Happy Christmas!!!!

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“May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness. MERRY CHRISTMAS”

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Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from One day Internationals

Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from One day Internationals

Sachin Tendulkar has 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.

"I have decided to retire from the One Day format of the game," he said in a statement. "I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup winning Indian team. The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest. I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years."

Tendulkar made his ODI debut on his first international tour, in 1989, against Pakistan in Gujranwala, where he got a duck. He scored his first half-century in his ninth ODI and made an immediate impact when promoted to open the batting in 1994, in an ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, where he smashed 82 in 49 balls. His first century took 79 ODIs to arrive but he kept piling them on with remarkable consistency.

Some of the batting highlights in his ODI career include back-to-back hundreds against Australia in 1998 in a triangular tournament in Sharjah, finishing as the highest run-getter in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, and becoming the first batsman to score a double-century in the ODI format, against South Africa in February 2010.

He was part of one of India's greatest ODI achievements over the last three decades, when they won the World Cup in 2011, beating Sri Lanka in the final on his home ground in Mumbai - it was his last ODI in India. In preparation for that World Cup, Tendulkar had curtailed the amount of ODI cricket in the year playing only four ODIs in the 12 months before the tournament. Since the end of the World Cup, Tendulkar has played 10 ODIs, seven in the CB Series against Australia and the last three of his career being played at the Asia Cup in Dhaka. His innings of 114 against Bangladesh on March 16 was his 100th international hundred in what turned out to be Tendulkar's penultimate ODI match for India.

Tendulkar's announcement of his ODI retirement came through a statement from the BCCI which stated that he had spoken to BCCI president N Srinivasan. His retirement was announced on the day the Indian selectors picked the teams to play in the five-match T20 and ODI series against Pakistan.

"It was not sudden. He informed us before the selection about his decision," Sanjay Jagdale, the BCCI secretary, told reporters. "He spoke to me and the president about his decision. Naturally he must have been (emotional) I can't say we just spoke on the phone."

"What he has expressed is his concern that India has to prepare for the next World Cup," the BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty added. "From that point of view, he felt that it was time that he retired."

Courtesy: espncricinfo.com

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December 2012- Latest Current Affairs

Current Affairs- December 2012

Current Affairs December 2012 -Third Week

U.S. beauty Olivia Culpo crowned Miss Universe 2012

Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Rhode Island native, beat 88 other beauty queens to be crowned as Miss Universe 2012 at a gala ceremony in Las Vegas on December 20, 2012. Philippines’ Janine Tugonon was adjudged the first runner-up followed by Venezuela’s Irene Esser. Ms. Culpo, who grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and dreams of making it big in showbiz, has brought the title back to the U.S. after a decade. Brooke Lee was the last winner in 1997. Wearing a red gown, Ms. Culpo was crowned by 2011 winner Leila Lopez of Angola during the competition that lasted for two hours.

Other Highlights

·        India’s Shilpa Singh made only to the top 16 spot.

·        The panel of 10 judges included names like singer Cee Lo Green, ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu M Orimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.

·        Philippines’ Janine Tugonon the first runner-up

Hat-trick for Narendra Modi in Gujarat Assembly Elections;  Congress wins Himachal Pradesh

Narendra Modi swept back to power in Gujarat for the third time by winning 115 while Congress party could manage just 61 seats. Narendra Modi who is set to become the Chief Minister yet gain beat his nearest rival Shweta Bhatt by a margin of over 86,000 votes in Maninagar.

World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012 won by India

India on 15 December 2012 won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Men’s category and second consecutive time in the Women’s category both held at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana. Indian men defeated arch rival Pakistan with a margin of 37 points whereas, Indian women thrashed Malaysia 72-12. The Kabaddi world cup was a 15-day tournament. In men's category, third prize went to Canada and in women's category, it was given to Denmark. Indian men registered a hat trick by outclassing Pakistan in every aspect of game. At the end of the first half, Indian men squad was leading with a point difference of 34-9. India’s raider and stoppers showed an extraordinary sport in collecting points for their country. Women’s final was virtually a one sided show as Malaysian team was no match against Indian eves.

Constitution Amendment Bill on Quota for SC/STs in Government Job passed by Huge Majority in Rajya Sabha

The Constitution Amendment Bill that provides quotas for SCs and STs in Government Job Promotions was approved in Rajya Sabha on 17 December 2012 by an overwhelming majority. The new amendment demands retaining of Article 335 and deletes the words or in the article to make sure that condition of efficiency as mentioned in the Article continues to be the part of Indian Constitution and not wiped out. The bill would also ensure that the provision of the Article 335 and its effects are retained and allows related standards for promotion against reserved vacancies to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Ranbir Kapoor to be Brand Ambassador of Blackberry Smartphone maker Research-In-Motion (RIM)

Blackberry Smartphone maker Research-In-Motion (RIM) in third week of December had signed in Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador in India. The signing of Ranbir Kapoor is a move to attract young entrepreneurs and professionals, as the celebrity endorsement is an accepted norm in India in terms of youth and consumer association with brand. It is also the first time Blackberry had signed a celebrity in India as its brand ambassador.

Jeet Thayil among 24 Chosen for Sahitya Akademi Award

Jeet Thayil - nominated to Booker Prize 2012, Subrata Mukhopadhyay - the Bengali novelist, K Satchidanandan - the Malayalam poet and HS Shivaprakash - the noted Kannada writer are among the 24 authors, who were chosen for the Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards 2012 on 20 December 2012 by the Sahitya Akademi - India’s National Academy for Letters. Jeet Thayil was chosen and awarded for his poetry collection in English - These Errors are Correct. Marannu Vecha Vasthukal the poetic creation of Satchidanandan helped him to be nominated for the award whereas the Novel Birasan helped Subrata Mukhopadyay in winning the nomination for the award.

Delhi Government to Draft New Bill for Amendments in Law on Rape, Sexual Assault

In the background of Vasant Vihar gang rape which took place on 16 December 2012, Delhi Government decided drafting new bill for making amendments in the law against rape and sexual assault. It was decided that amendments would be made so that the law against rape and sexual assault were more stringent. The new bill would be prepared by Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising and it would later be moved to Home Ministry via Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The new bill would aim at filling gaps in present law on rape and sexual assault. At present, the laws on rape and sexual assault have various gaps in justice delivery system. Decision to draft new bill was taken by CM Sheila Dikshit after negotiations with social workers, professors and experts.

Lok Sabha Passed the banking bill Clearing way for New Corporate Licenses

The Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012 passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, which majorily focuses on attracting more foreign investment into the banking industry and cleared a major obstacle and paved the way for the Reserve Bank of India to issue new bank licenses.

 Highlights of the Bill is as Follows

• The Bill was passed after the government agreed to drop the debatable Forwards Markets Contract Clause, which proposed permitting banks to enter commodity futures trading.

• Introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011, the Bill gives the RBI the power to surpass bank board as well as to inspect the books of associates of banking company.

• The Bill allows foreign banks to convert their Indian operations into local subsidiaries or transfer shareholding to a holding company of the bank without paying stamp duty.

• The Competition Commission clause in the Banking Bill had also been modified which will allows RBI to remain the banking regulator, while the Competition Commission of India (CCI) will regulate mergers and acquisitions.

• CCI will have the power to investigate and clear mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector.

• It also provides for voting rights to investors in private sector banks appropriate with their shareholding. The cap on voting rights for investors in private sector lenders, such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, will now rise to 26 per cent from 10 per cent, and to 10 per cent for government banks, such as State Bank of India, from just 1 per cent.

• The passage of the Bill was critical to the government as it paves the way for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new banking licenses to the private sector

• In October2012, the Cabinet approved the Forward Contract Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to give more powers to the FMC, but the Bill is yet to get Parliamentary approval.

• Foreign banks have long sought these changes which will now help them in expanding their operations in India.

Roger Federer - Swiss Male Athlete of the Year

The world No.2, 17 times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, 31,  was named Swiss Male Athlete of the Year on 16 December 2012. Federer received the honour for the fifth time. Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis player acquired the same title in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland.

Subhash Joshi -New Chief of Indian Border Security Force (BSF)

Subhash Joshi on 18 December 2012 appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) while special secretary in home ministry Ajay Chadha appointed to head the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Subhash Joshi is at present is the director general of National Security Guard and he is going to lead the 1.8 lakh strong border force BSF. The post of the chief of Indian Border Force had fallen vacant on 1 December 2012 due to retirement U K Bansal’s, the director general of the Border Security Force ( BSF).

The above appointments is going to be in effect from the dates these officers assume charge of their posts and till their superannuation or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier.

Queen Elizabeth Became First Peacetime British Ruler to Attend Cabinet Meeting

On 18 December 2012, Queen Elizabeth became first British ruler ever since 1781, who attended the cabinet meeting. Though she did not take part in any deliberations, but she participated in the cabinet meeting as an observer and a listener. Queen Elizabeth remained seated on the chair which is usually occupied by the prime minister. At present, Britain has a tradition of monarch allowing a weekly audience to PM in order to receive private as well as confidential briefing. But actually, the Queen just rubber stamps the ministerial decisions, maybe sometimes in presence of the Privy Council.

Historic series win for England Cricket Team in India

The last test match between India and England of the Tournament England Tour to India ended up as a draw and with this India lost the four-test match cricket series against England by 1-2 on 17 December 2012. With this win England succeeded in ending a 28 year long wait of winning a test series on Indian Soil. Before this the English side under the captaincy of David Gower won the test series in India 1984-85.

Series Highlights

·        The first Test was played at Ahmedabad from 15 November to 19 November 2012 in which India won the match by 9 wickets.

·        The second was played at Mumbai from 23 November to 26 November 2012 in which England won the match by 10 wickets

·        In the third test match played at Kolkata from 5 December to 9 December 2012 England won the match by 7 wickets

·        The fourth & last test resulted in a draw and was played at Nagpur from 13 December to 17 December 2012

Indigenous Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine Developed by India

First vaccine of the world was developed against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) using the Indian strain of virus. National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune offered the strain of JE virus to Bharat Biotech. This JE virus was gathered from Kolar in Karnataka. Bharat Biotech had submitted results from final human trials to Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) so that it could have marketing clearance. Currently, India imports the stock of JE vaccine from National Biotech Group of China. The arrival of this indigenous Indian vaccination will help in protection of the Indian population against the disease which is largely growing in the country.

What is Japanese Encephalitis (JE)?

JE is the mosquito-borne virus which mainly affects the CNS or Central Nervous System. It can be transmitted to human beings if infected mosquito bites. Mosquitoes in turn are affected when they feed on domestic pigs that carry this virus. JE usually affects children who are below 15 years of age. Around 25 percent affected children usually die and among those who survive, 30-40 percent suffer from mental and physical impairment. In 2011, it was reported that JE had occurred in 135 districts in 17 states of India.

Naina Lal Kidwai became the First Woman President of FICCI

On 15 December 2012 Naina Lal Kidwai took over as President of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), becoming the first woman to head the leading industry body. Kidwai, is the first woman and professional manager to be elected as President of the chamber. She is 55 years old.  Chairman of Digjam Ltd, Sidharth Birla was elected as Senior Vice-President of FICCI. Kidwai succeeded R V Kanoria of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd. Chairman of Xpro India Ltd. Naina Lal Kidwai is the Country head of HSBC India and Director of HSBC Asia Pacific.

Prepared by: currentaffairs4examz.blogspot.com

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Central Government Holidays in Kerala for 2013

List of Holidays and Restricted Holidays for 2013 for the Central Government Offices in Kerala

Holidays for 2013

SL No	Occasion	Date of Christian Era	Day of the Week
1	Pongal	January 14	Monday
2	*Prophet Mohammad's birthday (Id-e-Milad)	January 25	Friday
3	Republic Day	January 26	Saturday
4	Good Friday	March 29	Friday
5	Mahavir Jayanti	April 24	Wednesday
6	Buddha Purnima	May 25	Saturday
7	*Idu-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan)	August 09	Friday
8	Independence Day	August 15	Thursday
9	Vinayaka Chathurthi	September 09	Monday
10	Onam	September 16	Monday
11	Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday	October 02	Wednesday
12	Dussehra	October 13	Sunday
13	*Idu-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)	October 16	Wednesday
14	Diwali (Deepavali)	November 02	Saturday
15	*Muharram	November 14	Thursday
16	Guru Nanak’s Birthday	November 17	Sunday
17	Christmas Day	December 25	Wednesday

* Subject to change depending on the sighting of moon. 

For Orders Click on the link below

Holidays

Restricted Holidays

Download Calendar 2013

Kerala Region:Click Here

Delhi Region:Click Here

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Ban on new recruitment in Central Government Departments..!

Ban on new recruitment in Central Government Departments..!

Any ban order on recruitment in Central Government Services..?

Important reply as clarification by the concerned Ministry was submitted in the Parliament on 12.12.2012.

The Minister of Dopt has given reply to a question in Lok Sabha regarding the ban on new recruitment in Central Government Departments on 12th December 2012.

The Minister said that there is no ban on recruitment in Central Government. And the all Ministries and Departments concerned are required to fill up the vacancies within the framework of existing instructions and rules keeping in view functional requirement of the posts.

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Latest Current Affairs - December 2012

Current Affairs- December 2012

Current Affairs December 2012 -Second Week

Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Indian sitar Maestro Passed away

Legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who spearheaded the worldwide spread of Indian music and had a major influence on Western musicians like The Beatles, passed away in San Diego city of California on 11 December 2012 at the age of 92. Pandit Ravi Shankar is survived by his wife Sukanya and musician daughters, sitar player Anoushka Shankar, singer Norah Jones, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Pandit Ravi Shankar was the sitar exemplar and was also called India`s musical ambassador who was responsible for making Indian classical music popular in the West. He had collaborated with several international artists including George Harrison of The Beatles which had earned him fame and adoration all over the world. A Magsaysay award winner, Shankar was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1986.

In his 60 years as a musician Pandit Ravi Shankar had won numerous national and international awards.

• He received the Padma Bhushan in 1967, Padma Vibhushan in 1981 and Bharat Ratna in 1999.

• He is also a three-time Grammy winner.

• He is a honourary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and is a member of the United Nations International Rostrum of composers.

• He is winner of Magsaysay award in year 1992.

•He received the music award of the UNESCO International Music Council in 1975.

Lional Messi breaks Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a calendar year

Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player on 9 December 2012 set the record for most goals in a calendar year by scoring his 86th goal of 2012. He set the record while scoring the winning goal against Real Betis. Messi's record included 12 for Argentina and 74 goals for Barcelona in 66 games.  The earlier record was made by Gerd Mueller who had scored 85 goals in 1972 which included 72 goals for his club Bayern Munich and 13 for his country West Germany. The record breaking performance has made Messi favourite to claim his fourth FIFA World Player of the Year award.

India Successfully test fired Agni I Ballistic Missile

India on 12 December 2012 successfully test-fired it’s indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast. The missile was test-fired under a practice trial by the Strategic Force Command of the Indian Army from a mobile launcher at about 8.30 am on 12 December 2012 from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, about 100 km from Balasore, defence .

Facts about Agni I Ballistic Missile

• Agni- I is a single-stage missile which is powered by solid propellants and has a specialised navigation system which ensures that it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

• It Weighs around 12 tonnes and is 15-metre-long which is capable of carrying payloads up to 1000 kg.

• Agni-I has been developed by advanced systems laboratory, the premier missile development laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Defence Research Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat and integrated by Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad.

Bar code inventor Norman Woodland died at 91

Norman Woodland, the inventor of bar code, which revolutionised product labelling, died at 91 on 8 December 2012 at New Jersey. He died because of complications resulting due to Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife (61), two daughters, one brother and granddaughters.

Woodland was the co-inventor of bar code; the zebra pattern which stores information about the products.  He as well as his partner Bernard Silver (who died in 1963) patented this idea of bar code back in 1952 and also sold that to Philco, the electronics company for 15000 US dollar.

The code is today known as Universal Product Code (UPC). First bar code scan occurred on 26 June 1974 in Troy, Ohio. Today, there are 5 billion products which are scanned optically with the help of bar code or UPC. The laser scanner which is handheld is today used in industrial, transportation as well as shipping industries across the world. Today, the bar code saves countless hours of shoppers in the supermarkets

Vinod Rai re-elected as UN auditors panel head

Comptroller and Auditor General of India Vinod Rai has been re-elected as Chairman of United Nations Panel of External Auditors for 2013. The Panel of External Auditors plays an important role in promoting accountability and strengthening governance mechanisms in the UN organisations. Panel of the United Nations is the deciding body of the course as well as subject of audit of the different UN organisations which also include International Atomic Energy Agency. CAG of the UK, Amyas Morse was re-elected as the vice-chairman.

European Union receives 2012 Nobel Peace Prize

The European Union, received 2012Nobel Peace Prize for turning Europe "from a continent of war to a continent of peace" in the wake of two world wars. The award was conferred by Norwegian Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland to EU President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Parliament President Martin Schulz in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

Bihar received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award 2012

Bihar's public grievance redressal website received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award 2012 on 10 December 2012. The public grievance redressal website -- http://bpgrs.in has been developed by the state government as an e-governance initiative and has various features for quick and transparent disposal of complaints. The complainant is also intimated on his/her e-mail about the action taken.

Australia Won the Hockey Champions Trophy for Fifth Consecutive Year, India Lost Bronze to Pakistan

Australia won Champions Trophy 2012 for the fifth consecutive year by defeating the Netherlands in the finals held in Melbourne, Australia. The bronze was claimed by Pakistan after they beat India 3-2 on a match on 9 December 2012. India missed the chance to win bronze, which would have been its second Champions trophy medal as well as the first since 1982.

Final Result:

1. Australia: Champions

2. The Netherlands: Silver

3. Pakistan: Bronze

Australia has won Champions trophy for a maximum 13 times.

Life of Pi was given two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism

Life of Pi was given two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on 8 December 2012 recognizing the impact it has had in promoting India as a tourism destination, especially Puducherry and Munnar (Kerala). These Awards will be given to Ang Lee, Director of the film ‘Life of Pi’ and  Yann Martel, writer of the book of the same name.

Apple Launched i pad mini and fourth-generation iPad in India

On 7 December 2012, Apple launched iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad in India. This comes less than a week after the company rolled out iTunes Store in the country.

The i Pad mini with its 7.9-inch touchscreen, display, FaceTime HD, and iSight cameras came to India at starting price of 21900 rupees for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only version. The 32 and 64GB Wi-Fi-only versions of the device cost 27900 and 33900 rupees respectively in Indian market. The fourth-generation i pad is Compatible with 4G networks and have 9.7-inch touchscreen with Retina display technology and runs on A6X dual-core processor. The 16, 32 and 64GB Wi-Fi-only variants of the latest iPad are priced at 31900, 37900 and 43900rupees respectively. Apple declared that the new iPad mini is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad.

Web Ratna Gold Award for Kerala CM Website

The Kerala Chief Minister’s website, keralacm.gov.in, has won the Web Ratna Gold Medal Award instituted by Central Government to promote innovative e-Governance initiatives. This website was launched on July 01, 2011. CM’s Press Secretary P T Chacko received the award from Union Minister for Communication & IT, Kapil Sibal at a function held at New Delhi. The award aims to honour initiatives taken by the Chief Minister who have leveraged upon the use of ICT to solicit active participation of public in the process of governance. The award secretariat consisting of three tier screening committee observed that the Kerala Chief Minister’s website has succeeded in bringing better public participation in governance. ‘The New York Times’ had applauded the live streaming of Chief Minister’s office as part of Oommen Chandy’s earnest efforts to bring transparency in governance by incorporating technological innovations.

“Change of Guard” Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan now open to public every Saturday

It would now be possible for common man to visit President’s House Rashtrapati Bhavan to witness ceremonial ‘Change of Guard’ conducted in precision by smartly dressed army men and caparisoned horses. As per the new changes which have been introduced after President Pranab Mukherjee’s instructions to open the house for common man, 200 public visitors will now be allowed every Saturday at its forecourt for witnessing the ceremony.

BB Nimbalkar, India’s Highest Scorer in First class cricket Passed away

Bhausaheb Babasaheb Nimbalkar, a giant of Indian domestic cricket who came close to breaking Sir Don Bradman's first-class score in the Ranji Trophy, passed away due to age related ailments in his residence in Kolhapur on 11 December 2012.The right-handed batsman holds the record of scoring the highest individual first-class score by an Indian - 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar at Poona Club in December 1948. With an aggregate of 3,687 runs at a healthy average of 56.72 with 11 centuries he is counted among the outstanding batsmen in the Ranji Trophy.

Yeddyurappa formally launches Karnataka Janata Party

Opening a new chapter in Karnataka politics, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa formally launched Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) on 09 December 2012 and took over as its president at a massive rally here in North Karnataka.

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