PLO,Collegium_system,Pakistan,Court_rulings,Microsoft&India_Post

 

Dear all,
Welcome.

PLO: A proposal in regard to grant of Statehood to Palestine had fallen in UN Security Council voting. US & Australia had opposed it. Nine Countries support was essential. France, Russia, Argentina, Luxemburg, Jordan, Chad and Chile had voted in favour whereas US & Australia had oppposed. UK, Nigeria, S.Korea, Rwanda, and Lithuania had not voted.

Collegium system: After Constitutional amendment in appointment of Judges in Higher Courts by Collegium system, Judicial appointments commission would be replacing it. The NJAC bill was approved during past August and it is cleared by the President. Under the new law, a Commission would come into effect after Collegium system was widely criticized.

Pakistan: US is continuing aid to Pakistan and has assured for help worth 53 crore dollars. The new defence policy of US had granted loan worth 532 million dollars to Pakistan. After 9/11 attacks, Carry looger act 2010 had proposed 750 crore dollar aid out of which Pakistan had been granted 380 crore dollars so far. Whereas US President is coming to India on Republic day, US foreign minister is also engaged for such visit.

Court rulings:
1. IS: An IS trained terrorist who surrendered after coming back had been presented under MCOCA Spl. Court wherein after he was sent to Judicial remand uptil Jan. 14. He had requested for continuing of his studies.
2. Hooka Parlour: The removal of ban against Hooka Parlour is stated to be against PM's mission of drug free India. It is to note that such parlours had been declared illegal by Supreme Court Justice Bench after being banned by BMC during 2011. 
3. Delhi High Court had issued notice to Election Commission in matter related to illegal voters in Delhi. It is to note that complaints had been made by Congress & AAP party.

Microsoft: Software company had filed a case against C-cubed solutions alleging charges of providing technical help to consumers. It had petitioned before US California based Federal Court. It is charged of violating trademark agreement & adopting illegal trading. Besides, omnitech support, Anytime techies, & two others are also accused in other case matters. It is learnt that C-cubed is using Microsoft trademark for enhancing it's credibility in the market. 
With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Original_app_mssg(1) India Post

Things are fast progressing for India Post’s grand entry to banking industry. As the latest step, on Tuesday, the NDA-government amended the Post Office Savings Bank General Rules, 1981 to permit select offices of Department of Posts to issue ATM cards to savings bank account holders and issue account statements, instead of the traditional passbooks.

Presently, the service will be limited to only those post branches, which are under the core banking solution (CBS) network. To put it simple, CBS makes possible real time operation of a bank account across all branches connected through the network.

That is the reason why a customer can transact in their accounts in any bank branches. Most Indian commercial banks have covered their entire branches under CBS. The point to be noted here is with the permission to operate accounts through ATMs and issue account statements instead of a post office passbook, India post has already almost become a bank, albeit, in small scale, and if one exclude the credit operations business. A customer can keep their savings, draw statements, withdraw money from ATMs like in any other bank.For India Post, only 676 post offices are under the CBS network out of its total 1.55 lakh branches. Hence the ATM/account statement services will be initially limited to those branches. However, the department is currently undertaking a project to cover more number of branches under CBS as part of its IT-modernisation programme, besides
increasing its ATM network to 2,800 by 2015.

India Post already manages deposits worth ove Rs 6 lakh crore under its various deposit schemes.

To offer credit, however, the department needs to set up a formal bank.
Early this month, a task force, headed by former cabinet secretary, TSR Subramanian and comprising of experts that includes former Infosys board member TV Mohandas Pai, had mooted the creation of a full fledged post bank that can undertake all kind of business activities including credit like normal bank, focusing on the poorest segments of the country. But that process will take time, since such an avtar requires a fresh legislation and capital infusion from the government. The norms do not permit government entities to apply for a small bank licence.

But the postal department can certainly take the first step forward to realize the dream of ‘Post Bank of India’ by becoming a payments bank, permissible under recent RBI guidelines. The deadline to apply for payments bank is on January 16. Getting a payments bank licence will be cakewalk for
posts, since RBI is already is in favour of its candidature to become a bank.

India Post was among the 25 contenders for a full service banking licence last year but didn't get into the final list since the UPA government at the time wasn't keen on backing the move and refused to provide the department with the minimum capital required to set up a commercial bank.

RBI issued licences to only two from the 25--IDFC and Bandhan—for the full service operations but had observed that India Post can be given banking licences if government, technically the promoter of the proposed Post bank, gives its nod.

If financial inclusion is the topmost priority of the government, post bank’s entry into the banking can immensely benefit the poor, much more than the ongoing Jan Dhan Yojana, where state-run bankers are kept at gun point to meet the magical target numbers (Rs 10 crore in seven months), that in many cases has ended up in free distribution of duplicate bank accounts to existing account holders with loose KYC norms.

Force-feeding financial inclusion to the poor and unbanked has hardly worked in India in the past as is evident from large number of dormant accounts under the massive no-frills account opening drive under the RBI and previous UPA-government. Instead, preparing the ground, where poor is given easy access to the formal financial system, can work better if the intent is the real inclusion.

And no one knows the unbanked farmer, vegetable vender or daily laborer in the villages more than the postman. They KYC process is already done and the villager will trust the Postman to keep his small savings than a brand-new bank.

Of its total network, about 1,39,040 post offices are in rural areas. Going by a 2011 estimate of the postal department, about 6,000 people are covered on average by post-offices in rural areas and about 24,000 in urban areas.

Through its various saving schemes, Postal department handles deposits to the tune of Rs 6,00,000 crore. The department only needs to manage the fresh resources needed to undertake full-service banking operations; the infrastructure is already present. As *Firstpost *has noted several times before, the entry of post to the scene can change the game in banking. May be, that’s the best gift Modi can offer to India’s poor in 2015.

MDG,IS,Court_ruling,IAEA,26/11,China,Economy,Ship_wreck&Maoist

Dear all,
Welcome.
MDG: India had claimed to attain MDGs as proposed by United Nations in the areas of child mortality rate. By 2015, children aged upto 5 years would have to be brought upto 42 per 1000 childrens. Besides, child mortality rate is to be brought upto 28. National Health mission had made various States to take few steps. Under it, child birth is to be increased under the monitoring of health workers. To bring awareness regarding their care and imparting training to them & increasing
capability is to be done.
If mortality rate decline continues, India would be able to achieve the goals. During 2012, it was 52 for children aged less than five years. By 2015, it is to be brought to 140. Presently, it is 141.

IS: IS had killed 1,878 people in Syria as per Syrian monitoring organisation. It had killed 120 of its own group. Most of them are foreign volunteers who wanted to return. IS had captured a big part of
Iraq and Syria. During June, it had raised Khilafat & fought against Kurds and Iraqi forces.

Court ruling:
Bollywood actor, A.Kumar, found of stamping on 786 logo had not been summoned upon complaint rather the Andheri Court had ordered for sending it to related Police Station. It is to note that a film,
Khiladi, had been released during 2012 wherein he had been shown as such. The Court had asked for report by Mumbai Police uptil Feb.11. The complaint mentions about film producer.

IAEA: India would be making its way for getting Uranium from outside countries. All Civil nuclear reactors would be coming under the purview of IAEA. During upcoming Obama's visit to India during republic day, India would be completing its terms of making nuclear agreement. The Narora based nuclear electricity centre two reactors viz. Unit 1&2 would be coming under it.
Uptil now, 20 nuclear reactors had been made under IAEA security and purview. Tarapur unit 1&2, Rajasthan unit 1&2, Kudankullam unit 1&2, Kakrapar unit 1&2 are included in it. These are eligible for utilizingimported Uranium. Besides, Tarapur nuclear storage & separate fuel storage facility, Uranium oxide plant, Enriched Uranium fuel, Enriched Uranium oxide plant etc. including Hyderabad based nuclear fuel premises would come under IAEA security & purview.
All reactors with foreign collaboration would be directly coming under IAEA. It is an essential condition for Civil nuclear agreement along with US. By Dec.end, India had to hand over such civil nuclear reactors under IAEA purview. It would be able to use international fuel.

26/11 mastermind: Pakistan High Court had suspended notification in regard to arrest of Mumbai blast accused after he had got bail from Pak.ATC court. After sharp criticism, it had arrested uner MPO but after approaching High Court, his arrest is suspended. It is to note that earlier Islamabad Court had granted him bail.
His name had figured after arresting Kasab who had mentioned him in the statement, the only live terrorist during Feb.2009 Mumbai attacks. He was hanged on Nov.21, 2012.

China: Indian security agencies had found nearabout 50 chinese study centres and maths at Nepal & Bhutan border, who are engaged in campaigning. SSB had prepared a report wherein 22 such centres are run at Nepal border. These are learnt to be spreadin chinese culture, tradition, education and economy. The report mentions about such programs being run in tarai region especially Jhapa and Ilam areas.
These districts have strong relations with India economically & commercially. The Chinese Study centre had stated that their aim is to help people learn chinese language and culture.

Economy: Govt. priority is to create environment for investment so as to increase its pace. During past seven years, it had taken such steps. Action against black money would be taken. The service sector is exhibiting better. Cash flow is to be increased with encouragement in the market. The irrigation project are to be invested. The slow pace in manufacturing sector is to be increased.
The govt. is focusing on reforms. Commerce minister would be addressing a workshop on "Make in India".
The parallel economy due to black money is posing threat & it is to be curbed. The black money would be diverted towards mainstream. It could give additional resources in the economy.

Ship wreck: A passenger ship with 478 passengers aboard moving from Greek to Italy caught fire nar Korfu island. Due to heavy wind and sea turbulence, rescue operation is suspended. Helicopter and rescue ships are trying to reach near the ship. Eight cargo ships are being used as windshield. It caught fire at garage where 220 cars had been sheltered.

With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Maoist

An alarming increase in the activity of Naxals has been detected by security agencies recently in Kerala where the Left Wing Extremists have started perpetrating violent acts by espousing the cause of tribals.

Officials said security agencies have found that the Western Ghats Special Zonal Committee of the CPI (Maoist) have launched a "series of actions" in the southern state, beginning with vandalising forest department establishments in Wayanad and Palakkad districts recently.

There are ten identified Naxal violence-affected states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Maharashtra. "The red extremists are raising issues of alleged environmental pollution due to mining and other quarrying activities and the high-handedness of police and forest department officials, which leads to the displacement of tribals from these areas. They are trying to take up cudgels on behalf of tribals and their rights," they said.
They said these developments are alarming as "Kerala has never seen such incidents occurring with so much stead in the recent past". There had been some reports of Naxal activities in the state in the
period between 1960-70s. The agencies have specifically found that the Maoists, through their local communication channels, are trying to highlight the alleged "misreable" condition of the tribals of Manjeeri area of Malappuram district.
"They are spreading the message that the tribals' plight in the state and in these specific areas is because of the indifference of forest and tribal welfare departments and alleged inaction by the state
police," they said.- PTI

Egypt,Russia,Mann_ki_baat,Court_rulings,Modi_govt.,Saradha_scam&Maoist/CRPF

Dear all,
Welcome.
Times person of the year: Times magazine had selected Ebola virus treatment making doctor as the Times person of the year. After online poll, eight finalists had been selected. The magazine had stated that when govt. had not been willing to fight disease, initiative was taken by doctor and nurses. It is to note that eight finalists are Taylor Swift, Vladimir putin, Ferguson protestors, Tim Cook, Alibaba founder, NFL Commissioner an Kurdish leader.

 

Egypt: Egypt had translated Indian Constitution draft for its contribution towards maintaining democratic institutions. It's first ever Arabic translation had been issued by League of Arab States Secretariat and Indian Embassy.
Arab had praised for making such constitutin, who caters to all sections of society. It depicts religious and caste diversity which had been praised by organisers and persons present there.

Russia: After Russian premiere's visit to India, US had stated that it is not the right time to have general business. Around 20 trade agreements had been made in oil and gas including defence sector. US foreign dept. spokesman had stated that such news are seen. However, no information is available. But, it is stated before all allies that it is not the right time to have agreements.
Cremian head had also visited along with Russian premiere, which had dismayed US. It is awkward situation for US. New Delhi also didn't knew it. India had been asked to clarify in this regard.Ukraine had also criticized India.

 

Mann ki baat: PM would be talking on AIR tomorrow at 11 am on youths becoming drug addicts. He had stated that he is waiting for it. During past program, addiction was stated to be next topic. Many people had suggested, and kept their experiences and comments on the issue. They are eye opener and supporting to him.

 

Court rulings:
1. MSP: Supreme Court had heard petition for MSP yesterday wherein Central govt. had asked for four weeks time which was accepted by Bench. Duing past hearing, Supreme Court had asked govt. for presenting its program for implementation of farmers commission recommendations in phased manner. National farmers commission had submitted report during 2006 wherein crops MSP was fixed 50% more. During 2007, National farmers policy was announced and it had asked for implementation of recommendation. Later PM headed working group was formed which had given report during Dec. 2010. The working group had given new formula for fixing Minimum support price. The petitioner had claimed that those recommendations are not made effective. It had been included in BJP manifesto.
2. Sahara: Sahara had been permitted to sell its domestic assets against which it had received 1,211 crore INR for sale of 185 acres of Gurgaon land to M3M India. It is to note that the sale was permitted to collect fund for release of its three directors. They had also asked for junior loan for sale of its three hotels at London, Newyork. But it was not permitted till oversee of escrow agreement by SEBI.

 

Modi govt. It had issued 18 new rules stating that official should be responsible towards lower strata of society. DoPT had issued notification for Central Civil services (code of conduct) third amendment rules, 2014. It is made compulsory that selection should be based upon merit and recommendations made through. The amended rule states that govt. servant has to maintain honesty and political impartiality. He should be polite to public. Constitution and democratic rules should be properly committed.
The govt. had made it clear that no official should oblige any institute which affects its official responsibility. All officials should maintain secrecy esp. for information which affects sovereign integrity. The said code of conduct is applicable for IAS, IPS and IFS officials.

 

Saradha scam: West Bengal CM had stateed that they would oppose during the parliamentary session against arrest of TMC MP. Chief metropolitant magistrate had rejected bail petition of Mitra and ordered for his CBI custody uptil Dec.16. Mamata had made it clear that she would not oust him from ministry and would oversee his work. West Bengal govt.would not tolerate such insult. His family is not such poor that he would take such money and run his family. He was called for interrogationa nd after phone call he had been arrested.
With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Maoist/CRPF

A very grim tale of a complete failure of command within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh on December 1 has emerged that resulted in the death of its 14 personnel.
Sources in the CRPF have revealed that over 200 troops were kept waiting for more than an hour and a half in a Maoist stronghold by their commander after he was summoned for a meeting by CRPF’s Inspector-General (Operations) in Chhattisgarh, HS Sidhu, who was camping 400 metres away.
When the Maoists attacked, the troops of the CRPF’s 223 Battalion were without command that led to utter chaos among them. What is more intriguing is that although the IG was present in such close proximity with 250 troops, he chose not to come to the rescue of his men.

The CRPF troops were on a SADO (Search and Destroy Operation) and had started at 06.30 am from Hill number 406 in Sukma district where they had camped for the night. As the party, comprising of over 100 troops of the 223 Battalion, 100 commandos of the CRPF’s CoBRA force and 1 policeman,
under the command of Sanad Kamal, commandant of 223 Battalion, approached Kasalpada village, they were asked to halt there while Kamal went away to meet the IG. This is the same area from where a chopper of the Indian Air Force was fired at by Maoists on November 21.

After the meeting with the IG, Kamal, as instructed, joined another party of troops belonging to 74 Battalion. But this was not communicated to his troops who kept waiting for him. In fact, according to sources, his deputy, BS Verma kept on asking him if they could move away from the open area, but was asked to “hold ground”.

Eyewitnesses have told *The Hindu* that after a while, the troops became too relaxed and broke into small groups. Some began to prepare Maggi noodles while a few ventured too close to the village. At 10.30 am, a group of 50-60 Maoists, hiding in the village, opened fire on them. They had put snipers atop trees who shot at the CRPF personnel with accuracy.

The deputy commandant of the 223 Battalion, BS Verma, was badly injured in the first round of fire. Eyewitnesses say, despite receiving a burst of fire on his right foot, he stood behind a tree on his other foot and kept on firing at the Maoists. But he collapsed soon afterwards, most probably due to excessive blood loss. The assistant commandant, Rajesh Kapooria, was also killed very early in the attack.

With nobody in command, the troops, according to CRPF sources, turned hysterical and began firing indiscriminately in all directions. It was so indiscriminate that the men are believed to have fired about 7,000 rounds of bullets in response to a few hundred rounds fired by the Maoists. With
their ammunition exhausted, and several of their colleagues dead, many troops just stood motionless in a daze, revealed eyewitnesses.

They were ultimately saved by CoBRA commandos who pulled them out and offered first aid to the injured among them.

The IG finally reached the spot at 2.30 pm, according to sources, followed by commandant Kamal.

In Delhi, CRPF’s IG (Operations), Zulfiquar Hasan, said a high-level inquiry had been initiated. “We are taking it seriously and lapses, if found, will be dealt with severely,” he said.

Times,Egypt,Court_ruling,Spectrum,Coal_mines,Basel III,STP,Anti-Sikh_riots,Russia&GSAT16

Dear all,
Welcome.
Times person of the year: Times magazine had selected Ebola virus treatment making doctor as the Times person of the year.

Egypt: Egypt had translated Indian Constitution draft for its contribution towards maintaining democratic institutions. It's first ever Arabic translation had been issued by League of Arab States
Secretariat and Indian Embassy.
Arab had praised for making such constitution, who caters to all sections of society. It depicts religious and caste diversity which had been praised by organisers and persons prsent there.

Court ruling:
Nursery admission: Delhi High Court had put stay on abolishion of point system for nursery admission. The Justice Bench had cited that children aged three years have no doubts regarding discrimination and autonomy.
The next hearing is scheduled on January 15. It is to note that earlier HC single member bench had ruled onNov. 28 for cancellation of point system. Also, more autonomy was advocated for private schools.
The private schools were asked for making their own rules. The Delhi's Education ministry and NGO had gone against stated order.

Spectrum: Mobile services might go costlier as it is in demand by companies. TRAI had recommended for 23% increase in spectrum price.
The telecom. commission had fixed base price for 900 MHZ as 3,693 crore INR. CDMA for 800 MHZ is reserved price for 3646 crore INR. It is 17% more. During 2013, CDMA spectrum was not sold.

Coal mines: Central govt. had stated that it is not going to privatise coal mines. The Spl. provision bill 2014 seeks to re-auction coal blocks which had been cancelled by Supreme coal for allocation. It
would also improve coal sector. It would be replacing the ordinance made after Supreme Court's order for cancellation of allocation of 204 mines. TMC had opposed it uner rule 72(1) as it would pave the way for privatisation.
It is to note that 42 coal blocks which are in operation would have allocation cancelled on March 31, 2015. The Bank loans given to the private companies is under threat of getting converted into NPAs.

Basel III: The PSU banks would have lesser govt. stake but it could not be less than 52% against earlier stated 58%. The Banks would be able to raise capital for meeting Basel III norms. All Banks had been told to reduce stakes in phased manner. It would help banks get 1,60,825 crore INR. Central govt. would contribute 78,895 crore INR.

STP: Central govt. had asked States to set up Sewage treatment plants away from Ganges river. Under any rural plan, such permission would not be granted by Central govt. Water resources minister had visited many cities and aken this step. STPs located near rivers discharge their effluents without treatment thereby causing pollution. Also, report on 38 Sewage treatment plants had been sought.

Anti-Sikh riots: Modi govt. had decided to grant compensation of five lakh INR to 3325 victims of Anti-Sikh riots during 1984. The compensation would be additional. It would cost 166 crore INR.
It is to note that earlier Election Commission had sought clarification in this regard prior to elections citing Model Code of Conduct. HOme minister had clarified that decision had been pending.
It is being implemented after third stage of elections.
Earlier, UPA govt. had announced package of 717 crore INR to them during 2006. It included 3.5 lakh INR with financial support to loosers. A total of 517 crore was disbursed while 200 crore was
disputed amount.
With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Russia
After formation of new govt. Russian premiere's visit to India for annual summit today is expected to have discussions on many projects including strategic ones. The agenda is wide and it could include
Civil nuclear cooperation, space tech, hydrocarbons, new fighter planes (5G), synthetic rubber production etc.
A delegation level talk would be held prior to signing of agreement. Around 15 agreements are expected. World diamond conference is also likely to be jointly inaugrated. Some features:
1. Civil nuclear deal for 25 plants by both countries.
2. Sukhoi super jet 100 and MS21 planes
3. Russian navigation satellite glossnas based
4. Komov 226 helicopter supply and production incl. tractors too.
5. Smart cities
6. Siberian Oil gas sector cooperation
7. oil export worth 30-50 lakh tonnes

Original_app_mssg(2) GSAT16

The communication Satellite was launched from French Kourou on Monday after its launch being suspended twice earlier. The LAM was started after it getting into orbit. It was run for 6081 secon. It was established at 36,000 kms away from earth in Geo Stationary orbit. The LAM would be started thrice for increasing it's path. The transponders had been switched ON. The minimum height is of 16,005 kms.

Original_app_mssg(3) Economy
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The global economy will grow by more than 3 percent in 2015 and 2016, the United Nations predicted Wednesday, but that growth will be uneven in some regions.

The U.N.'s annual economic report says growth edged up in 2014 at an estimated 2.6 percent.

The U.N. is forecasting 3.1 percent economic growth in 2015 and 3.3 percent growth in 2016.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report says business investment will be a major driver in the United States, growth in the world's least developed economies will exceed the global average, and strong household consumption will keep East Asia the world's fastest growing region.

But troubles in the eurozone, including high unemployment, continue to hold back Western Europe; China's growth becomes more moderate; and Russia's economic activity is flat after it "came to a standstill" amid tensions over Ukraine.

Long-term unemployment remains a problem in many regions recovering from the Great Recession, the report says.

While "unexpected shocks" like the rise of the Islamic State group in the Middle East have hurt global recovery, the report says the effects so far have been limited because the global oil markets have remained stable. "Any actual or feared conflict-related decline in oil supplies(has been) offset by oil production increases, notably in the United States," the report says.

Among developed economies, the report says the United States will see 2.8 percent growth in 2015 and 3.1 percent in 2016. The European Union will edge up 1.7 percent in 2015 and 2 percent in 2016. Japan, hurt by lower private consumption caused by a higher consumption tax, will see just 1.2 percent growth in 2015 and 1.1 percent in 2016.

Among developing countries, the U.N. report says China will see 7.0 percent growth in 2015 and 6.8 percent in 2016. India will continue to drive the South Asian region with 5.9 percent growth in 2015 and 6.3 percent in 2016.
Large public investment projects are expected to help Latin American countries, with Brazil expected to grow 1.5 percent in 2015 and 2.4 percent in 2016. Mexico will see 3.4 percent growth in 2015 and 3.8 percent in 2016.

"Near-zero growth" is forecast for Russia in 2015, at just 0.2 percent, with 1.2 percent expected in 2016.

Africa has some of the strongest growth numbers, helped by investment and private consumption. Nigeria should see 6.1 percent in 2015 and 5.9 in 2016, and the continent overall is expected to see 4.6 percent in 2015 and 4.9 in 2016.

But the Ebola outbreak that has crushed economies in West Africa's Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.