INTERNATIONAL
Every year 2,70,000 Pedestrains are died in the World
On May 2 , World Health Organization (WHO) announced that every year 2,70,000 pedestrains are died in road accidents. In case of
pedestrains protection is ignored by goverments.So,every week 5 thousands of pedestrains are died.
Maryland became the First southern US state to Abolish Death Penalty
Maryland, the U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, on 2 May 2013 became the first southern US state to
abolish the death penalty.The measure on it was signed by Democratic Governor Martin OfMalley on 2 May 2013.The person who was
attended was former Maryland death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth.He will be the first person in the country freed from death penalty
because of DNA evidence after being convicted in a death penalty case.On the global level, Maryland is the 18th state to abolish the
death penalty.
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Released Somalia Famine Conditions Report
On 3 May According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study report, nearly 260,000 people died during the famine
that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012.Half of them were children under the age of five.The number of deaths was higher than the estimated
220,000 people who died during the 1992 famine.An estimated 4.6% of the total population and 10% of children under five died in
southern and central Somalia.In Lower Shabelle, 18% of children under five died and in Mogadishu 17%.Somalia was worst hit by the
extreme drought in 2011 that affected more than 13 million people across the Horn of Africa.Tens of thousands of people fled their
homes in search of food.
Japan . UAE signed Nuclear Agreement
On 3 May Japan and the United Arab Emirates signed on the transfer of nuclear cooperation agreement .It was the first bilateral nuclear
agreement signed by Japan since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis triggered by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.The agreements
was signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum.
Amazonian Countries Signed Strengthen Regional Cooperation Agreement
On 4 May The representatives of the member countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) agreed to widen and
strengthen regional cooperation to promote the integral development of those territories.Foreign ministers and representatives of
Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam and Ecuador signed the Coca Declaration, by which they agreed to
support initiatives as that presented by Ecuador and the establishment of the Regional Observatory for the Amazon.The countries that
signed the document also intend to facilitate the coordination between OTCA, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States
(Celac), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Andean Community (CAN), the Southern Common Market
(MERCOSUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Malaysiafs Barisan Nasional wins parliamentary election
The National Front coalition or Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Najib Razak triumphed in Malaysiafs general
parliamentary election on 05 May 2013. The BN won 133 seats in the 222-seat parliament, taking 60% of the votes, while the
opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) party secured 89 seats.80% of Malaysiafs 13.3 million voters cast their ballots in what is being called
the closest race ever in Malaysia.
Russia and U.S. Agreed on Syria Peace Process
On 7 May Russia and the United States agreed to work together to bring the warring sides in Syria to the negotiating table raising hopes
for an end to carnage in the war-torn country and a thaw in frosty relations between Moscow and Washington.U.S. Secretary of State
John Kerry met Russian President Vladimir Putin and bid to narrow the differences between Moscow and Washington on the conflict.
73 Million Youth Will Be Unemployed By 2013
On 8 May According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) eGlobal Unemployment Trends 2007-13 e report , more than 73
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million young people are unemployed around the world .The situation is particularly grim in the European Union, West Asia and North
Africa.73.4 million people aged between 15 and 24 would be out of work at the end of the year an increase of 3.5 million since
2007.The youth unemployment rate in South Asia decreased in 2011 by 0.4 percentage points to reach 9.2 per cent, but increased to
9.3 per cent in 2012.The current jobless rate for the young of 12.6% was expected to keep swelling to 12.8% by 2018, when more
than two million more youths would likely be out of work
Brazil, Argentina Signed Agreement To Build Nuclear Reactors
On 8 May Brazil and Argentina have agreed to extend their nuclear cooperation by jointly commission will jointly build two research
reactors.The agreement, signed by the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy (CNEN) and the National Commission of
Atomic Energy (CNEA), is centred on the construction of two reactors.
Argentine Passed Judicial Reform Bill
On 8 May Argentinafs Senate passed a Judicial Reform Law, by 38 votes in favor to 30.According to Argentine President Cristina
Fernandez it aims at democratizing the judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif Re-elected for Third term as Pakistan PM
On 14 May Two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif re-elected as Pakistan Prime Minister for the third time after
won the general elections with a thumping majority.The Election Commission of Pakistan announced results of 272 National Assembly
seats, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heading the count with 126 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats.The
Sharif, belongs to Pakistan Muslim League . Nawaz (N) party. Pakistan Muslim League-N attained an overpowering lead with 130
seats. The first runner up is Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 37 seats and the last is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
with 31 seats.Nawaz Sharif previously having been Pakistanfs 12th and 14th Prime Minister for two non-consecutive terms from
November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 to October 1999. Sharif is the President of Pakistan Muslim League-N, one of
Pakistanfs largest political parties.
France became the 14th Country in the World to legalise Gay Marriage
In France now onwards allow same-sex couples to marry. Francefs President Francois Hollande on 17 May 2013 signed into law a
controversial bill to legalise gay marriage. It makes France the ninth in Europe and 14th in the world to do so.
Zimbabwefs President Signed New Constitution Into Law
On 22 Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwefs new constitution into law. The new constitution was approved
overwhelmingly in a referendum in March 2013.The constitution cut short the powers of the president, limits presidential tenures to two
five-year terms and does away with the post of prime minister.
Afghanistan Parliament Approved new Election Law
On 22 May The Lower House of the Afghan Parliament approved two new Election laws , that will take effect in the elections next
spring. The law contains 79 articles and 16 chapters.
EU Lifted Arms Embargo on Syrian Rebels
On 27 May European foreign ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Syria,, paving the way for individual EU member states to
provide weapons to the Syrian rebels.After long and continuous hour of talk EU governments failed to agree on extending the arms
embargo, which effectively ends the EUfs ban on supplying arms to the rebels.Some other restrictive measures against Syria , which
include financing restrictions, travel bans and asset freezes is also supposed to be extended for a year, as there is a fear that the entire
sanctions regime could fall over a failure to agree on the arms issue.
Australia the worldfs happiest nation: OECD
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its Better Life Index, which ranks the worldfs most developed
economies on jobs, income environment and health. Australia got first place for the third consecutive year.Sweden, Canada, Norway ,
Switzerland,United States, Denmark, The Netherland Iceland and United Kingdom were also in the top ten.In Australia 84 percent of
the people accepted that their life is happy.So,Australia got the first place in Better Life Index.
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INDIA & WORLD
US, India and Japan hold trilateral cooperation talks
On May 2 ,India, the United States and Japan held their fourth trilateral dialogue at the State Department in Washington, exchanging
views on a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual interest.These discussions focused on the prospect of greater Indo-Pacific
commercial connectivity and regional and maritime security, and cooperation in multilateral fora.The Indian delegation was headed by
External Affairs Ministry joint secretaries D.B. Venkatesh Varma and Vikram Doraiswami.The group agreed to meet again in autumn in
Tokyo to continue their deliberations.
17th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting
The 17th Session of the India-Iran Joint Commission was held in Tehran on May 4, 2013.The Session was co-chaired by Dr. Ali Akbar
Salehi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran and by Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of India.The two sides discussed
bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.Both countries agreed to study the prospects of joint investment in both countries.The two
sides also signed on MOU between the Government of India and the Government of Iran on cooperation in the field of water resources
management.
India Tops eBorn to Die same Dayf List
On 7 May According to the humanitarian organization Save the Children charity in an annual report entitled gState of the Worldfs
Mothers ,India tops the list of babies that die on the day they are born.India has the dubious distinction of recording the most first-day
deaths of children.Every year, 3,09,000 children die on the day they are born in India. It accounts for 29% of all the first-day deaths
globally, the highest for any country.India is followed on this grim list by Nigeria (89,700 deaths, or 9 percent); Pakistan (59,800, or 6
percent); China (50,600, or 5 percent); and Democratic Republic of Congo (48,400, or 5 percent).
Finland Top Ranked in World To Be a Mother
On 8 May According to the annual report called eState of Worldfs Mothers 2013Πwas issued by an international NGO gSave the
Childrenh , Finland has topped the list of countries where mothers enjoy the best conditions in the world, while India ranks a low 142nd,
below China and Pakistan.The US places 30th this year while Pakistan was 139th on the list. China ranked at the 68th place.The top ten
countries attained very high scores for mothersf and childrenfs health, educational, economic and political status.The report was featured
by a ranking list of Mothersf index, showing the conditions of mothers in 176 countries .Among the reviewed countries, Finland was
ranked the best country for being mothers followed by Sweden, Norway, Iceland while Democratic Republic of Congo was considered
to be the toughest place.
Karnataka, Israel Signed Bilateral Agreement
On 8 May Israel and the Indian state of Karnataka have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. This is the first-ever such agreement
between Israel and an Indian state. The agreement aims to further bilateral business, technology, and economic relations and sees Israel
benefiting from Karnatakafs human resources and the Indian state benefitting from Israelfs innovations.
India Tops Cervical Cancer Deaths
On 10 May According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card report released by the Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition, with nearly
73,000 women dying every year, India now tops the world in cervical cancer deaths .India represents 26.4 per cent of all women dying
of cervical cancer globally, with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand also showing high death incidence.The cervical
cancer kills an estimated 275,000 women every year .Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) report in 2009 the number of cervical
cancer cases were 101938 which has increased to 107690 in 2012.It is being estimated that the number of cervical cancer cases and
deaths are estimated to increase by 2025 to 203,757 and 115,171, respectively.
Britain launched Super Priority Visa Service for Travellers from India
On 12 May 2013, Britain launched super priority same-day visa service for urgent travellers from India. Britain launched this kind of
service first time for India only . The super priority visa service was announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit
to India in February 2013.
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Google signs MoU to train engineering students in Andhra Pradesh
On May 14,Google India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to train
engineering students of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKC) in latest technologies like mobile and cloud computing.The MoU was signed
between the IT minister and Nelson Mattos, vice president (Europe & Emerging Markets), Google Hyderabad. Google will also train
the trainers/mentors of AP Society for Knowledge Networks (APSFKNW) and provide required software, services and training
material free of cost.
India and Netherlands Signed MoU on Urban Planning
On 14 May India and Netherlands signed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation in the field of Spatial
Planning, Water Management, and Mobility Management .The agreement was signed by Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development
& Parliamentary Affairs, and Ms Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Minister for Infrastructure and Environment, Netherlands
UN General Assembly Approved Syria Resolution
On 15 May The U.N. General Assembly approved an Arab-backed resolution calling for a political transition in Syria and condemning
President Bashar al-Assad Government for its increasing use of heavy weapons. A majority of 107 states voted to adopt the resolution.
There were 12 votes against and 59 abstentions.Russia was fiercely opposed to the resolution, termed it as unbalanced and inadequate
to address adequately atrocities allegedly committed by rebel groups.The resolution was drafted by Arab states who have supported the
rebels.India abstained from voting on the non-binding resolution on Syria.Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution.
India Granted Observer Status in Arctic Council
On 15 May India granted observer status in the Arctic Council was successful along with that of five other countries, China, Italy, Japan,
South Korea and Singapore at a meeting in Kiruna, Sweden.The council is made up of the eight Arctic nations are Canada, Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.This membership will give India chances of navigation and oil and gas
exploration.The European Union also applied as an observer, but its final status remained unresolved pending resolution of a dispute with
Canada over trade in seal products.
India, UK Signed Agreement on Health Sector
On 19 May India and Britain have signed an agreement for cooperation in the health sector with specific focus on strengthening primary
health care and technological development.The agreement was signed by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare India, Ghulam
Nabi Azad and Secretary of State for Health, UK, Jeremy Richard Hunt.
Indians Largest Foreign Born Group in London
On 20 May According to the Oxford Universityfs Migration Observatory latest study report , Indians have become the largest foreignborn
group in London, followed by residents born in Poland and Ireland.Migration Observatory, 262,247 persons born in India were
living in London in 2011, which represents 8.8 per cent of all foreign-born residents in London.This accounts for 37.8 per cent of all
residents that had been born in India resident in England and Wales in 2011.Other important foreign-born groups in London, with more
than 100,000 residents, include those born in Ireland (129,807), Nigeria (114,718), Pakistan (112,457) and Bangladesh (109,948).
India . China Signed 8 Agreements
On 20 May India and Chine signed eight important agreements covering a wide range of issues like trade, culture and water resources.
The agreements were finalised after delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese counterpart Le
Keqiang.
The list of eight agreements/memoranda of undrstanding (MoUs):-
(i) Protocol between Indiafs external affairs ministry and Chinafs foreign affairs ministry on Indian Official Pilgrimage (the Kailash
Mansoarovar Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
(ii) Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group (JEG) between Indiafs commerce and industry
ministry and Chinafs commerce ministry.
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(iii) MoU on Buffalo meat, fishery products and Agreement on feed and feed ingredients between Indisfs Agricultural and Processed
Food Products Export Development Authority and The Marine Products Export Development Authority and Export Inspection Council
and Chinafs General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
(iv) MoU between Indiafs urban development ministry and Chinafs National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on
cooperation in sewage treatment.
(v) MoU between Indiafs water resources ministry and NDRC on cooperation in water-efficient irrigation.
(vi) MoU between the external affairs ministry and Chinafs State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television
(SAPPRFT) on cooperation in mutual translation and publication of works, both classic and contemporary.
(vii) MoU between the water resources ministries of both countries for provision of hydrological information by China to india on the
Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River during the flood season.
(viii) MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to promote cooperation and linkages between the cities and states/provinces
of the two countries.
Visa on Arrival facility to passengers travelling through RGIA
The central government has extended Visa-On-Arrival facility to international passengers travelling through Rajiv Gandhi International
Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad managed by the GMR Group.Visitors from 11 countries will be eligible to get a VoA from May 31 at
RGIA.The Centre had introduced an Indian tourist VoA scheme on January 1, 2010 at certain airports which was initiated for citizens of
five countries. Subsequently, a year later, the facility was extended to a total of 11 countries viz Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New
Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
US Senate Committee Approves Immigration Reform Bill
On 22 May The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a massive immigration reform bill that grants 11 million undocumented
immigrants currently living in the country an earned path to citizenship.The legislation was passed by a vote of 13 to 5 with three
Republicans joining 10 Democrats to approve it.The bill, which requires major advances in border security and expansion of a
comprehensive e-verify system for employers before any undocumented worker is allowed to pursue citizenship, will need 60 votes to
pass the 100-seat Senate.
US and India Pledge To Collaborate on Combating Terrorism
On 22 May The US has pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing terror threats and asked
international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure that support terrorism.After talks between
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two
countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting.
India, Japan to speed up talks on civil nuclear deal
On 29 May 2013,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe decided to speed up talks on a civil
nuclear deal to allow Japan to export nuclear reactors to India and to bolster maritime security cooperation at a time when Chinafs
postures in the seas of the regional have caused concerns.A joint statement issued at the end of exhaustive talks between Singh and Abe
said the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, while recognising that
nuclear safety is a priority for both governments.In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the negotiations of an
Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy towards an early conclusion
India and Thailand sign extradition treaty
On 30 May 2013,in a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and Thailand signed the much awaited extradition treaty after
20 years of negotiations.The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.The treaty was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart
Yingluck Shinawatra.The treaty provides the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in
terrorism, transnational crimes and economic offences among others.The two countries totally signed on seven pacts. They are
extradition, education,financial intelligence mapping , geospatial technology applications , investigation of persons suspected of money
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laundering and criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
UNESCO Declares Nicobar Islands as World Biosphere Reserve
On 31 May The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared and designated the Nicobar
Islands in India as a world biosphere reserve .The International Coordinating Council of UNESCOfs Man and the Biosphere
Programme added the Nicobar Islands to the list of eleven other sites which are designated as world biosphere reserves.Great Nicobar
now 9th Indian reserve in Unesco world network.Member countries establish such reserves. UNESCO recognizes them under the
programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.
NATIONAL
National Urban Health Mission Approved By Cabinet
On 1 May The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to reduce rates of infant mortality,
maternal mortality and for universal access to reproductive health care.The cost of the National Urban Health Mission for 5 years is
22507 crore rupees and the Central government will share 16955 crore rupees.The mission will be implemented in 779 cities and towns
each with the population of more than 50,000 has expected to cover about 7.75 crore people.The Cabinet also gave its nod to a bill
which provides for confiscating property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants.
19.57 lakh Hectares of Forest Land Encroached
On 1 May According to the latest figures compiled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests reveal that unchecked encroachment on
forest land is on the rise.According to the figures, over 19.57 lakh hectares of forest land is under encroachment in various parts of the
country.Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 4.87 lakh hectares under encroachment. Followed by Assam (3.30 lakh ha), Andhra Pradesh
(2.57 lakh ha) and Maharashtra (1.83 lakh ha).
Mobile subscribers largest in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
The countryfs most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, accounts for the largest number of mobile subscribers in the country followed by
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for almost half of the total wireless connections.India,
which is the worldfs second largest mobile phone market in terms of subscribers, had a total of 861.66 million mobile connections as on
February 2013, data from telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) showed.Uttar Pradesh has a total of 121.60
million mobile phone connections, while, Tamil Nadu has 71.81 million subscribers, according to the TRAI data.Maharashtra is at the
third position, with a subscriber base of 67.73 million followed by Andhra Pradesh and Bihar at 64.12 million and 60.73 million,
respectively.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant got Approval for Operations by the Supreme Court of India
On 06 May, the Supreme Court of India directed that the Kudankulam nuclear plant situated in Tamil Nadu could start its operations
now. A bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra issued the directions to the government on safety as well as security of
the plant, along with its operations.
Govt Sets Up 39 Special NIA Courts Across The Country
On 7 May Minister of State for Home R P N Singh announced in the Parliament that under the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Act, the central government has set up the 39 special courts to take up terror-related cases.
Cabinet Approved Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission
On 16 May The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with the objective of conserving and
restoring the heritage sites associated with eFather of the Nationf.Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission will be assigned with the identification,
collation and assessment of the information on Gandhi Heritage material, its management and deployment.
Indiafs First Yoga University in Gujarat
On 23 May Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the countryfs first yoga university in Ahmedabad.Lakulish Yoga
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University, established by Life Mission Trust of Gujarat, is claimed to be the first ever such private sector self-financed institution in the
country.
STATES
Congress Won in Karnataka Assembly Elections
On 8 May Congress has won 121 seats of the 223 seats on which polls were contested in Karnataka Assembly Elections , the elections
were held on 5 May 2013. The ruling BJP and the JD-S won 40 seats each.The Karnataka Janata Party led by former Chief Minister
B.S. Yeddyurappa bagged a mere six seats.The assembly has 224 elected and one nominated members. The election took place for
223 seats.
Tamil Nadu Bans Gutka Products
On 8 May The Tamil Nadu government banned the production, possession, distribution and sale of tobacco products such as pan
masala and gutka in the state.Tamilnadu Government had constituted a separate department eTamil Nadu Food Safety and Medical
Administration,f after the Centre announced the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Cabinet Approved 2 Major Ports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
On 9 May the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping for setting up of two major
ports.The ports will come up in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh each, through a Public-Private-Partnership mode. As per the
proposal, one port will be developed at Dugarajapatnam, Nellore district, in Andhra Pradesh and second port will come up at Sagar
Island in West Bengal.
CONFERENCES
ADBfs 46th Annual Meeting Held in New Delhi
46th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors, held in Delhi, India, from 2 to 5 May 2013.Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh , Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and ADB member board of directors and related financial institutions
were attended the meeting.Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India
over the next three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian Wildlife Biologist Aparajita Datta Honoured with the Whitley Award 2013
On 2 May An Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Aparajita Datta was honoured with the Whitley award, also known as Green Oscar, in
London . Aparajita Datta, the Indian wildlife biologist was conferred with the award by Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth, at
the Royal Geographical Society in London for her efforts in order to save the endangered hornbills in Eastern Himalayas.Aparajita Datta
is the head of the program for conservation of the hornbills in dense tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, at Nature Conservation
Foundation. The tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh are an abode to five hornbill species.
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi Awarded with e Judy Wilkenfeld e
On 2 May An Indian doctor of Mumbaifs Tata Memorial Hospital has been awarded with the prestigious Judy Wilkenfeld Award for
International Tobacco Control Excellence for his innovative efforts in reducing tobacco consumption in India.He received the award by
the eCampaign for Tobacco Free Kidsf on at a function in Washington.
Indian Police Unit in Congo Gets UN medal
On 17 May An Indian police unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal.The 135
Indian Formed Police Unit-2 (FPU) was honoured with the medal as an appreciation for their service in Goma/North Kivu.
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Malala Yousufzai Selected For Prestigious Global Leadership Award
On 20 May Teenager Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot at last year by the Taliban for advocating education of girls, has
been selected for the prestigious Global Leadership Award this year.Malala will receive the award for her role as a global activist in
advocating for educating and empowering girls worldwide.She was targeted for her outspoken views and advocacy on behalf of girlsf
education.
Indian-American Girl Won Americafs Top Young Scientist Award
On 20 May An Indian-American girl has invented a super-capacitor device that could potentially charge a cellphone in less than 20
seconds. The California teen has attracted the attention of tech giants Google for her potentially revolutionary invention which charges a
phone in 20 seconds flat.The super-fast charging device has been dubbed a supercapacitor by 18-year-old Esha Khare, of Saratoga .
as she took home $50,000 from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
American Writer Lydia Davis won h 2013 Man Booker International Prize g
On 22 May American writer Lydia Davis won 2013 Man Booker International Prize for her innovative and influential writing.This was
the fifth Man Booker International Prize.Lydia Davis is a professor of creative writing at the University of Albany. She is also an
accomplished translator. Her works include eThe End of the Storyf and eVarieties of Disturbancef.The Man Booker International Prize
recognises one writer for his or her achievement in fiction.Worth 60000 ponds, the prize is awarded every two years to a living author
who has published fiction either originally in English or whose work is generally available in translation in the English language.
Carole King Became the First Woman to Receive Gershwin Prize
US singer-songwriter Carole King became the first woman to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.The
President of America, Barack Obama conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a lifetime achievement in popular music.
APJ Abdul Kalam Received gWernher Von Braunh Memorial Award
On 24 May United States based National Space Societyfs (NSS) has conferred gWrenher von Braunh Memorial Award upon former
president APJ Abdul Kalam in San Diego .The award was conferred upon Kalam at International Space Development Conference. It
was instituted by NSS, a non-profit organization and is dedicated to the creation of spacefaring civilization.The honour is given to
recognize excellence in management and leadership in a space-related project, where the project holds significance.
Biological clock scientists share Shaw Prize
On 28 May ,three scientists whose groundbreaking studies using fruit flies helped to uncover the workings of the human biological clock
were named the winners of the $1 million Shaw Prize .US scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young received the
award gfor their discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythmsh.Biological rhythms govern behaviour in plants, animals
and humans, from flowers opening during the day and closing at night, to sleep patterns and the effect of jet lag.
SPORTS & GAMES
PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix Title
On 4 May,Indiafs shuttler PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix title after winning Malaysia Open womenfs final match.In
the final, top seed Sindhu defeated lower seed, Gu Juan of Singapore.This is the first Grand Prix title in her Career.
Aamir Won Asian Squash Championship Title
On 5 May Pakistan`s top seeded player, Aamir Atlas Khan won the Asian Squash individual championship for the first time in 14 years
after he defeated Kuwait`s Abdullah Al Mezayan in straight sets in Islamabad.Pakistan had last won the Asian individual title in 1998,
but since then has only been able to win the Asian team title in the last Asiad.
Ronnie OfSullivan Won World Snooker Championship
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On 7 May Ronnie OfSullivan claimed his fifth World Snooker Championship crown after defeated Barry Hawkins at the Crucible in
Sheffield.OfSullivan is now a five-time Crucible champion after his wins in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2012 to move within one of Steve
Davis and Ray Reardon and two behind Stephen Hendry in the all-time list.
India Bagged 2 Silver and 7 Bronze Medals in Commonwealth Championship
India on 10 May 2013 finished their candidature in the tournament with a record haul of 2 Silver and 7 Bronze in the 19th
Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships that concluded in New Delhi.
Menfs Singles :- Zhan Jian (Singapore) won the title after defeated Li Hu from Singapore in the final at New Delhi
Womenfs Singles :- Mo Zhang (Canada) won the Womenfs Singles title after defeated Yu Mengyu (Singapore) in the final.
Alonso Won Spanish Grand Prix Title
On 12 May Fernando Alonso of Spain won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona .Kimi Raikkonen second, Felipe Massa secured third
position.It was Alonsofs second win in Barcelona ,the first coming in 2006 and his seventh career podium on the Circuit de Catalunya.
Madrid Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womenfs Singles :- On 12 May Serena Williams of the United States bagged her 50th career Singles title.In the final She defeated
Russian Maria Sharapova and got the title .
Menfs Singles :-Rafael Nadal from Spain won the Menfs Singles title after defeated Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the final.
Womenfs Doubles:-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ,Lucie Safarova won the Womenfs Doubles title.
Menfs Doubles : Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won their fifth Mutua Madrid Open doubles title . It was their 87th career trophy and fifth
crown of the 2013 ATP World Tour season.
Barcelona Won Spanish League Title
On 12 May Barcelona won the Spanish league title (football) for the 22nd time after closest rivals Real Madrid could only manage a 1-1
draw with Espanyol.The title is Barcafs fourth in five seasons and the 22nd of their history. The last team other than Barcelona or
Madrid to win the title was Valencia in 2004.Barcelonafs Lionel Messi finished the Spanish League as the top-scorer.He has already 46
goals, 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished second.
Rome Masters Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womenfs Singles :- On 19 May Serena Williams (USA) won her fourth consecutive title of the year after defeated Victoria Azarenka
from Belarus in the Rome Masters final.This is the second Rome Open title won by Serena, before this Serena won the Rome title 11
years ago in 2002.
Menfs Singles :- Rafael Nadal from spain claimed his seventh Rome Masters title after defeated Roger Federar (Switzerland ) in the final
Mumbai Indians Won 2013 IPL Title
On 26 May Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League title for the first time , after defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the
final at Eden Gardens.
* Man-of-the-Match . Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
* Most Valuable Player . Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Orange Cap ( (Highest Run Getters) . Michael Hussey (Chennai) : 733 Runs
* Purple Cap (Highest Wicket Takers) . Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) : 32 Wickets
* Best Youngest Player . Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
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* Fair Play Award . Chennai Super Kings
* Best catch of the season . Gurkeerat Mann Singh (Kings Eleven Punjab)
Rosberg Won Monaco Grand Prix Title
On 26 May The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix title.Rosbergfs team-mate Lewis Hamilton dropped from
second to fourth after losing out through the safety car.Force Indiafs Adrian Sutil took fifth from McLarenfs Jenson Button.
China Won Sudirman Cup In Badminton
On 26 May China won their fifth consecutive Sudirman Cup and ninth overall, after defeated South Korea.At the Putra Stadium Chinafs
World No. 1 Xu Chen and Ma Jin defeated their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na in straight games in the
mixed doubles.In menfs singles, Chinafs Chen Long defeated South Korean Lee Dong Keun .In menfs doubles Chinese Liu Xiaolong
and Qiu Zihan defeated South Korean players Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae.Huser Ayla, of Switzerland won the Womenfs
Singles after defeated Rankin Anna, from New Zealand Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton championship which takes
place every two years.
ECONOMY
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
On 3 May The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis
points, from 7.5 percent to 7.25 per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary policy statement 2013-14.The reverse
repo rate under the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per cent. The RBI took this step to boost flagging economic growth.The cash
reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however been retained at 4 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 May 2013 announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next
three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency. The bank is working on
partnership strategy and is planning to maintain the level of lending to India.It is important here to note that India is the biggest borrower
of ADB and ADB had extended a 2.4 billion dollars loan to India in 2012 across sectors like transport, energy, commerce, industry,
trade and finance.
Delhi Tops in the Creative Index Report 2013
On 6 May According to the Creative Index Report 2013 report ,Delhi has been ranked as the most creative state in India with the
greatest potential for success in todayfs creative economy. The ranking is based on the population of creative class. This class is of
individuals are often engaged in either complex problem solving or in the generation of new ideas, new technology, and new creative
content.Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Maharashtra round out the top
nine.
Mobile Phones To Out Number Human Population By 2014
On 12 May According to the International Telecoms Unionfs (ITU) report ,The number of mobile phone subscriptions are set to
outnumber the worldfs population by the end of 2014.Mobile phone subscriptions will pass a whopping seven billion early in
2014.Currently, there are 6.8 billion mobile phone subscriptions while the worldfs population is 7.1 billion. More than a third of the
global population are online, the ITU World in 2013 report also found. The Commonwealth of Independent States, the alliance of
countries formerly in the Soviet Union, is believed to have the highest mobile penetration with 1.7 subscriptions for every person.Africa
has the least, with 63 subscriptions per 100 people.The report also found that 2.7 billion people, almost 40 per cent of the worldfs
population, are online.
Government Raises OBC Creamy Layer Income Limit to Rs 6 Lakh
On 16 May The Union Cabinet gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum for applying the
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Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, to avail benefits of reservations in government jobs and admissions to central
educational institutions.The decision came up in a view to increase the income limits in tune with the increase of the consumer price index.
This would enable more people to take an advantage of reservation benefits that are extended to OBCs. Creamy layer is the income
limit beyond which OBCs are not eligible for quotas
Gujarat Tops in Port Development Projects
On 24 May According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) ghPorts Development in India gh
report ,While 21 PPP projects in the port sector worth over Rs.43,000 crore are under construction, eight projects worth about
Rs.14,000 crore are under bidding.Gujarat gets first place , accounting for more than 50 per cent of the port projects completed in India
during the last Plan. It has wrapped up 12 projects valued at Rs 12,453 crore, consolidating its presence in the Indian maritime
map.Gujarat is followed by Odisha (2nd place) and Maharashtra (3rd place ), which account for a share of 16.9 per cent and 15.3 per
cent respectively in the completed projects.Odisha saw two projects worth Rs 4,169 crore getting completed, while Maharashtra
finished five projects worth Rs 3,772 crore.Andhra Pradesh (4th place) and Tamil Nadu (5th place) each with three projects under
operation have garnered a share between 5-6 percent followed by Kerala (2.8 percent).
Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in Forbes Philanthropy List
On 30 May According to the Forbes Asia magazinefs list of Asia-Pacificfs most remarkable ghgiversh" , Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-
Shaw, P N C Menon, Vineet Nayar and Ronnie Screwvala named in 2013 year list of Asia-Pacificfs most remarkable givers.The annual
list of Heroes of Philanthropy is compiled by Forbes Asia magazine. It features a total of 48 persons from the Asia-Pacific region which
includes countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.Keeping into view Kiran Mazumdarfs work on improving cancer
care and her pledge to give away 75 per cent of wealth she was listed as one of the major Philanthropist.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
China Launched Zhongxing-11 Satellite
On 2 May China successfully launched a communications satellite called Zhongxing-11 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in
southwest Sichuan province. The satellite was launched into its present orbit from Long March-3B rocket.
Worldfs First 3D Printed Gun Successfully Fired
On 4 May The worldfs first gun made with 3D printer technology has been successfully fired in the US.The anti-gun campaigners
criticised this project, while the law enforcement of Europe is monitoring the developments of this project.All 16 parts of the
controversial gun, called the Liberator, are made from a tough, heat-resistant plastic used in products such as musical instruments,
kitchen appliances and vehicle bumper bars.
The new Navy patrol ship Rani Avantibayi
Indian Coast Guard Ship eRani Avantibaif, the second Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd for the Coast
Guard. This was commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 9 May 2013 by Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh in
the presence of Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Anurag G. hViranari Rani Avantibayih is the inshore patrol
vessels (IPV) in Madhya Pradesh for Ramgadh Coast Guard.This is used in Tracking thieves, coastal conservation, marine disaster relief
efforts.This is the first in the series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Coast Guard.
MiG-29K fighter planes commissions into Navy
On May 11,Defence Minister AK Antony commissioned warfare aircraft MiG-29K Black Panther squadron into the Indian Navy.The
commissioning was held at INS Hansa which would be the base for Black Panther squadron along with other fighter aircraft squadrons
of Indian Navy. The squadron initially comprising 16 aircraft would be known as IANS 303.
U.S. Launched First Unmanned Aircraft From Carrier Flight Deck
The United States Navy launched an unmanned aircraft from a modern carrier flight deck for the first time ever on 14 May.The
unmanned aircraft was the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator, and its first-ever launch from a modern aircraft carrier
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represents how manned and unmanned aircraft on carrier flight decks will be merged in the future.A mission operator aboard the USS
George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) controlled X-47B, showing off how well it works within a carrier environment. It landed back at Naval
Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.
Rotavirus Vaccine Developed in India
India developed a Rotavac Vaccine to eradicate the Rotavirus diarrhoea in infants.The Government of Indiafs Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) and Bharat Biotech announced positive results from a Phase III clinical trial of a rotavirus vaccine.
First Boeing P-8I Aircraft joins Indian Navy
Indian Naval Aviation received a major fillip with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and
Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu on 15 May 13. The P-8I aircraft, based on the
Boeing 737-800(NG) airframe, is the Indian Naval variant of the P-8A Poseidon of the US Navy. The aircraft is equipped with both
foreign as well as indigenous sensors for Maritime Reconnaissance, Anti Submarine operations and for Electronic Intelligence missions.
Scientists Converted Human Skin Cells Into Embryonic Stem Cells
On 15 May In a major medical breakthrough, researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have for the first
time ever successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells , via a technique called nuclear transfer.Scientists for the first
time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells.These embryonic stem cells are capable of transforming into any other cell
type in the human body.This technique involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individualfs DNA, into an egg cell that
has had its genetic material removed.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired
On 22 May India successfully test fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Russian-built INS Tarkash off the
coast of Goa.The launch was carried out by the Navy as part of Acceptance Test Firing (ATF) of the ship.INS Tarkash, which is an
advanced Talwar Class frigate, was commissioned on 9th November, last year.The BrahMos missile jointly developed by India and
Russia.
Indian Air Force Inducted Trainer AirCraft Pilatus PC-7
On 31 May Pilatus, PC 7 Mk II aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF by Jitendra Singh MoS, Defence at IAFfs premier Academy
located at Dundigal, Hyderabad.This marked the first formal flight of the Basic Trainer Aircraft over the skies at the Air Force Academy
in Hyderabad.The induction of PC-7Mk II as Basic Trainer Aircraft in Indian Air Force is a very important landmark in our nationfs
quest to modernise its Armed Forces.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Sheikh Salman is New AFC President
On 2 May Bahrainfs Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was elected as the new president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He
replaced disgraced ex-leader Mohamed Hammam.
Najib sworn in Malaysiafs PM
Najib Razak was sworn in as Malaysiafs Prime Minister for a second term on 06 May 2013 after his Barisan Nasional (BN, National
Front) coalition won 133 of the 222 Parliament seats in 2013 election.Najib Razak became the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in year
2009.
Roberto Azevedo Appointed as WTO new Director General
On 8 May Brazilfs Roberto Azevedo has been named as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation, the first Latin
American to hold the post.He will take charge of his office from Pascal Lamy of France in the Geneva-based Body in September 2013.
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Siddaramaiah Sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
On 13 May Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 22nd chief minister of Karnataka by the Governor H R Bharadwaj.In
year 1992 Siddaramaiah was appointed as Secretary General of Janata Dal.In Year 1994 became the Minister for Finance in the Janata
Dal government headed by Deve Gowda.He served as a Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka twice, first in 1996 when JH Patel
became Chief Minister and again in 2004 when JDS formed a coalition government with Dharam Singh.
Nirbhay Sharma Appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
On 16 May Lieutenant General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh as the term of present
incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January 2013. He was appointed as Member of UPSC in May 2008 and after completion of
his five year stint .He was also a part of the Airborne Assault Group, the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca (Dhaka) during 1971
war.
Shashi Kant Sharma is the new CAG
On 21 May Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma was appointed as the new Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) ,replaced
outgoing Vinod Rai.Sharma, an IAS officer from 1976 batch of Bihar cadre, has earlier assumed various important offices during his
tenure as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services and has spent over 10 years in the Defence Ministry in various
capacities.The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Indian Origin Srinivasan Appointed as Top US Court Judge
On 23 May The United States Senate voted 97-0 to appoint Srikanth Srinivasan as a Judge of the prestigious US Court of Appeals.It is
the highest judicial appointment to an Indian -American . Srinivasan has become the first Indian-American to be appointed to the
court.He is the Principle Deputy Solicitor General and defends the policies of US President Barack Obama before the Supreme Court
Radha Krishna Mathur is new Defence Secretary
On 25 May Senior IAS officer Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as new Defence Secretary.He succeeds Shashikant Sharma
who has taken over as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 1977-batch IAS officer of Manipur-Tripura cadre, Mathur was
serving as Secretary (Defence Production) in the Defence Ministry.
Justice Raveendran is new NBSA Chief
On 25 May Former Supreme Court judge Justice R V Raveendran has been appointed as the new Chairman of the News Broadcasting
Standards Authority (NBSA) , the self regulatory initiative of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA).He succeeds justice (Retd.)
J.S. Verma, chairperson of the NBSA, who passed away on 2013 April.NBSA is an independent redressal body set up by the News
Broadcasters Association (NBA) and has leading TV news channels as its members.
Kushal Singh Appointed as the Chairperson of NCPCR
On 27 May Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of
Rajasthan and the Central Government.She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan.
PM Manmohan Singh elected to Rajya Sabha
On 30 May 2013 ,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam for fifth consecutive term.Dr Singh got 49
first preference votes, while the second Congress candidate bagged 45 votes and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)fs Aminul
Islam, who polled 18 votes, lost in the 126-member state Assembly.
B)RESIGNS
Union Railway Minister and Law Minister of India Resigned
On 10 May Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister of India Ashwani Kumar resigned from their
posts.Railway Minister PK Bansal resigned from his office since his nephew Vijay Singla was arrested for his alleged involvement of
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bribery of 90 lakh rupees from the Railway Board Member, with a promise of promotion. Ashwani Kumar the Union Law Minister
submitted his resignation after being into attack by the opposition and the CBI affidavit submitted to Supreme Court for vetting up the
CBI report in the Coal Block allocation scam.
C)DEATHS
ATP chairman Brad Drewett died
Brad Drewett(54), the former tour player who led the ATP as executive chairman and president since January 2012 died on 3 May
2013 . He helped in increasing the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.
Giulio Andreotti, the former Italian Prime Minister died
On 6th May, the former Italian Prime Minister ,Giulio Andreott(94) was dies in Rome.He was one of the most powerful figures in the
politics of the country after World War II.
Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer Died
On May 14,Leading Islamic scholar, author and activist Asghar Ali Engineer, 74, died at his Santacruz home in Mumbai. He was born
in 1940 and completed his BSc in civil engineering from Vikram University.From 1980, he edited the journal named the Islamic
Perspective and during 1980s he published a series of books on Islam and communal violence in India. His books were based on his
investigations in the post-independent India. The USA International Student Assembly and the USA Indian Student Assembly honoured
him with Distinguished Service Award in 1987.
Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh dead
On 30 May 2013,Award-winning Indian film director Rituparno Ghosh was died from a heart attack in the city of Calcutta.Ghosh
directed 18 films in that 12 films got national awards.Ghosh began his remarkable journey by directing a childrenfs film gHirer Angtih
(gDiamond Ringh) in 1994, which won him an immediate recognition. He shot to fame after his next film gUnishe Aprilh (g19 Aprilh) won
the national award in 1995.His other award-winning films include gDahanh, gAsukhh, gChokher Balih, gRaincoath, gBariwalih,
gAntarmahalh, gNoukadubih, gAbohomanh, gChitrangadah and Amitabh Bachchan starrer gThe Last Learh.
Academic Vina Mazumdar Dead
On 30 May 2013,Noted academic and a leading figure of Indiafs womenfs movement, Dr Vina Mazumdar, died in New Delhi.Born in
1927 in a middle-class Bengali household in Kolkata, she did her schooling in the city and studied in Banaras Hindu University and
Calcutta University, before going to Oxford in 1947, soon after independence. She went back to Oxford University later and received
her D.Phil in 1962.
D)VISITORS
China Prime Minister Li Keqiang Visited India
Chinafs new Prime Minister Li Keqiangfs visited India on his first foreign trip to India from 19th to 21st May 2013 since taking his
office in March 2013. During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed India-China border issues , bilateral,
regional and global issues of common interest.After the both countries signed on 8 agreements.The Chinese have also agreed to provide
greater facilitation to Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India
Hamid Karzai , President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from 20-22 May, 2013.During the visit Hamid Karzai was
on 20 May conferred an honorary doctorate degree by President Pranab Mukherjee at a professional university in Phagwara.He met
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi and discussed on various key bilateral and regional issues , the situation in the region in
the backdrop of Afghanistanfs keenness to enhance defence cooperation with India and get supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
First Woman Named To FBIfs Most Wanted Terrorist List
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On 3 May Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), a member of the Black Liberation Army who killed a New Jersey state
trooper 40 years ago and has since fled to Cuba,has been named as one of the FBIfs most wanted terrorists, making her the first woman
ever to make the list.Chesimard was convicted for killing Foerster and sentenced to life in prison. In 1979 she escaped with the help of
the Black Army Liberation and has been on the run ever since.The U.S. Justice Department announced a doubling of the reward for her
capture to $2 million.
Ritankar Das is Centuryfs Youngest California University Topper
On 10 May An 18-year-old Indian-American has become the youngest graduate topper of the prestigious University of California in
more than a century.Kolkata-born Ritankar Das, has been named as the University Medalist, the prize which is given to the yearfs top
graduating senior.Das has taken just three years to complete his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology and
a minor in creative writing from the University of California, Berkeley.Further he is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58
years, and the first ever from the Department of Bioengineering.
Sreesanth,Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested
S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on charges
of spot fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
First Saudi Woman Ever Climbs Mount Everest
On 18 May Raha Moharrak has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb Mount Everest. Moharrak also became the youngest
Arab to reach the 8,850-meter peak (29,035 feet). She was part of a group that included the first Qatari man and the first Palestinian
man to reach the summit.
Indian Sisters First Twins To Climb Mount Everest
On 19 May Two Indian girls have scripted history by becoming the first twins ever to climb Mount Everest together.Tashi and Nancy
Malik from Dehra Dun achieved this feat by successfully reaching the worldfs highest mountain peak at 8,848 meters.The duo were
among other record-makers including the first women from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan who climbed the Everest on 18 May.
Arunima Becomes First Indian Amputee To Scale Mt Everest
On 21 May Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who had lost one of her legs after being thrown off a moving train
by, created history by becoming the first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. Sinha reached the 8,848 metre-high summit of the
worldfs highest peak as a member of the Eco Everest Expedition from the Tata Group.Sinha, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar
Pradesh.Arunima successfully scaled the 6,622-metre-high Mount Chhamser Kangri of Ladakh last year, but her ultimate goal was to
climb Mount Everest.
Yuichiro Miura, Became Oldest Man to Climb Mount Everest
Yuichiro Miura, the 80-year old mountaineer from Japan reached Mount Everestfs summit on 23 May 2013. With this, he became the
oldest man to climb the highest mountain peak of the world. Yuichiro Miura climbed the Everest at the age of 70 and 75 as well.
Indian-origin Boy Won National Geographic Bee Contest
On 23 May Sathwik Karnik, a 12-year-old Indian-American boy, has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee 2013 after gruelling
rounds testing his geographic knowledge about lions in Botswana, mountain ranges in Asia and port cities in England.To clinch the title,
Karnik, 12, correctly named Chimborazo as the mountain in Ecuador that represents the farthest point from the Earthfs
center.US.Karnik took home the spoils of the Bee prize that include a USD 25,000 college scholarship, an all-expenses paid trip to the
Galapagos Islands, and a lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society.
Jiroemon Kimura Becomes eLast Living Man Born in 19th Centuryf
The oldest person in the world, Japanese Jiroemon Kimura,116 years Japanese man became the last male of the 19th century in the
world. Jiroemon Kimura was given the title of last male alive to be born in the 19th century after the death of Barbados in the month of
May 2013 at the age of 113 years and 90 days.Gerontolgy Research Group at University of California, Los Angeles found out that as
far as female were concerned, there are in all 21 women born before 1 January 1901 and they are still alive.But amongst the male,
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Jiroemon Kimura is the only alive person of 19th century.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897.
Premlata becomes the first Indian woman to complete seven summits
Asian woman mountaineer Premlata Agrawal has become the first Indian woman mountaineer to scale the seven continental peaks after
climbing Alaskafs McKinley Peak.With this, she became the first Indian woman mountaineer to step on the highest peak of North
America.
Arvind Mahankali Won National Spelling Bee 2013
On 31 May Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year old Indian-American won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, as children from the
community scripted history by dominating the prestigious competition for the sixth year in a row, grabbing top three slots this
year.Arvind, from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling the German word eknaidelf which means a small mass of leavened
dough, overcoming his fear of German-derived words during his past four appearances at the contest.This is the sixth consecutive year
that an Indian-American has won the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.
PLACES IN NEWS
Cyclonic Storm eMahasenf Hits Bangladesh
On 16 May The cyclonic storm eMahasenf hit Bangladeshfs southern Patuakhali coast with wind speed up to 90 kilometers per
hour.More than 48 persons were killed as inflated waters coupled with gusts started ravaging parts of Patuakhali alongside the other
areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal in the region.The system is now located in the west-central bay and is likely to intensify further,
move in northeast direction and cross the Bangladesh coast close to Chittagong.
ABBREVIATIONS
NESAC ..- North Eastern Space Applications Centre
ACTO ... Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
ILO ... International Labour Organization
CNEN ... National Commission for Nuclear Energy
CNEA ...- National Commission of Atomic Energy
IPV .... Inshore Patrol Vessel
BWF ...- Badminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Understanding Bhagat Singh h by Prof. Chamanlal released
Understanding Bhagat Singh a book by Prof. Chamanlal was released in the on 3 May 2013.Professor Randhir Singh, Eminent Thinker
released the book at School of Social Sciences (SSS- I) Auditorium, JNU in New Delhi.The book Understanding Bhagat Singh has
tried to explain the soul or spirit of Bhagat Singh like his principle of achieving objectives with dignity, honesty and fearlessness.
Gandhifs Outstanding Leadershipf Book Released
On 27 May gGandhifs Outstanding Leadership g, written by former Indian diplomat-turned-Gandhian Pascal Alan Nazareth, was
released at the Peking Universityfs Centre.Prof Shang Quanyu, a history professor with the South China Normal University, translated
the book into Madarin.
Every year 2,70,000 Pedestrains are died in the World
On May 2 , World Health Organization (WHO) announced that every year 2,70,000 pedestrains are died in road accidents. In case of
pedestrains protection is ignored by goverments.So,every week 5 thousands of pedestrains are died.
Maryland became the First southern US state to Abolish Death Penalty
Maryland, the U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, on 2 May 2013 became the first southern US state to
abolish the death penalty.The measure on it was signed by Democratic Governor Martin OfMalley on 2 May 2013.The person who was
attended was former Maryland death row inmate Kirk Bloodsworth.He will be the first person in the country freed from death penalty
because of DNA evidence after being convicted in a death penalty case.On the global level, Maryland is the 18th state to abolish the
death penalty.
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Released Somalia Famine Conditions Report
On 3 May According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study report, nearly 260,000 people died during the famine
that hit Somalia from 2010 to 2012.Half of them were children under the age of five.The number of deaths was higher than the estimated
220,000 people who died during the 1992 famine.An estimated 4.6% of the total population and 10% of children under five died in
southern and central Somalia.In Lower Shabelle, 18% of children under five died and in Mogadishu 17%.Somalia was worst hit by the
extreme drought in 2011 that affected more than 13 million people across the Horn of Africa.Tens of thousands of people fled their
homes in search of food.
Japan . UAE signed Nuclear Agreement
On 3 May Japan and the United Arab Emirates signed on the transfer of nuclear cooperation agreement .It was the first bilateral nuclear
agreement signed by Japan since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis triggered by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.The agreements
was signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum.
Amazonian Countries Signed Strengthen Regional Cooperation Agreement
On 4 May The representatives of the member countries of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) agreed to widen and
strengthen regional cooperation to promote the integral development of those territories.Foreign ministers and representatives of
Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam and Ecuador signed the Coca Declaration, by which they agreed to
support initiatives as that presented by Ecuador and the establishment of the Regional Observatory for the Amazon.The countries that
signed the document also intend to facilitate the coordination between OTCA, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States
(Celac), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Andean Community (CAN), the Southern Common Market
(MERCOSUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Malaysiafs Barisan Nasional wins parliamentary election
The National Front coalition or Barisan Nasional (BN) led by Prime Minister Najib Razak triumphed in Malaysiafs general
parliamentary election on 05 May 2013. The BN won 133 seats in the 222-seat parliament, taking 60% of the votes, while the
opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) party secured 89 seats.80% of Malaysiafs 13.3 million voters cast their ballots in what is being called
the closest race ever in Malaysia.
Russia and U.S. Agreed on Syria Peace Process
On 7 May Russia and the United States agreed to work together to bring the warring sides in Syria to the negotiating table raising hopes
for an end to carnage in the war-torn country and a thaw in frosty relations between Moscow and Washington.U.S. Secretary of State
John Kerry met Russian President Vladimir Putin and bid to narrow the differences between Moscow and Washington on the conflict.
73 Million Youth Will Be Unemployed By 2013
On 8 May According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) eGlobal Unemployment Trends 2007-13 e report , more than 73
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million young people are unemployed around the world .The situation is particularly grim in the European Union, West Asia and North
Africa.73.4 million people aged between 15 and 24 would be out of work at the end of the year an increase of 3.5 million since
2007.The youth unemployment rate in South Asia decreased in 2011 by 0.4 percentage points to reach 9.2 per cent, but increased to
9.3 per cent in 2012.The current jobless rate for the young of 12.6% was expected to keep swelling to 12.8% by 2018, when more
than two million more youths would likely be out of work
Brazil, Argentina Signed Agreement To Build Nuclear Reactors
On 8 May Brazil and Argentina have agreed to extend their nuclear cooperation by jointly commission will jointly build two research
reactors.The agreement, signed by the Brazilian National Commission for Nuclear Energy (CNEN) and the National Commission of
Atomic Energy (CNEA), is centred on the construction of two reactors.
Argentine Passed Judicial Reform Bill
On 8 May Argentinafs Senate passed a Judicial Reform Law, by 38 votes in favor to 30.According to Argentine President Cristina
Fernandez it aims at democratizing the judiciary.
Nawaz Sharif Re-elected for Third term as Pakistan PM
On 14 May Two time former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif re-elected as Pakistan Prime Minister for the third time after
won the general elections with a thumping majority.The Election Commission of Pakistan announced results of 272 National Assembly
seats, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz heading the count with 126 seats, followed by the Pakistan Peoples Party with 31 seats.The
Sharif, belongs to Pakistan Muslim League . Nawaz (N) party. Pakistan Muslim League-N attained an overpowering lead with 130
seats. The first runner up is Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with 37 seats and the last is Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
with 31 seats.Nawaz Sharif previously having been Pakistanfs 12th and 14th Prime Minister for two non-consecutive terms from
November 1990 to July 1993 and from February 1997 to October 1999. Sharif is the President of Pakistan Muslim League-N, one of
Pakistanfs largest political parties.
France became the 14th Country in the World to legalise Gay Marriage
In France now onwards allow same-sex couples to marry. Francefs President Francois Hollande on 17 May 2013 signed into law a
controversial bill to legalise gay marriage. It makes France the ninth in Europe and 14th in the world to do so.
Zimbabwefs President Signed New Constitution Into Law
On 22 Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe signed Zimbabwefs new constitution into law. The new constitution was approved
overwhelmingly in a referendum in March 2013.The constitution cut short the powers of the president, limits presidential tenures to two
five-year terms and does away with the post of prime minister.
Afghanistan Parliament Approved new Election Law
On 22 May The Lower House of the Afghan Parliament approved two new Election laws , that will take effect in the elections next
spring. The law contains 79 articles and 16 chapters.
EU Lifted Arms Embargo on Syrian Rebels
On 27 May European foreign ministers have lifted an arms embargo on Syria,, paving the way for individual EU member states to
provide weapons to the Syrian rebels.After long and continuous hour of talk EU governments failed to agree on extending the arms
embargo, which effectively ends the EUfs ban on supplying arms to the rebels.Some other restrictive measures against Syria , which
include financing restrictions, travel bans and asset freezes is also supposed to be extended for a year, as there is a fear that the entire
sanctions regime could fall over a failure to agree on the arms issue.
Australia the worldfs happiest nation: OECD
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released its Better Life Index, which ranks the worldfs most developed
economies on jobs, income environment and health. Australia got first place for the third consecutive year.Sweden, Canada, Norway ,
Switzerland,United States, Denmark, The Netherland Iceland and United Kingdom were also in the top ten.In Australia 84 percent of
the people accepted that their life is happy.So,Australia got the first place in Better Life Index.
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INDIA & WORLD
US, India and Japan hold trilateral cooperation talks
On May 2 ,India, the United States and Japan held their fourth trilateral dialogue at the State Department in Washington, exchanging
views on a wide range of regional and global issues of mutual interest.These discussions focused on the prospect of greater Indo-Pacific
commercial connectivity and regional and maritime security, and cooperation in multilateral fora.The Indian delegation was headed by
External Affairs Ministry joint secretaries D.B. Venkatesh Varma and Vikram Doraiswami.The group agreed to meet again in autumn in
Tokyo to continue their deliberations.
17th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting
The 17th Session of the India-Iran Joint Commission was held in Tehran on May 4, 2013.The Session was co-chaired by Dr. Ali Akbar
Salehi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran and by Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of India.The two sides discussed
bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.Both countries agreed to study the prospects of joint investment in both countries.The two
sides also signed on MOU between the Government of India and the Government of Iran on cooperation in the field of water resources
management.
India Tops eBorn to Die same Dayf List
On 7 May According to the humanitarian organization Save the Children charity in an annual report entitled gState of the Worldfs
Mothers ,India tops the list of babies that die on the day they are born.India has the dubious distinction of recording the most first-day
deaths of children.Every year, 3,09,000 children die on the day they are born in India. It accounts for 29% of all the first-day deaths
globally, the highest for any country.India is followed on this grim list by Nigeria (89,700 deaths, or 9 percent); Pakistan (59,800, or 6
percent); China (50,600, or 5 percent); and Democratic Republic of Congo (48,400, or 5 percent).
Finland Top Ranked in World To Be a Mother
On 8 May According to the annual report called eState of Worldfs Mothers 2013Πwas issued by an international NGO gSave the
Childrenh , Finland has topped the list of countries where mothers enjoy the best conditions in the world, while India ranks a low 142nd,
below China and Pakistan.The US places 30th this year while Pakistan was 139th on the list. China ranked at the 68th place.The top ten
countries attained very high scores for mothersf and childrenfs health, educational, economic and political status.The report was featured
by a ranking list of Mothersf index, showing the conditions of mothers in 176 countries .Among the reviewed countries, Finland was
ranked the best country for being mothers followed by Sweden, Norway, Iceland while Democratic Republic of Congo was considered
to be the toughest place.
Karnataka, Israel Signed Bilateral Agreement
On 8 May Israel and the Indian state of Karnataka have signed an R&D cooperation agreement. This is the first-ever such agreement
between Israel and an Indian state. The agreement aims to further bilateral business, technology, and economic relations and sees Israel
benefiting from Karnatakafs human resources and the Indian state benefitting from Israelfs innovations.
India Tops Cervical Cancer Deaths
On 10 May According to the Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card report released by the Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition, with nearly
73,000 women dying every year, India now tops the world in cervical cancer deaths .India represents 26.4 per cent of all women dying
of cervical cancer globally, with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Thailand also showing high death incidence.The cervical
cancer kills an estimated 275,000 women every year .Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) report in 2009 the number of cervical
cancer cases were 101938 which has increased to 107690 in 2012.It is being estimated that the number of cervical cancer cases and
deaths are estimated to increase by 2025 to 203,757 and 115,171, respectively.
Britain launched Super Priority Visa Service for Travellers from India
On 12 May 2013, Britain launched super priority same-day visa service for urgent travellers from India. Britain launched this kind of
service first time for India only . The super priority visa service was announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit
to India in February 2013.
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Google signs MoU to train engineering students in Andhra Pradesh
On May 14,Google India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to train
engineering students of Jawahar Knowledge Centres (JKC) in latest technologies like mobile and cloud computing.The MoU was signed
between the IT minister and Nelson Mattos, vice president (Europe & Emerging Markets), Google Hyderabad. Google will also train
the trainers/mentors of AP Society for Knowledge Networks (APSFKNW) and provide required software, services and training
material free of cost.
India and Netherlands Signed MoU on Urban Planning
On 14 May India and Netherlands signed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation in the field of Spatial
Planning, Water Management, and Mobility Management .The agreement was signed by Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development
& Parliamentary Affairs, and Ms Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Minister for Infrastructure and Environment, Netherlands
UN General Assembly Approved Syria Resolution
On 15 May The U.N. General Assembly approved an Arab-backed resolution calling for a political transition in Syria and condemning
President Bashar al-Assad Government for its increasing use of heavy weapons. A majority of 107 states voted to adopt the resolution.
There were 12 votes against and 59 abstentions.Russia was fiercely opposed to the resolution, termed it as unbalanced and inadequate
to address adequately atrocities allegedly committed by rebel groups.The resolution was drafted by Arab states who have supported the
rebels.India abstained from voting on the non-binding resolution on Syria.Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution.
India Granted Observer Status in Arctic Council
On 15 May India granted observer status in the Arctic Council was successful along with that of five other countries, China, Italy, Japan,
South Korea and Singapore at a meeting in Kiruna, Sweden.The council is made up of the eight Arctic nations are Canada, Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.This membership will give India chances of navigation and oil and gas
exploration.The European Union also applied as an observer, but its final status remained unresolved pending resolution of a dispute with
Canada over trade in seal products.
India, UK Signed Agreement on Health Sector
On 19 May India and Britain have signed an agreement for cooperation in the health sector with specific focus on strengthening primary
health care and technological development.The agreement was signed by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare India, Ghulam
Nabi Azad and Secretary of State for Health, UK, Jeremy Richard Hunt.
Indians Largest Foreign Born Group in London
On 20 May According to the Oxford Universityfs Migration Observatory latest study report , Indians have become the largest foreignborn
group in London, followed by residents born in Poland and Ireland.Migration Observatory, 262,247 persons born in India were
living in London in 2011, which represents 8.8 per cent of all foreign-born residents in London.This accounts for 37.8 per cent of all
residents that had been born in India resident in England and Wales in 2011.Other important foreign-born groups in London, with more
than 100,000 residents, include those born in Ireland (129,807), Nigeria (114,718), Pakistan (112,457) and Bangladesh (109,948).
India . China Signed 8 Agreements
On 20 May India and Chine signed eight important agreements covering a wide range of issues like trade, culture and water resources.
The agreements were finalised after delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese counterpart Le
Keqiang.
The list of eight agreements/memoranda of undrstanding (MoUs):-
(i) Protocol between Indiafs external affairs ministry and Chinafs foreign affairs ministry on Indian Official Pilgrimage (the Kailash
Mansoarovar Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
(ii) Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group (JEG) between Indiafs commerce and industry
ministry and Chinafs commerce ministry.
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(iii) MoU on Buffalo meat, fishery products and Agreement on feed and feed ingredients between Indisfs Agricultural and Processed
Food Products Export Development Authority and The Marine Products Export Development Authority and Export Inspection Council
and Chinafs General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
(iv) MoU between Indiafs urban development ministry and Chinafs National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on
cooperation in sewage treatment.
(v) MoU between Indiafs water resources ministry and NDRC on cooperation in water-efficient irrigation.
(vi) MoU between the external affairs ministry and Chinafs State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television
(SAPPRFT) on cooperation in mutual translation and publication of works, both classic and contemporary.
(vii) MoU between the water resources ministries of both countries for provision of hydrological information by China to india on the
Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River during the flood season.
(viii) MoU between the foreign ministries of both countries to promote cooperation and linkages between the cities and states/provinces
of the two countries.
Visa on Arrival facility to passengers travelling through RGIA
The central government has extended Visa-On-Arrival facility to international passengers travelling through Rajiv Gandhi International
Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad managed by the GMR Group.Visitors from 11 countries will be eligible to get a VoA from May 31 at
RGIA.The Centre had introduced an Indian tourist VoA scheme on January 1, 2010 at certain airports which was initiated for citizens of
five countries. Subsequently, a year later, the facility was extended to a total of 11 countries viz Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New
Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia.
US Senate Committee Approves Immigration Reform Bill
On 22 May The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a massive immigration reform bill that grants 11 million undocumented
immigrants currently living in the country an earned path to citizenship.The legislation was passed by a vote of 13 to 5 with three
Republicans joining 10 Democrats to approve it.The bill, which requires major advances in border security and expansion of a
comprehensive e-verify system for employers before any undocumented worker is allowed to pursue citizenship, will need 60 votes to
pass the 100-seat Senate.
US and India Pledge To Collaborate on Combating Terrorism
On 22 May The US has pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing terror threats and asked
international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure that support terrorism.After talks between
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two
countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting.
India, Japan to speed up talks on civil nuclear deal
On 29 May 2013,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe decided to speed up talks on a civil
nuclear deal to allow Japan to export nuclear reactors to India and to bolster maritime security cooperation at a time when Chinafs
postures in the seas of the regional have caused concerns.A joint statement issued at the end of exhaustive talks between Singh and Abe
said the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, while recognising that
nuclear safety is a priority for both governments.In this context, they directed their officials to accelerate the negotiations of an
Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy towards an early conclusion
India and Thailand sign extradition treaty
On 30 May 2013,in a major boost to bilateral security cooperation, India and Thailand signed the much awaited extradition treaty after
20 years of negotiations.The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.The treaty was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Thai counterpart
Yingluck Shinawatra.The treaty provides the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in
terrorism, transnational crimes and economic offences among others.The two countries totally signed on seven pacts. They are
extradition, education,financial intelligence mapping , geospatial technology applications , investigation of persons suspected of money
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laundering and criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
UNESCO Declares Nicobar Islands as World Biosphere Reserve
On 31 May The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared and designated the Nicobar
Islands in India as a world biosphere reserve .The International Coordinating Council of UNESCOfs Man and the Biosphere
Programme added the Nicobar Islands to the list of eleven other sites which are designated as world biosphere reserves.Great Nicobar
now 9th Indian reserve in Unesco world network.Member countries establish such reserves. UNESCO recognizes them under the
programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science.
NATIONAL
National Urban Health Mission Approved By Cabinet
On 1 May The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to reduce rates of infant mortality,
maternal mortality and for universal access to reproductive health care.The cost of the National Urban Health Mission for 5 years is
22507 crore rupees and the Central government will share 16955 crore rupees.The mission will be implemented in 779 cities and towns
each with the population of more than 50,000 has expected to cover about 7.75 crore people.The Cabinet also gave its nod to a bill
which provides for confiscating property illegally acquired by corrupt public servants.
19.57 lakh Hectares of Forest Land Encroached
On 1 May According to the latest figures compiled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests reveal that unchecked encroachment on
forest land is on the rise.According to the figures, over 19.57 lakh hectares of forest land is under encroachment in various parts of the
country.Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 4.87 lakh hectares under encroachment. Followed by Assam (3.30 lakh ha), Andhra Pradesh
(2.57 lakh ha) and Maharashtra (1.83 lakh ha).
Mobile subscribers largest in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
The countryfs most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, accounts for the largest number of mobile subscribers in the country followed by
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, which together account for almost half of the total wireless connections.India,
which is the worldfs second largest mobile phone market in terms of subscribers, had a total of 861.66 million mobile connections as on
February 2013, data from telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) showed.Uttar Pradesh has a total of 121.60
million mobile phone connections, while, Tamil Nadu has 71.81 million subscribers, according to the TRAI data.Maharashtra is at the
third position, with a subscriber base of 67.73 million followed by Andhra Pradesh and Bihar at 64.12 million and 60.73 million,
respectively.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant got Approval for Operations by the Supreme Court of India
On 06 May, the Supreme Court of India directed that the Kudankulam nuclear plant situated in Tamil Nadu could start its operations
now. A bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra issued the directions to the government on safety as well as security of
the plant, along with its operations.
Govt Sets Up 39 Special NIA Courts Across The Country
On 7 May Minister of State for Home R P N Singh announced in the Parliament that under the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Act, the central government has set up the 39 special courts to take up terror-related cases.
Cabinet Approved Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission
On 16 May The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with the objective of conserving and
restoring the heritage sites associated with eFather of the Nationf.Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission will be assigned with the identification,
collation and assessment of the information on Gandhi Heritage material, its management and deployment.
Indiafs First Yoga University in Gujarat
On 23 May Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the countryfs first yoga university in Ahmedabad.Lakulish Yoga
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University, established by Life Mission Trust of Gujarat, is claimed to be the first ever such private sector self-financed institution in the
country.
STATES
Congress Won in Karnataka Assembly Elections
On 8 May Congress has won 121 seats of the 223 seats on which polls were contested in Karnataka Assembly Elections , the elections
were held on 5 May 2013. The ruling BJP and the JD-S won 40 seats each.The Karnataka Janata Party led by former Chief Minister
B.S. Yeddyurappa bagged a mere six seats.The assembly has 224 elected and one nominated members. The election took place for
223 seats.
Tamil Nadu Bans Gutka Products
On 8 May The Tamil Nadu government banned the production, possession, distribution and sale of tobacco products such as pan
masala and gutka in the state.Tamilnadu Government had constituted a separate department eTamil Nadu Food Safety and Medical
Administration,f after the Centre announced the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Cabinet Approved 2 Major Ports in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
On 9 May the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping for setting up of two major
ports.The ports will come up in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh each, through a Public-Private-Partnership mode. As per the
proposal, one port will be developed at Dugarajapatnam, Nellore district, in Andhra Pradesh and second port will come up at Sagar
Island in West Bengal.
CONFERENCES
ADBfs 46th Annual Meeting Held in New Delhi
46th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors, held in Delhi, India, from 2 to 5 May 2013.Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh , Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and ADB member board of directors and related financial institutions
were attended the meeting.Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India
over the next three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency.
AWARDS & HONOURS
Indian Wildlife Biologist Aparajita Datta Honoured with the Whitley Award 2013
On 2 May An Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Aparajita Datta was honoured with the Whitley award, also known as Green Oscar, in
London . Aparajita Datta, the Indian wildlife biologist was conferred with the award by Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth, at
the Royal Geographical Society in London for her efforts in order to save the endangered hornbills in Eastern Himalayas.Aparajita Datta
is the head of the program for conservation of the hornbills in dense tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh, at Nature Conservation
Foundation. The tropical forests of Arunachal Pradesh are an abode to five hornbill species.
Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi Awarded with e Judy Wilkenfeld e
On 2 May An Indian doctor of Mumbaifs Tata Memorial Hospital has been awarded with the prestigious Judy Wilkenfeld Award for
International Tobacco Control Excellence for his innovative efforts in reducing tobacco consumption in India.He received the award by
the eCampaign for Tobacco Free Kidsf on at a function in Washington.
Indian Police Unit in Congo Gets UN medal
On 17 May An Indian police unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal.The 135
Indian Formed Police Unit-2 (FPU) was honoured with the medal as an appreciation for their service in Goma/North Kivu.
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Malala Yousufzai Selected For Prestigious Global Leadership Award
On 20 May Teenager Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot at last year by the Taliban for advocating education of girls, has
been selected for the prestigious Global Leadership Award this year.Malala will receive the award for her role as a global activist in
advocating for educating and empowering girls worldwide.She was targeted for her outspoken views and advocacy on behalf of girlsf
education.
Indian-American Girl Won Americafs Top Young Scientist Award
On 20 May An Indian-American girl has invented a super-capacitor device that could potentially charge a cellphone in less than 20
seconds. The California teen has attracted the attention of tech giants Google for her potentially revolutionary invention which charges a
phone in 20 seconds flat.The super-fast charging device has been dubbed a supercapacitor by 18-year-old Esha Khare, of Saratoga .
as she took home $50,000 from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
American Writer Lydia Davis won h 2013 Man Booker International Prize g
On 22 May American writer Lydia Davis won 2013 Man Booker International Prize for her innovative and influential writing.This was
the fifth Man Booker International Prize.Lydia Davis is a professor of creative writing at the University of Albany. She is also an
accomplished translator. Her works include eThe End of the Storyf and eVarieties of Disturbancef.The Man Booker International Prize
recognises one writer for his or her achievement in fiction.Worth 60000 ponds, the prize is awarded every two years to a living author
who has published fiction either originally in English or whose work is generally available in translation in the English language.
Carole King Became the First Woman to Receive Gershwin Prize
US singer-songwriter Carole King became the first woman to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.The
President of America, Barack Obama conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a lifetime achievement in popular music.
APJ Abdul Kalam Received gWernher Von Braunh Memorial Award
On 24 May United States based National Space Societyfs (NSS) has conferred gWrenher von Braunh Memorial Award upon former
president APJ Abdul Kalam in San Diego .The award was conferred upon Kalam at International Space Development Conference. It
was instituted by NSS, a non-profit organization and is dedicated to the creation of spacefaring civilization.The honour is given to
recognize excellence in management and leadership in a space-related project, where the project holds significance.
Biological clock scientists share Shaw Prize
On 28 May ,three scientists whose groundbreaking studies using fruit flies helped to uncover the workings of the human biological clock
were named the winners of the $1 million Shaw Prize .US scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young received the
award gfor their discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythmsh.Biological rhythms govern behaviour in plants, animals
and humans, from flowers opening during the day and closing at night, to sleep patterns and the effect of jet lag.
SPORTS & GAMES
PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix Title
On 4 May,Indiafs shuttler PV Sindhu won Malaysian Badminton Grand Prix title after winning Malaysia Open womenfs final match.In
the final, top seed Sindhu defeated lower seed, Gu Juan of Singapore.This is the first Grand Prix title in her Career.
Aamir Won Asian Squash Championship Title
On 5 May Pakistan`s top seeded player, Aamir Atlas Khan won the Asian Squash individual championship for the first time in 14 years
after he defeated Kuwait`s Abdullah Al Mezayan in straight sets in Islamabad.Pakistan had last won the Asian individual title in 1998,
but since then has only been able to win the Asian team title in the last Asiad.
Ronnie OfSullivan Won World Snooker Championship
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On 7 May Ronnie OfSullivan claimed his fifth World Snooker Championship crown after defeated Barry Hawkins at the Crucible in
Sheffield.OfSullivan is now a five-time Crucible champion after his wins in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2012 to move within one of Steve
Davis and Ray Reardon and two behind Stephen Hendry in the all-time list.
India Bagged 2 Silver and 7 Bronze Medals in Commonwealth Championship
India on 10 May 2013 finished their candidature in the tournament with a record haul of 2 Silver and 7 Bronze in the 19th
Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships that concluded in New Delhi.
Menfs Singles :- Zhan Jian (Singapore) won the title after defeated Li Hu from Singapore in the final at New Delhi
Womenfs Singles :- Mo Zhang (Canada) won the Womenfs Singles title after defeated Yu Mengyu (Singapore) in the final.
Alonso Won Spanish Grand Prix Title
On 12 May Fernando Alonso of Spain won the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona .Kimi Raikkonen second, Felipe Massa secured third
position.It was Alonsofs second win in Barcelona ,the first coming in 2006 and his seventh career podium on the Circuit de Catalunya.
Madrid Open Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womenfs Singles :- On 12 May Serena Williams of the United States bagged her 50th career Singles title.In the final She defeated
Russian Maria Sharapova and got the title .
Menfs Singles :-Rafael Nadal from Spain won the Menfs Singles title after defeated Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in the final.
Womenfs Doubles:-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova ,Lucie Safarova won the Womenfs Doubles title.
Menfs Doubles : Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won their fifth Mutua Madrid Open doubles title . It was their 87th career trophy and fifth
crown of the 2013 ATP World Tour season.
Barcelona Won Spanish League Title
On 12 May Barcelona won the Spanish league title (football) for the 22nd time after closest rivals Real Madrid could only manage a 1-1
draw with Espanyol.The title is Barcafs fourth in five seasons and the 22nd of their history. The last team other than Barcelona or
Madrid to win the title was Valencia in 2004.Barcelonafs Lionel Messi finished the Spanish League as the top-scorer.He has already 46
goals, 12 clear of Cristiano Ronaldo, who finished second.
Rome Masters Tennis Tournament 2013 Winners
Womenfs Singles :- On 19 May Serena Williams (USA) won her fourth consecutive title of the year after defeated Victoria Azarenka
from Belarus in the Rome Masters final.This is the second Rome Open title won by Serena, before this Serena won the Rome title 11
years ago in 2002.
Menfs Singles :- Rafael Nadal from spain claimed his seventh Rome Masters title after defeated Roger Federar (Switzerland ) in the final
Mumbai Indians Won 2013 IPL Title
On 26 May Mumbai Indians won the Indian Premier League title for the first time , after defeated Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the
final at Eden Gardens.
* Man-of-the-Match . Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians)
* Most Valuable Player . Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
* Orange Cap ( (Highest Run Getters) . Michael Hussey (Chennai) : 733 Runs
* Purple Cap (Highest Wicket Takers) . Dwayne Bravo (Chennai) : 32 Wickets
* Best Youngest Player . Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
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* Fair Play Award . Chennai Super Kings
* Best catch of the season . Gurkeerat Mann Singh (Kings Eleven Punjab)
Rosberg Won Monaco Grand Prix Title
On 26 May The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix title.Rosbergfs team-mate Lewis Hamilton dropped from
second to fourth after losing out through the safety car.Force Indiafs Adrian Sutil took fifth from McLarenfs Jenson Button.
China Won Sudirman Cup In Badminton
On 26 May China won their fifth consecutive Sudirman Cup and ninth overall, after defeated South Korea.At the Putra Stadium Chinafs
World No. 1 Xu Chen and Ma Jin defeated their South Korean opponents Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na in straight games in the
mixed doubles.In menfs singles, Chinafs Chen Long defeated South Korean Lee Dong Keun .In menfs doubles Chinese Liu Xiaolong
and Qiu Zihan defeated South Korean players Ko Sung Hyun and Lee Yong Dae.Huser Ayla, of Switzerland won the Womenfs
Singles after defeated Rankin Anna, from New Zealand Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton championship which takes
place every two years.
ECONOMY
RBI Cuts Repo Rate By 25 Basis Points
On 3 May The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis
points, from 7.5 percent to 7.25 per cent with immediate effect as part of its annual monetary policy statement 2013-14.The reverse
repo rate under the LAF also stands adjusted to 6.25 per cent. The RBI took this step to boost flagging economic growth.The cash
reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has however been retained at 4 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 May 2013 announced that it is going to provide about 6 billion dollars loan to India over the next
three years which was decided at the concluding day of the 46th annual meeting of the funding agency. The bank is working on
partnership strategy and is planning to maintain the level of lending to India.It is important here to note that India is the biggest borrower
of ADB and ADB had extended a 2.4 billion dollars loan to India in 2012 across sectors like transport, energy, commerce, industry,
trade and finance.
Delhi Tops in the Creative Index Report 2013
On 6 May According to the Creative Index Report 2013 report ,Delhi has been ranked as the most creative state in India with the
greatest potential for success in todayfs creative economy. The ranking is based on the population of creative class. This class is of
individuals are often engaged in either complex problem solving or in the generation of new ideas, new technology, and new creative
content.Chandigarh, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, and Maharashtra round out the top
nine.
Mobile Phones To Out Number Human Population By 2014
On 12 May According to the International Telecoms Unionfs (ITU) report ,The number of mobile phone subscriptions are set to
outnumber the worldfs population by the end of 2014.Mobile phone subscriptions will pass a whopping seven billion early in
2014.Currently, there are 6.8 billion mobile phone subscriptions while the worldfs population is 7.1 billion. More than a third of the
global population are online, the ITU World in 2013 report also found. The Commonwealth of Independent States, the alliance of
countries formerly in the Soviet Union, is believed to have the highest mobile penetration with 1.7 subscriptions for every person.Africa
has the least, with 63 subscriptions per 100 people.The report also found that 2.7 billion people, almost 40 per cent of the worldfs
population, are online.
Government Raises OBC Creamy Layer Income Limit to Rs 6 Lakh
On 16 May The Union Cabinet gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum for applying the
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Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, to avail benefits of reservations in government jobs and admissions to central
educational institutions.The decision came up in a view to increase the income limits in tune with the increase of the consumer price index.
This would enable more people to take an advantage of reservation benefits that are extended to OBCs. Creamy layer is the income
limit beyond which OBCs are not eligible for quotas
Gujarat Tops in Port Development Projects
On 24 May According to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) ghPorts Development in India gh
report ,While 21 PPP projects in the port sector worth over Rs.43,000 crore are under construction, eight projects worth about
Rs.14,000 crore are under bidding.Gujarat gets first place , accounting for more than 50 per cent of the port projects completed in India
during the last Plan. It has wrapped up 12 projects valued at Rs 12,453 crore, consolidating its presence in the Indian maritime
map.Gujarat is followed by Odisha (2nd place) and Maharashtra (3rd place ), which account for a share of 16.9 per cent and 15.3 per
cent respectively in the completed projects.Odisha saw two projects worth Rs 4,169 crore getting completed, while Maharashtra
finished five projects worth Rs 3,772 crore.Andhra Pradesh (4th place) and Tamil Nadu (5th place) each with three projects under
operation have garnered a share between 5-6 percent followed by Kerala (2.8 percent).
Biocon Chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in Forbes Philanthropy List
On 30 May According to the Forbes Asia magazinefs list of Asia-Pacificfs most remarkable ghgiversh" , Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-
Shaw, P N C Menon, Vineet Nayar and Ronnie Screwvala named in 2013 year list of Asia-Pacificfs most remarkable givers.The annual
list of Heroes of Philanthropy is compiled by Forbes Asia magazine. It features a total of 48 persons from the Asia-Pacific region which
includes countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.Keeping into view Kiran Mazumdarfs work on improving cancer
care and her pledge to give away 75 per cent of wealth she was listed as one of the major Philanthropist.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
China Launched Zhongxing-11 Satellite
On 2 May China successfully launched a communications satellite called Zhongxing-11 from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in
southwest Sichuan province. The satellite was launched into its present orbit from Long March-3B rocket.
Worldfs First 3D Printed Gun Successfully Fired
On 4 May The worldfs first gun made with 3D printer technology has been successfully fired in the US.The anti-gun campaigners
criticised this project, while the law enforcement of Europe is monitoring the developments of this project.All 16 parts of the
controversial gun, called the Liberator, are made from a tough, heat-resistant plastic used in products such as musical instruments,
kitchen appliances and vehicle bumper bars.
The new Navy patrol ship Rani Avantibayi
Indian Coast Guard Ship eRani Avantibaif, the second Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd for the Coast
Guard. This was commissioned into Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on 9 May 2013 by Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh in
the presence of Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Anurag G. hViranari Rani Avantibayih is the inshore patrol
vessels (IPV) in Madhya Pradesh for Ramgadh Coast Guard.This is used in Tracking thieves, coastal conservation, marine disaster relief
efforts.This is the first in the series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Coast Guard.
MiG-29K fighter planes commissions into Navy
On May 11,Defence Minister AK Antony commissioned warfare aircraft MiG-29K Black Panther squadron into the Indian Navy.The
commissioning was held at INS Hansa which would be the base for Black Panther squadron along with other fighter aircraft squadrons
of Indian Navy. The squadron initially comprising 16 aircraft would be known as IANS 303.
U.S. Launched First Unmanned Aircraft From Carrier Flight Deck
The United States Navy launched an unmanned aircraft from a modern carrier flight deck for the first time ever on 14 May.The
unmanned aircraft was the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator, and its first-ever launch from a modern aircraft carrier
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represents how manned and unmanned aircraft on carrier flight decks will be merged in the future.A mission operator aboard the USS
George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) controlled X-47B, showing off how well it works within a carrier environment. It landed back at Naval
Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.
Rotavirus Vaccine Developed in India
India developed a Rotavac Vaccine to eradicate the Rotavirus diarrhoea in infants.The Government of Indiafs Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) and Bharat Biotech announced positive results from a Phase III clinical trial of a rotavirus vaccine.
First Boeing P-8I Aircraft joins Indian Navy
Indian Naval Aviation received a major fillip with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and
Anti Submarine Warfare aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu on 15 May 13. The P-8I aircraft, based on the
Boeing 737-800(NG) airframe, is the Indian Naval variant of the P-8A Poseidon of the US Navy. The aircraft is equipped with both
foreign as well as indigenous sensors for Maritime Reconnaissance, Anti Submarine operations and for Electronic Intelligence missions.
Scientists Converted Human Skin Cells Into Embryonic Stem Cells
On 15 May In a major medical breakthrough, researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have for the first
time ever successfully converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells , via a technique called nuclear transfer.Scientists for the first
time converted human skin cells into embryonic stem cells.These embryonic stem cells are capable of transforming into any other cell
type in the human body.This technique involves transplanting the nucleus of one cell, containing an individualfs DNA, into an egg cell that
has had its genetic material removed.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Successfully Test Fired
On 22 May India successfully test fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Russian-built INS Tarkash off the
coast of Goa.The launch was carried out by the Navy as part of Acceptance Test Firing (ATF) of the ship.INS Tarkash, which is an
advanced Talwar Class frigate, was commissioned on 9th November, last year.The BrahMos missile jointly developed by India and
Russia.
Indian Air Force Inducted Trainer AirCraft Pilatus PC-7
On 31 May Pilatus, PC 7 Mk II aircraft was formally inducted into the IAF by Jitendra Singh MoS, Defence at IAFfs premier Academy
located at Dundigal, Hyderabad.This marked the first formal flight of the Basic Trainer Aircraft over the skies at the Air Force Academy
in Hyderabad.The induction of PC-7Mk II as Basic Trainer Aircraft in Indian Air Force is a very important landmark in our nationfs
quest to modernise its Armed Forces.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A) APPOINTMENTS
Sheikh Salman is New AFC President
On 2 May Bahrainfs Sheikh Salman Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was elected as the new president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He
replaced disgraced ex-leader Mohamed Hammam.
Najib sworn in Malaysiafs PM
Najib Razak was sworn in as Malaysiafs Prime Minister for a second term on 06 May 2013 after his Barisan Nasional (BN, National
Front) coalition won 133 of the 222 Parliament seats in 2013 election.Najib Razak became the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia in year
2009.
Roberto Azevedo Appointed as WTO new Director General
On 8 May Brazilfs Roberto Azevedo has been named as the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation, the first Latin
American to hold the post.He will take charge of his office from Pascal Lamy of France in the Geneva-based Body in September 2013.
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Siddaramaiah Sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
On 13 May Congress leader Siddaramaiah was sworn in as the 22nd chief minister of Karnataka by the Governor H R Bharadwaj.In
year 1992 Siddaramaiah was appointed as Secretary General of Janata Dal.In Year 1994 became the Minister for Finance in the Janata
Dal government headed by Deve Gowda.He served as a Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka twice, first in 1996 when JH Patel
became Chief Minister and again in 2004 when JDS formed a coalition government with Dharam Singh.
Nirbhay Sharma Appointed Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
On 16 May Lieutenant General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh as the term of present
incumbent Gen (retd) J J Singh ended in January 2013. He was appointed as Member of UPSC in May 2008 and after completion of
his five year stint .He was also a part of the Airborne Assault Group, the first Indian Army Unit to enter Dacca (Dhaka) during 1971
war.
Shashi Kant Sharma is the new CAG
On 21 May Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma was appointed as the new Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) ,replaced
outgoing Vinod Rai.Sharma, an IAS officer from 1976 batch of Bihar cadre, has earlier assumed various important offices during his
tenure as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services and has spent over 10 years in the Defence Ministry in various
capacities.The CAG is appointed for a term of six years or till the incumbent attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Indian Origin Srinivasan Appointed as Top US Court Judge
On 23 May The United States Senate voted 97-0 to appoint Srikanth Srinivasan as a Judge of the prestigious US Court of Appeals.It is
the highest judicial appointment to an Indian -American . Srinivasan has become the first Indian-American to be appointed to the
court.He is the Principle Deputy Solicitor General and defends the policies of US President Barack Obama before the Supreme Court
Radha Krishna Mathur is new Defence Secretary
On 25 May Senior IAS officer Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as new Defence Secretary.He succeeds Shashikant Sharma
who has taken over as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). A 1977-batch IAS officer of Manipur-Tripura cadre, Mathur was
serving as Secretary (Defence Production) in the Defence Ministry.
Justice Raveendran is new NBSA Chief
On 25 May Former Supreme Court judge Justice R V Raveendran has been appointed as the new Chairman of the News Broadcasting
Standards Authority (NBSA) , the self regulatory initiative of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA).He succeeds justice (Retd.)
J.S. Verma, chairperson of the NBSA, who passed away on 2013 April.NBSA is an independent redressal body set up by the News
Broadcasters Association (NBA) and has leading TV news channels as its members.
Kushal Singh Appointed as the Chairperson of NCPCR
On 27 May Mrs. Kushal Singh has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR), by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.Mrs. Kushal Singh has held several high level posts in the Government of
Rajasthan and the Central Government.She was the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan.
PM Manmohan Singh elected to Rajya Sabha
On 30 May 2013 ,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was elected to Rajya Sabha from Assam for fifth consecutive term.Dr Singh got 49
first preference votes, while the second Congress candidate bagged 45 votes and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)fs Aminul
Islam, who polled 18 votes, lost in the 126-member state Assembly.
B)RESIGNS
Union Railway Minister and Law Minister of India Resigned
On 10 May Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal and Union Law Minister of India Ashwani Kumar resigned from their
posts.Railway Minister PK Bansal resigned from his office since his nephew Vijay Singla was arrested for his alleged involvement of
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bribery of 90 lakh rupees from the Railway Board Member, with a promise of promotion. Ashwani Kumar the Union Law Minister
submitted his resignation after being into attack by the opposition and the CBI affidavit submitted to Supreme Court for vetting up the
CBI report in the Coal Block allocation scam.
C)DEATHS
ATP chairman Brad Drewett died
Brad Drewett(54), the former tour player who led the ATP as executive chairman and president since January 2012 died on 3 May
2013 . He helped in increasing the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.
Giulio Andreotti, the former Italian Prime Minister died
On 6th May, the former Italian Prime Minister ,Giulio Andreott(94) was dies in Rome.He was one of the most powerful figures in the
politics of the country after World War II.
Islamic scholar Asghar Ali Engineer Died
On May 14,Leading Islamic scholar, author and activist Asghar Ali Engineer, 74, died at his Santacruz home in Mumbai. He was born
in 1940 and completed his BSc in civil engineering from Vikram University.From 1980, he edited the journal named the Islamic
Perspective and during 1980s he published a series of books on Islam and communal violence in India. His books were based on his
investigations in the post-independent India. The USA International Student Assembly and the USA Indian Student Assembly honoured
him with Distinguished Service Award in 1987.
Bengali filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh dead
On 30 May 2013,Award-winning Indian film director Rituparno Ghosh was died from a heart attack in the city of Calcutta.Ghosh
directed 18 films in that 12 films got national awards.Ghosh began his remarkable journey by directing a childrenfs film gHirer Angtih
(gDiamond Ringh) in 1994, which won him an immediate recognition. He shot to fame after his next film gUnishe Aprilh (g19 Aprilh) won
the national award in 1995.His other award-winning films include gDahanh, gAsukhh, gChokher Balih, gRaincoath, gBariwalih,
gAntarmahalh, gNoukadubih, gAbohomanh, gChitrangadah and Amitabh Bachchan starrer gThe Last Learh.
Academic Vina Mazumdar Dead
On 30 May 2013,Noted academic and a leading figure of Indiafs womenfs movement, Dr Vina Mazumdar, died in New Delhi.Born in
1927 in a middle-class Bengali household in Kolkata, she did her schooling in the city and studied in Banaras Hindu University and
Calcutta University, before going to Oxford in 1947, soon after independence. She went back to Oxford University later and received
her D.Phil in 1962.
D)VISITORS
China Prime Minister Li Keqiang Visited India
Chinafs new Prime Minister Li Keqiangfs visited India on his first foreign trip to India from 19th to 21st May 2013 since taking his
office in March 2013. During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed India-China border issues , bilateral,
regional and global issues of common interest.After the both countries signed on 8 agreements.The Chinese have also agreed to provide
greater facilitation to Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Visited India
Hamid Karzai , President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from 20-22 May, 2013.During the visit Hamid Karzai was
on 20 May conferred an honorary doctorate degree by President Pranab Mukherjee at a professional university in Phagwara.He met
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi and discussed on various key bilateral and regional issues , the situation in the region in
the backdrop of Afghanistanfs keenness to enhance defence cooperation with India and get supply of lethal and non-lethal weapons.
E)MISCELLANEOUS
First Woman Named To FBIfs Most Wanted Terrorist List
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On 3 May Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), a member of the Black Liberation Army who killed a New Jersey state
trooper 40 years ago and has since fled to Cuba,has been named as one of the FBIfs most wanted terrorists, making her the first woman
ever to make the list.Chesimard was convicted for killing Foerster and sentenced to life in prison. In 1979 she escaped with the help of
the Black Army Liberation and has been on the run ever since.The U.S. Justice Department announced a doubling of the reward for her
capture to $2 million.
Ritankar Das is Centuryfs Youngest California University Topper
On 10 May An 18-year-old Indian-American has become the youngest graduate topper of the prestigious University of California in
more than a century.Kolkata-born Ritankar Das, has been named as the University Medalist, the prize which is given to the yearfs top
graduating senior.Das has taken just three years to complete his studies with a double major in bioengineering and chemical biology and
a minor in creative writing from the University of California, Berkeley.Further he is the first student from the College of Chemistry in 58
years, and the first ever from the Department of Bioengineering.
Sreesanth,Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested
S Sreesanth and two of his Rajasthan Royals teammates Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan were arrested by the Delhi police on charges
of spot fixing in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
First Saudi Woman Ever Climbs Mount Everest
On 18 May Raha Moharrak has become the first Saudi Arabian woman to climb Mount Everest. Moharrak also became the youngest
Arab to reach the 8,850-meter peak (29,035 feet). She was part of a group that included the first Qatari man and the first Palestinian
man to reach the summit.
Indian Sisters First Twins To Climb Mount Everest
On 19 May Two Indian girls have scripted history by becoming the first twins ever to climb Mount Everest together.Tashi and Nancy
Malik from Dehra Dun achieved this feat by successfully reaching the worldfs highest mountain peak at 8,848 meters.The duo were
among other record-makers including the first women from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan who climbed the Everest on 18 May.
Arunima Becomes First Indian Amputee To Scale Mt Everest
On 21 May Arunima Sinha, a former national level volleyball player who had lost one of her legs after being thrown off a moving train
by, created history by becoming the first Indian amputee to conquer Mount Everest. Sinha reached the 8,848 metre-high summit of the
worldfs highest peak as a member of the Eco Everest Expedition from the Tata Group.Sinha, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar
Pradesh.Arunima successfully scaled the 6,622-metre-high Mount Chhamser Kangri of Ladakh last year, but her ultimate goal was to
climb Mount Everest.
Yuichiro Miura, Became Oldest Man to Climb Mount Everest
Yuichiro Miura, the 80-year old mountaineer from Japan reached Mount Everestfs summit on 23 May 2013. With this, he became the
oldest man to climb the highest mountain peak of the world. Yuichiro Miura climbed the Everest at the age of 70 and 75 as well.
Indian-origin Boy Won National Geographic Bee Contest
On 23 May Sathwik Karnik, a 12-year-old Indian-American boy, has won the prestigious National Geographic Bee 2013 after gruelling
rounds testing his geographic knowledge about lions in Botswana, mountain ranges in Asia and port cities in England.To clinch the title,
Karnik, 12, correctly named Chimborazo as the mountain in Ecuador that represents the farthest point from the Earthfs
center.US.Karnik took home the spoils of the Bee prize that include a USD 25,000 college scholarship, an all-expenses paid trip to the
Galapagos Islands, and a lifetime membership to the National Geographic Society.
Jiroemon Kimura Becomes eLast Living Man Born in 19th Centuryf
The oldest person in the world, Japanese Jiroemon Kimura,116 years Japanese man became the last male of the 19th century in the
world. Jiroemon Kimura was given the title of last male alive to be born in the 19th century after the death of Barbados in the month of
May 2013 at the age of 113 years and 90 days.Gerontolgy Research Group at University of California, Los Angeles found out that as
far as female were concerned, there are in all 21 women born before 1 January 1901 and they are still alive.But amongst the male,
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Jiroemon Kimura is the only alive person of 19th century.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897.
Premlata becomes the first Indian woman to complete seven summits
Asian woman mountaineer Premlata Agrawal has become the first Indian woman mountaineer to scale the seven continental peaks after
climbing Alaskafs McKinley Peak.With this, she became the first Indian woman mountaineer to step on the highest peak of North
America.
Arvind Mahankali Won National Spelling Bee 2013
On 31 May Arvind Mahankali, a 13-year old Indian-American won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, as children from the
community scripted history by dominating the prestigious competition for the sixth year in a row, grabbing top three slots this
year.Arvind, from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling the German word eknaidelf which means a small mass of leavened
dough, overcoming his fear of German-derived words during his past four appearances at the contest.This is the sixth consecutive year
that an Indian-American has won the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States.
PLACES IN NEWS
Cyclonic Storm eMahasenf Hits Bangladesh
On 16 May The cyclonic storm eMahasenf hit Bangladeshfs southern Patuakhali coast with wind speed up to 90 kilometers per
hour.More than 48 persons were killed as inflated waters coupled with gusts started ravaging parts of Patuakhali alongside the other
areas adjacent to the Bay of Bengal in the region.The system is now located in the west-central bay and is likely to intensify further,
move in northeast direction and cross the Bangladesh coast close to Chittagong.
ABBREVIATIONS
NESAC ..- North Eastern Space Applications Centre
ACTO ... Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization
ILO ... International Labour Organization
CNEN ... National Commission for Nuclear Energy
CNEA ...- National Commission of Atomic Energy
IPV .... Inshore Patrol Vessel
BWF ...- Badminton World Federation
BOOKS IN NEWS
Understanding Bhagat Singh h by Prof. Chamanlal released
Understanding Bhagat Singh a book by Prof. Chamanlal was released in the on 3 May 2013.Professor Randhir Singh, Eminent Thinker
released the book at School of Social Sciences (SSS- I) Auditorium, JNU in New Delhi.The book Understanding Bhagat Singh has
tried to explain the soul or spirit of Bhagat Singh like his principle of achieving objectives with dignity, honesty and fearlessness.
Gandhifs Outstanding Leadershipf Book Released
On 27 May gGandhifs Outstanding Leadership g, written by former Indian diplomat-turned-Gandhian Pascal Alan Nazareth, was
released at the Peking Universityfs Centre.Prof Shang Quanyu, a history professor with the South China Normal University, translated
the book into Madarin.
