last edition in 2011 in Kobe.As expected, China, who had
been ruling the Asian Championships for the last 15 editions, finished at the
top spot with 16 golds, six silvers and five bronzes.
Sebastian Vettel Won German Grand Prix
On 7 July Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel won the German Grand Prix title .Kimi
Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean got second and third positions respectively.It
was Vettel’s first victory in his home race and the 30th of his career.
Shiva Thapa Wins Gold at Asian Boxing Championships
On 8 July Nineteen-year-old Shiva Thapa became the youngest Indian to win a
gold medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan.Thapa defeated
local pugilist Obada Alkabeh,on a split decision to win the gold in the 56kg
class.The nimble-footed boxer, who made his Olympic debut in London last year,
thus followed Suranjoy Singh (2009) and Rajkumar Sangwan (1994) into the
history books as a rare Indian gold-medallist at the premier continental event.
Lajja Goswami Won Silver In Shooting World Cup
On 9 July Indian woman shooter Lajja Goswami has won silver medal in women’s
50-metre Rifle 3 Position event at the ISSF World Cup in Granada,
Spain.Gauswami, a silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, shot 454 in
the finals to bag the silver ahead of Norway’s Malin Westerheim.Petra Zublasing
of Italy won the gold medal.
Shane Warne Inducted into the ” ICC Cricket Hall of
Fame “
On 11 July ICC announced that Shane Warne, former Australian spinner would be
inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame .On 19 July during the tea interval
of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord’s, Shane Warne
was officially inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame.Warne becomes the
69th male member of the Hall of Fame, and joins fellow 2012-13 inductees Brian
Lara of the West Indies, England’s Enid Bakewell and former Australia team-mate
Glenn McGrath in being recognised by the ICC and the living members of the Hall
of Fame.He played for Australia in 145 tests between 1992 and 2007. He claimed
708 test wickets with a strike rate of 25.41. He was the first bowler to take
700 test wickets.He was the part of the Australian cricket team that won the
World Cup in 1999 at Lord’s against Pakistan.
Martina Hingis Inducted In ‘ Tennis Hall Of Fame ‘
On 13 July Swiss tennis legend Martina Hingis was inducted in’ Tennis Hall of
Fame.She became one of the youngest members to be included in the one of the
most elite clubs of tennis.Hingis won three Australian Open titles (1997, 1998,
1999), one Wimbledon (1997) and a US Open title (1997).She also won nine grand
slam doubles titles and a mixed doubles title.
Abhijeet Gupta Won Commonwealth Chess Championship
On 14 July Indian Grandmaster and former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta
has won the Commonwealth Chess Championship ,after settled for a draw with
Indian national title-holder G. Akash in the final round at Port Elizabeth in
South Africa.
Nicolas Mahut Won Hall Of Fame Championship
On 14 July Frenchman Nicolas Mahut has won the title after defeated Lleyton
Hewitt of Australia in the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships final.Mahut won
his second career ATP title.
Serena Williams Won Swedish Open Title
On 21 July Serena Williams (U.S) won Swedish Open Tennis title, after defeated
Johanna Larsson(Sweden) in the final of the Swedish Open at Bastad in
Sweden.The win is her 53rd WTA title and 51st match win of the year.
Indian Women Won Recurve Gold At Archery World Cup
On 21 July Indian women’s archery team Deepika Kumari, Laishram Bombayla
Devi and Rimil Biruly won Gold medal in the Women’s Recurve Team event at the
Archery World Cup Stage-3 in Medellin, Colombia.In the final Indian women’s
archery team defeated China in the recurve event to claim the gold medal.India claim
their second medal of this World Cup and their first World Cup Women’s team
gold since Shanghai 2011.
Divij Sharan – Purav Raja Won First ATP Title
On 21 July Purav Raja and Divij Sharan of India clinched their
first ever ATP tour doubles title after defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin of
France and Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands in the final match of Claro Open in
Bogota, Colombia.
Devendra Jhajharia Won Gold In World Paralympic
Championships
On 22 July India’s Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia has won a gold medal in the
Javelin Throw at IPC (International Paralympic Commitee) athletics World
Championships in France.He became the first differently-abled Indian to win
gold at the IPC Athletics World Championships.He threw the javelin to 57.04 meters
in F-46 category, which is meant for one-armed athletes.He won a Gold medal at
the 8th FESPIC Games in Korea, 2002.In March 2012, he received the Padma Shree
Award and became the first paralympian to win the award.
Dhyan Chand Nominated For Bharat Ratna
The sports ministry has chosen hockey legend late Dhyan Chand for India’s
highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.Dhyan Chand, who passed away in 1979,
won three gold medals at the Olympics – in 1928 ( Amsterdam), 1932 ( Los
Angeles) and 1936 ( Berlin).
Jennitha Wins World Chess Title For Disabled
On 24 July India’s K. Jennitha Anto has became the World Chess Champion for
disabled, after won the 13th IPCA World Women’s Individual Chess Championship
in Velke Losiny, Czech Republic.Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Jennitha scored 4.5
points in nine games after winning three, drawing three and losing three
games.She competed in a combined group with men and became the highest scorer
among the women players.The title came along with the Woman International
Master title.
Lewis Hamilton Won Hungarian Grand Prix Title
On 28 July Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes won the Hungarian
Grand Prix title 2013 held on Buadpest.Raikkonen and Vettle got second and
third positions respectively.
Afridi Becomes First Batsman To Hit 400 Sixes
Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi became the first cricketer to hit 400 sixes in an
international career on 26 July.Afridi reached the landmark in the 16th over of
Pakistan’s reply to the West Indies’ 152 for seven in the first Twenty20
international.Chris Gayle, playing for the West Indies, is next on the list
having hit 353 sixes in his Test, ODI and T20 career.
Indian Wrestlers Won 15 Medals In Asian Cadet
Championship
On 27 July Indian wrestlers finished the Cadet Asian Championships with a rich
haul of three golds, nine silvers and three bronze medals, besides winning the
Champion Trophy in the freestyle category in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.The gold
came through Amit Kumar (58kg), Vikas (63kg) and Parveen (85kg) of the
freestyle category while silver medals were won by Ravi Kumar (54kg), Ankur
Rathi (69kg), Balraj (76kg) and Gursewak Singh (100kg) in the same division.The
freestyle team secured 84 points and finished ahead of Iran who were the
runners-up.
Aditya Mehta Won Snooker Gold In World Games
On 30 July India’s numero uno snooker player, Aditya Mehta won the gold medal
in the World Games after defeated China’s Liang Wenbo in the final of the
quadrennial event at Cali, Columbia.
India Won Under-16 SAFF Championship
On 30 July India won the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-16
Championships held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.Indian boys defeated
Nepal 1-0 in final to lift the South Asian Football Federation Under-16
Championship title. This is the first time that India have won the
championship.
ECONOMY
Indian Internet Economy To Touch USD 100 Billion By
2015
On 3 July According to the Economist Intelligence Unit ‘Good to Grow: The
Environment of Asia’s Internet Business’ report ,India’s Internet Economy that
stands at 1.6 per cent of GDP is slated to touch USD 100 billion by 2015
.Online advertising in Asia will grow from 24 per cent of worldwide online
advertising in 2010 to 26 per cent by 2015.However, Asia’s mobile advertising
market is expected to account for one-third of the mobile advertising market
globally by 2015.
Latvia Gets EU Approval To Join Eurozone
On 9 July European Union (EU) states approved the adoption of the euro by
Latvia as of January 1, 2014. The country will be the 18th member of the
European Monetary Union.Latvia is