11 July 2014 Daily Current Affairs Updates

1) World Population Day 2014 observed: World Population Day was observed across the world on 11 July 2014. The theme of World Population Day 2014 was Investing in Young People. World Population Day is observed to bring awareness to people about importance of small families and living healthy lives. The day is celebrated with several programs that are initiated to educate people about family planning methods.

2) Puducherry Lt. Governor Virendra Kataria sacked: Another gubernatorial political appointee of the previous UPA regime is on the way out. On Friday (11 Jul 2014)  Puducherry Lt. Governor Virendra Kataria was sacked. A Rashtrapathi Bhavan communiqué said President Pranab Mukherjee directed that Mr. Kataria “shall cease to hold office of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.” Lt. General (Retd.) Ajay Kumar Singh, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar islands, will be the interim Lt. Governor.

3) Bill on Polavaram project passed in LS amid protests: The controversial Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill was rammed through in the Lok Sabha on Friday through a voice vote despite stiff opposition. The Bill that paves the way for the shifting of seven mandals from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh for the Polavaram project was opposed on the grounds that the transfer of land was being done in an unconstitutional manner, violating Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution which mandate that the two State Assemblies have to be consulted.

4) Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman resigned: Mizoram Governor Vakkom B. Purushothaman has resigned.  Mr. Purushothaman's resignation comes in the wake of his transfer to Nagaland. Coming down heavily on the NDA government's decision to seek resignation of Governors appointed by the UPA, Mr. Purushothaman said Governors could not be shunted around like government servants. "This is a Constitutional post and must be accorded due respect," he said.

5) World's highest railway bridge over Chenab to be operational by 2016: Indian engineers are toiling in the Himalayas to build the world's highest railway bridge which is expected to be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower when completed by 2016. The bridge is expected to be 359 metres (1,177 feet) high when completed -- surpassing the world's current tallest railway bridge over the Beipanjiang River in China's Guizhou province, which stands at 275 metres high. The bridge will connect Baramulla to Jammu in the Himalayan state with a travel time of six-and-a-half hours, almost half the time it currently takes.

6) Air India joined Star Alliance: In a move with several benefits for the India globetrotter, Air India on 11 July 2014 joined Star Alliance, the world's largest network of airlines with 27 members. Now, AI flyers from Friday itself will be able to earn-and-burn miles on any member carrier, apart from enjoying seamless connectivity across the globe and having access to lounges at all airports.

7) Delhi now second most populous city in world: Delhi has become the world’s second most populous city after Tokyo, more than doubling its population since 1990 to 25 million, according to a UN report. The 2014 revision of the World Urbanisation Prospects launched on Thursday said India was projected to add the highest number of people to its urban population by 2050, ahead of China.

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Current Affairs Questions from 04 and 05 July 2014

1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 July 2014 dedicated to the nation the newly constructed railway line between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Udhampur in which state?

(A) Uttarakhand

(B) Uttar Pradesh

(C) Punjab

(D) Jammu and Kashmir

2) Which team recently became the first team to reach four semi-finals in a row in the history of FIFA World Cup?

(A) Brazil

(B) Netherlands

(C) Germany

(D) Argentina

3) Name the nation's first 3D mobile game launched by Indian Air Force on Jul 3, 2014 to encourage youths to join the Air Force?

(A) Guardians of the Sky

(B) Sky Security

(C) The Protectors

(D) Bravo Indians

4) National Doctors’ Day is celebrated every year on?

(A) July 5

(B) July 4

(C) July 1

(D) July 3

5) Which state Government on 30 June 2014 declared Camel as its's State animal?

(A) Punjab

(B) Haryana

(C) Rajasthan

(D) Jammu Kashmir

6) The Bor Wildlife Sanctuary which has become the country’s 47th Tiger Reserve is in which state?

(A) Assam

(B) Maharashtra

(C) Madhya Pradesh

(D) Kerala

7) Michelle Howard recently became the first female four-star admiral in the Navy of which country?

(A) USA

(B) UK

(C) Canada

(D) Germany

8) Which country on 3 July 2014 decided to issue multiple entry visas for short term stay to Indians?

(A) China

(B) South Korea

(C) Bhutan

(D) Japan

9) Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will use the DTH platform of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to launch its TV channel on?

(A) July 1, 2014

(B) August 15, 2014

(C) September 13, 2014

(D) October 2, 2014

10) Who won the 2014 Liberty Medal on 30 June 2014?

(A) Barack Obama

(B) Stephen Hawkings

(C) Salman Rushidie

(D) Malala Yousafzai

Answers

1) Ans. (D) Jammu and Kashmir

2) Ans. (C) Germany

3) Ans. (A) Guardians of the Sky

4) Ans. (C) July 1

5) Ans. (C) Rajasthan

6) Ans. (B) Maharashtra

7) Ans. (A) USA

8) Ans. (D) Japan

9) Ans. (B) August 15, 2014

10) Ans. (D) Malala Yousafzai

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Employment News : Job Highlights ( 12thJuly – 18th July 2014)

1.Bijupattnaik Vikash Nursing Training School, Odisha

No. of Post – 252

Name of Post – Lecturer (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, P.C.M., Computer etc.), Clerks, Librarian etc.

Last Date: 31.07.2014

2. Staff Selection Commission (Western Region)

No. of Vacancies – 123

Name of the Post – Assistant Epigraphist, Dietician, Clerk, Sr. Scientific Assistant, Bosun, Photographer, Accountant etc.

Last Date: 14.08.2014

3. Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Nagpur

No. of Vacancies – 163

Name of the Post – Manager (Drilling, P&A, Finance), Assistant Manager (Drilling, Finance, Chemical), Technical Assistant (S&D) etc.

Last Date: 22.07.2014

4. Union Public Service Commission

No. of Vacancies – 54

Name of the Post – Assistant Director (Regulation & Information), Joint Drug Controller, Assistant Cost Account Officer, Professor (Civil) etc.

Last Date: 31.07.2014

5. Bank Note Press, Dewas (M.P)

No. of Vacancies – 78

Name of the Post – Jr. Technician(Control, Printing & Plate Making, Electrical, AC, IF), Supervisor (Control), Jr. Hindi Translator.

Last Date: 14.08.2014

6. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi

No. of Vacancies- 96

Name of the Post – Assistant Professor (Biophysics, Medicine, Microbiology, Surgery etc.)

Last Date: 14.08.2014

7. Border Security Force

No. of Vacancies – 1670

Name of the Post – Constables (Tradesmen)

Last Date: 30 days of publication

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Daily Current Affairs Updates: 10 July 2014

1) Union Budget 2014-15 presented in Lok Sabha: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 presented his maiden budget in Lok Sabha. Finance Minister said the prevailing economic situation presents a great challenge and there was a need to introduce fiscal prudence that will lead to fiscal consolidation and discipline. Outlining the roadmap for fiscal consolidation, Mr. Jaitley said fiscal deficit would be brought down to 3.6 per cent in 2015-16 and 3 per cent by 2016-17. The fiscal deficit which had touched a high of 5.7 per cent in 2011-12, was brought down to 4.8 per cent in 2012-13 and further to 4.5 per cent in 2013-14.

2) Tax exemption limit raised to Rs 2.5 lakh: Salaried class has got something to cheer with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Bugdet raising tax exemption limit to Rs 2.5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh, providing a relief of Rs 50,000. The proposal, according to an estimate, is likely to be benefit about 2 crore tax payers. Similarly, he raised tax exemption limit from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh in the case of senior citizens. Thus, tax on income from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh is retained at 10 per cent, up to Rs 10 lakh at 20 per cent and above 10 lakh at 30 per cent. Noting that households are main contributors to savings, he said the investment limit under 80 C has been raised to Rs 1.5 lakh from the existing Rs 1 lakh to encourage savings. Investment in Public Provident Fund up to Rs 1.5 lakh would now be exempt from tax. This was earlier pegged at Rs 1 lakh. He also raised tax deduction limit on account of interest of housing loan in case of self occupied property to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1.5 lakh.

3) In terms of GDP, India's economy is 10th biggest: World Bank- After growing at an average annual rate of just over 6 per cent from 1980 to 2010, India’s economy is now the 10th biggest in the world in terms of gross domestic product, according to the World Bank. However, its growth has slowed in recent years, with an expansion of 4.7 per cent in 2013-2014, up from 4.5 per cent the previous year, the slowest pace in the previous decade.

4) FDI Limit in Defence, Insurance Hiked to 49%: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 10 July 2014 hiked foreign investment limit in defence and insurance sectors. India is the biggest buyer of defence equipment in the world. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence manufacturing has been hiked from 26 per cent to 49 per cent. The ownership of such joint ventures will stay with Indian companies, Mr Jaitley said. FDI in insurance sector will be hiked to 49 per cent from 26 per cent, the FM said. The domestic insurance sector has not been able to flourish for the lack of adequate investments.Visit: www.currentaffairs4examz.com

5) 'Grand Old Lady of Indian Cinema' Zohra Sehgal passed away at 102: Veteran Bollywood actress Zohra Sehgal known for her jovial roles in films like Dil Se, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, Cheeni Kum and Saawariya passed away on July 10 in Delhi, She was 102. The actress died at a hospital in Delhi on Thursday (July 10 2014). Apart from her lively roles in several Bollywood films, she was also a part of Hollywood projects like Bend it like Beckham.

6) FIFA banned Nigeria from international football: FIFA has suspended Nigeria from international football citing government interference in the running of its national federation. The emergency committee of the world governing body said the blanket ban would come into to place with "immediate effect" which means no Nigerian team, including club sides, can play in regional, continental or international competitions.

Know capital of Nigeria?- Abuja

7) Finance Minister proposed Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojna: Arun Jaitley in Budget 2014-15 also announced a list of plans concerning the plight of girl child and women security. The Finance Minister proposed Beti Bachao Beti Padao Yojna scheme to improve the plight of the girl child, which aims to increase awareness and focus on campaigns to sensitise people towards gender equality in India. A total amount of Rs 100 crores has been allotted for the Beti Bachao Beti Padao Yojna. A special small savings scheme will be introduced for the education of the girl child. Schools will introduce separate chapters on gender equality as well. A fund of Rs 1,4389 crore has been allocated for this purpose. Improved medical aid will also be provided to women.

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Recent Current Affairs Questions: 02 & 03 July 2014

1) Name the Union health Minister who inaugurated the "First Aid Post" at Shastri Bhawan on 2 July 2014?

(A) Harsh Vardhan

(B) Smriti Irani

(C) Nitin Gadkarai

(D) Najma Heptulla

2) Which women Tennis player on 2 July 2014 sparked controversy saying that she doesn't know who Sachin Tendulkar is?

(A) Li Na

(B) Serena Williams

(C) Petra Kvitova

(D) Maria Sharapova

3) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 2 July 2014 approved the inclusion of onion and potato under the purview of Essential Commodities Act, .......?

(A) 2005

(B) 1985

(C) 1955

(D) 2011

4) Vishal Sikka who is the highest paid IT professional in India is the CEO of?

(A) TCS

(B) Infosys

(C) Congizant

(D) Amazon

5) Which among the following became the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled on 2 July 2014?

(A) UK

(B) India

(C) Saudi Arabia

(D) China

6) Which Bank was conferred “Best Bank – Public Sector” award in BFSI Awards-2014 by World HRD Congress recently?

(A) Bank of Maharashtra

(B) ICICI Bank

(C) Union Bank of India

(D) Indian BAnk

7) Sheryl Sandberg who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 03 July 2014 and discussed importance of social networking platform in governance is the COO of?

(A) Twitter

(B) Google+

(C) Youtube

(D) Facebook

8) An Indian passenger train set a new national speed record of ........... kilometres an hour (100 miles an hour) on 03 July 2014 during a test between the Delhi and Agra?

(A) 120 kmph

(B) 160 kmph

(C) 200 kmph

(D) 250 kmph

9) Asian Games 2014 will be held in which country from 19 September to 4 October 2014?

(A) NewDelhi, India

(B) Beijing, China

(C) Incheon, South Korea

(D) Dhaka, Bangladesh

10) SPOT-7 satellite, which was recently launched on board India's PSLV C-23 flight is from which country?

(A) Australia

(B) Indonesia

(C) Italy

(D) France

Answers

1) Ans. (A) Harsh Vardhan

2) Ans. (D) Maria Sharapova

3) Ans. (C) 1955

4) Ans. (B) Infosys

5) Ans. (B) India

6) Ans. (A) Bank of Maharashtra

7) Ans. (D) Facebook

8) Ans. (B) 160 kmph

9) Ans. (C) Incheon, South Korea

10) Ans. (D) France

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World Heritage Sites from India till 2014

 

Cultural

Agra Fort (1983)

Ajanta Caves (1983)

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)

Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)

Elephanta Caves (1987)

Ellora Caves (1983)

Fatehpur Sikri (1986)

Great Living Chola Temples (1987)

Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)

Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)

Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)

Mountain Railways of India (1999)

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)

Red Fort Complex (2007)

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)

Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)

Taj Mahal (1983)

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

Natural

Great Himalayan National Park (2014)

Kaziranga National Park (1985)

Keoladeo National Park (1985)

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)

Sundarbans National Park (1987)

Western Ghats (2012)

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Highlights: Union Budget 2014

Here are the highlights of Union Budget 2014 tabled by finance minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha on 10 July 2014.

*  ​Indian Custom Single Window Project to be taken up for facilitating trade.

* Clean energy cess increased from Rs 50/ tonne to Rs 100/tonne.

* Additional 5% excise tax to be levied on aerated drinks with added sugar (cold drinks). Tobacco products also to get costly as excise duty hiked to 72%.

* Government announces reduction in excise duty for specified food package industry from 10% to 6%.

* Excise duty on footwear reduced from 12% to 6%

* Government announces measures to encourage manufacture of LCD/LED panels of TVs.

* Housing loan rebate to raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

* Government proposes to increase investment limit under Section 80C from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

* Tax exemption limit for small and marginal, and senior tax payers changed from Rs 2.0 to Rs 2.5 lakh. For senior citizens, no tax for income up to Rs 3 lakh per annum.

* No changes in tax rate.

* PPF limit to be raised to Rs 1.5 lakh.

* Rs 100 crore for training of sportspersons for upcoming Asian Games.

* Government announces Rs 150 crore for communication needs of Andaman and Nicobar islands.

* Government announces Arun Prabha channel for northeastern region; will be 24/7 channel.

* Rs 1000 crore provided for rail connectivity in northeastern region.

* National Police Memorial to be set up. Rs 50 crore set aside for this purpose.

* Rs 100 crore War Memorial at Princess Park, India Gate.

* Policy of One Rank One Pension to be adopted for defence personnel.

*  RBI will create framework for licenses of small banks.

* Rs 37, 800 crore allotted for National Highways.

* In order to complete gas grid, 15000 km of additional pipeline to be developed through PPP mode.

*  Rs 4200 crore set aside for Jal Marg Vikas project on river Ganga connecting Allahabad to Haldia , over 1620 km.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for Kisan Television to provide real time information on various farming and agriculture issues.

* Agriculture University in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, and Horticulture University in Haryana, Telangana; Rs. 200 cr set aside by the government.

* Govt announces Rs 100 crore for modernization of madrassas.

* Rs 100 crore set aside for Community Radio Centres; 600 new and existing ones will be supported.

* 5 more IITs and 5 IIMs to be set up .

* Propose to set up four more AIIMS; Rs. 500 crore set aside for this. Six new AIIMS started recently have become functional. Four new AIIMS will be set up in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Vidarbha and Purvanchal.

* Govt proposes National Housing Banking programme; sets aside Rs 8000 crore for this program.

* Crisis Management Center for women at Delhi; money to be provided from Nirbhaya fund.

* Govt announces Beti Padhao, Beti Badhao Yojana; sets aside Rs 100 crore for this.

* EPFO will launch a unified account scheme for portability of Provident Fund accounts.

*  Govt committed to providing 24/7 power supply to all homes. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna for electricity supply to rural areas.

* Rs 200 crore for 'Statue of Unity' of Sardar Vallabh Patel.

* E-visas to be introduced at nine airports in India in phased manner.

* FDI in insurance to be increased to 49%.

* FM announces FDI in defence up from 26 to 49 % with Indian management and control.

* Aim to achieve 7-8 per cent economic growth rate in next 3-4 years.

Budget Speech English: Click Here

Budget Key Features English: Click Here

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Daily Current Affairs July 09, 2014

1) Amit Shah is new BJP chief: Amit Shah, who is credited with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s spectacular victory in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha election, was on Wednesday named the next party president. Mr. Shah’s elevation marks the rise and influence of Gujarat in the ruling party after Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister. At 50, he is the youngest president of the BJP and his appointment marks a generational shift in the organisation. A close confidant of Mr. Modi and a political strategist, Mr. Shah was unanimously chosen for the party’s top post at a meeting of its Central Parliamentary Board. He will succeed Rajnath Singh, who was picked by Mr. Modi as Union Home Minister. Mr. Singh resigned after a year-and-a-half’s tenure. 

2) India England test series began: India's tour to England comprising 05 test matches began on 9 July 2014 in Trent Bridge. On day one Murali Vijay scored a classy century as India eased to 259-4 on a slow, lifeless track.

3) Economic Survey ’13-’14 released: Indian economy is likely to grow in the range of 5.4 to 5.9 per cent in 2014-15 overcoming the sub-5 per cent GDP growth of past two years, even as poor monsoon and disturbed external environment remain a cause for concern, says the Economic Survey. "The growth slowdown in the last two years was broad based, affecting in particular the industry sector. Inflation too declined during this period, but continued to be above the comfort zone, owing primarily to the elevated level of food inflation", said the Survey for 2013-14 tabled by finance minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament on 9 July 2014.

4) Pinky Anand appointed ASG: Senior Advocate Pinky Anand has been appointed Additional Solicitor-General in the Supreme Court and she assumed office on Wednesday. She is the second woman lawyer to be appointed ASG after senior advocate Indira Jaising demitted office following the change of government at the Centre. Ms. Anand is an expert in the field of Constitutional Law, Property, Private International Law, Family Law, Environmental and Corporate Law with over 25 years of experience. She is the head of All-India Legal Cell (BJP) and former Additional Advocate-General of Uttarakhand.

5) Harry Potter fame Emma Watson appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador: Actress Emma Watson of “Harry Potter” fame has been appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador by UN Women, dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Known for playing Hermione Granger in the popular Hollywood franchise, Ms. Watson, a recent graduate of Ivy League institution, Brown University, will dedicate her efforts as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador towards the empowerment of young women and will serve as an advocate for UN Women’s HeForShe campaign in promoting gender equality, according to UN Women.

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Download SBI Clerk 2014 Admit Card/Call Letter

Friends..SBI has activated the link to Download Admit Card/Call Letter for the upcoming SBI Clerk Exam 2014. As per schedule the examination will start on 19 July 2014 and ends on 31 August 2014. You can download the admit card from below link by entering Registration Number and Date of Birth or Password.

Note: Candidates who registered during extended period for Jammu & Kashmir may download their call letter from 15.07.2014 onwards.

Download Admit Card: Click Here

Acquaint Yourself Booklet : English and Hindi

Scribe Declaration Form: Click Here

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Current Affairs daily Updates: 08 July 2014

1) Union railway budget 2014-15 presented in Lok Sabha: With the passenger fare and freight charges having been increased as recently as June 22, the maiden Railway Budget of the Narendra Modi government focussed on a massive facelift of the sector. It includes introduction of bullet and semi-high-speed trains, an extensive makeover of stations and in a first, foreign direct investment to finance the Rs. 9-lakh-crore plans. Tabling his first Budget in Parliament on 8 July 2014, Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda indicated the magnitude of the task at hand by pointing out that the much-criticised increase in fares would help Railways net only Rs. 8,000 crore more a year, when a steady infusion of at least Rs. 50,000 crore was required annually for the next 10 years.

2) Britain to "Honour 'Mahatma Gandhi's memory with Statue' in front of its Parliament: Mahatma Gandhi, who was at the forefront of efforts to end British rule in India and was repeatedly imprisoned, is to be honoured outside Britain's Parliament, British Finance Minister George Osborne said. Mr Osborne, on a trip to New Delhi to meet the new government of Narendra Modi, tweeted that Britain would "honour his memory with statue in front of mother of parliaments" in Parliament Square.

3) FIFA 2014: Brazil suffered humiliating World Cup exit: Germany has inflicted an historic 7-1 rout on Brazil to reach the World Cup final as Miroslav Klose became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the tournament. Brazil have never suffered such a big defeat in any international tournament and never put on such a shambolic defensive performance as during an 18 minute first half period when Germany scored four goals, three of them in just 179 seconds. Miroslav Klose fired his 16th World Cup goal on 23 minutes - overtaking Brazilian legend Ronaldo to set a new record. Brazil were the last team to score five in a World Cup semi-final in 1958.

4) Miroslav Klose breaks Ronaldo's record to become the top scorer in World Cup history: Miroslav Klose has beaten Ronaldo's record to become the top scorer in World Cup history. The German forward scored his side's second goal in their staggering 7-1 victory in the semi-final against Brazil to become the record holder outright with 16.

5) Advanced version of BrahMos missile test-fired: India on 8 July 2014 test-fired an advanced version of the 290km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Odisha coast. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Chandipur at about 10.40am, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said. The missile is capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300kg.

6) Amit Shah to be named BJP President: Considered the architect of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s impressive performance in Uttar Pradesh in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Amit Shah is all set to take over as the new party president. A formal announcement is expected on Wednesday after the party’s parliamentary board meeting. Mr. Shah, party general secretary, is a confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has worked closely with him in Gujarat.

7) Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai Prepares To Become Next Afghan President: Afghanistan’s election commission declared on Monday that Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, a former finance minister, is in the lead to become the country's next president with more than 56 percent votes. However, rival Abdullah Abdullah has refused to accept the result until his rival is cleared of rigging the election results.

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