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Updated Current Affairs Dec 2012
Mahama Re-elected as Ghana's President
On 10 December Ghana's incumbent President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the country's presidential election.Mahama took 50.70 percent of the total valid votes cast, while his closest challenger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) obtained 47.74 percent.With his re-election, Mahama becomes the fourth president to be elected under the Forth Republic.He had served as Ghana's vice president since 2009.
UN, Pakistan Launched 'Malala Fund'
Pakistan joined forces with the United Nations on 10 December 2012 to launch a fund aimed at boosting girls' education throughout the world.The fund is named for Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old Pakistani girl. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari also announced a $10-million donation for a global war chest to educate all girls by 2015 set up in the name of Malala Yousafzai for campaigning for girls' education.
Shinzo Abe Elected As Japan's New PM
The former Prime Minister and the Leader of LDP Shinzo Abe elected as a Prime Minister with a clear victory over the Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party of Japan(DPJ) Yoshihiko Noda in the Parliamentary Elections on 26 December 2012.The lawmakers in Japan voted in favour of Abe by 328 votes. Opponent Banri Kaieda, the newly chosen leader of DPJ received merely 57 votes.
Jacob Zuma re-elected as South Africa's President
South Africa's ruling African National Congress on 18 December 2012 re-elected President Jacob Zuma as the party chief with a thumping majority. Mr.Zuma received the support of over 75 per cent of the total voting delegates at the ANC National Conference held in Bloemfontein. Juma was Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005
Park elected South Korean President
Park Guen-hye, the daughter of former military dictator Park Chung-hee, beat her opponent on 19 December 2012 in the South Korean presidential elections. Park is the country's first woman President. She is the former head of the ruling Conservative Saenuri Party, had secured the necessary votes and defeated Moon Jae-in, of the Democratic United Party.
Pak Cleared Anti-terror Bill
On 20 December Pakistan's National Assembly passed a bill that will give intelligence and security agencies sweeping powers to conduct surveillance and collect data from SMS's and emails.The National Assembly or lower house of parliament approved the ""Fair Trial Bill 2012 "" after incorporating amendments proposed by the main opposition PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which is part of the ruling coalition led by the Pakistan People's Party.
U.S. House Passed Defense Bill
On 20 December US (United States) House of Representatives passed the Defence Authorization Act of 2013. The bill authorizing 633.3 billion – dollar in defense spending for 2013, easing limits on satellite exports and providing more Marines for embassy security.
Napolitano Dissolved Italian Parliament
On 22 December Italian President Giorgio Napolitano dissolved Parliament following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Monti. Italian Government under the leadership of Mario Monti brought forward a series of austerity reforms backed by EU and business leaders.
Morsi signed on Egypt's New Constitution
On 25 December Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi signed into law a new Islamist-drafted constitution. He signed a declaration enforcing the charter late after the official announcement of the result of a referendum approving the basic law. Two-thirds of the members of the 270-seat council were elected earlier this year in a vote in which only 12 per cent of registered voters participated. The remaining 90 were appointed by Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president.
Pakistan Recognised the Republic of Kosovo
On 26 December Pakistan Government officially recognised Kosovo as an independent state, almost five years after it declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. Pakistan is the 98th country among the 193 U.N-member states to recognise Kosovo .Kosovo is a small south east European state lies between Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.
Nitish Kumar, Hazare, Malala Among "The Top 100 Global Thinkers" List
On 2 December According to the United States-based Foreign Policy magazine has released its list of the "100 Top Global Thinkers" from 2012. The magazine has placed the Indians in the list include Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who features way below at the 77th place, Anna Hazare who has been placed at the 37th position for his anti-corruption crusade in the country. 15-year-old Pakistani child rights activist Malala Yousafzai at 6th position, Aung San Suu Kyi is ranked first in list.
Bangladesh Agreed on Zero Line Fencing along Tripura Border
On 2 December Bangladesh had agreed to set up barbed wire fencing along zero line in nine stretches on the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura. According to the MHA communique, fencing along zero line was to be allowed in 9 areas.
India & Japan Signed Currency Swap Agreement
India signed a bilateral swap arrangement (BSA) with the Bank of Japan to swap their local currencies for an amount of $15 billion for a three year period on 4 December 2012.The BSA will effect from 5 December 2012.
India is Among Top Five Terror-Hit Nations
The Australian think tank released The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) on 4 December 2012, according to this GTI, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were among the nations most impacted by terrorism in 2011. In 2011, the Middle East, India, Pakistan and Russia were the areas most impacted by terrorism. India's GTI rank was 4 out of the 159 countries surveyed. While Iraq stood at number1, Pakistan at number 2, Afghanistan at number 3 and Yemen was number 5.
Bangalore Best Indian City To Live
Bangalore ranks better than New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata amongst Indian cities in overall global quality of living index, according to a Mercer 2012 Quality of Living Survey.Bangalore's overall quality of living rank went up from 141 in 2011 to 139 in 2012 and is highest amongst other Indian cities.
India Ranked 94th Position in Corruption
Denmark, Finland and New Zealand tied for the first place in watchdog Transparency International's 2012 index of the least corrupt countries. India is on 94th position in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Most corrupted nations are Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia in 174th positions.
US Extends Exemptions For India to Iran Oil Sanctions
On 8 December the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has extended exemptions to India, China ,South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan from Iranian Sanctions Act mainly because of their significant reduction in oil import from Iran.The 9 countries have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in Section 1245 of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, based on additional reductions in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran.This is for the second time that countries including India has received waiver from US under the Iranian sanctions act.
3 Indian Projects among Strategic- Global Infrastructure Projects List
Three Indian projects have placed in the new york's Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum "Top 100 Strategic Global Infrastructure Projects " list. GIFT city (Gujarat International Financial Tech city), Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project (Maharashtra) and the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) project (Andhra Pradesh).
India, Ukraine Signed on Five Agreements
India and Ukraine on 10 December 2012 signed on five agreements in New Delhi to enhance cooperation including in areas of defence, Nuclear, Science and Technology and also to remove barriers in trade and commerce.
Indians 'Largest Ethnic Minority Group in UK
On 11 December According to the 2011 Britain population census record Indians are the largest ethnic minority group in the UK.With 1.5 percent of the Hindu religion became a third-largest religion in the nation's. The Christian population in the country is also a drop in the statistics.. The Muslim community population in the country's fastest growing increased by 3 percent to 4.8.
India& Pak Signed on New Visa Agreement
The new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14th December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-on-Arrival will come into effect from 15th January, 2013. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister singed on the agreement.
Cell Phone Connections to exceed the World Population by 2014
The International Telecommunications Communication Union (ITU) to be designed and released Information Society 2012 – Observe report on 11 December. According to the report number of cell phone connections exceeding the world's population by 2014. Now 6 billion (hundreds of millions) cell phone connections they will reach 730 Millions by 2014 .Then the world's population is 700 crore.Already in Russia 1.8 times cell phone accounts more than 25 million people.
Indians now Live Longer but in Poor Health in Old Age
According to the the prestigious British medical journal, 'The Lancet ' report the life expectancy (LE) at birth of an average Indian male has gone up by 15 years between 1970 and 2010. An average Chinese male is living 10 years longer than an Indian male, while a Chinese woman is living 11.5 years longer than her Indian counterpart. An average American lives nearly 13 years longer than an Indian.
World Malaria Report 2012
According to the WHO " World Malaria Report 2012" India, the country most affected by malaria in the South East Asian Region, is projected to see a decrease of 50-75 per cent in malaria case incidence by 2015.In South East Asia Region, Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand have registered decreases of 75 per cent or more in the incidence of microscopically confirmed malaria incidence rates between 2000 and 2011.
Hinduism Third Largest Religion of World
According to the ' Pew research ' survey report Hinduism is the third largest religion of the world after Christianity , Islam and 97 per cent of all Hindus live in the world's three Hindu-majority countries (India, Mauritius and Nepal), and nearly nine-in-ten Christians (87 per cent) are found in the world's 157 Christian majority countries.In the total world population 2.2 billion Christians (32 per cent of the world's population), 1.6 billion Muslims (23 per cent) around the world as of 2010.
India & Russia signed Rs 22,000 crore Defence Deals
India and Russia signed defence deals worth around Rs. 22,000 crore ($4 billion) on 24 December. According to this pact Russia will sell India 71 military helicopters for $1.3 billion and technological kits to assemble 42 Sukhoi jet fighters for $1.6 billion.
Sexual Assault a Gender-Neutral Offence Bill Passed by Lok Sabha
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, replacing the word 'rape' by the phrase 'sexual assault' and seeking to widen the scope of the offence passed by Lok Sabha on 4 December. Both men and women could soon be able to invoke the provisions of a criminal law in case of sexual assault .The amendment bill expands the definition so that cases of sexual assault where victims were male would fall under the same law along with cases where victims were women.
Cabinet Approved Naval Base Phase II of Project "Seabird "
On 7 December The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared a Rs 13,500 crore major expansion plan of the strategic Karwar naval base Phase II Alpha of the project "Seabird "in Karnataka is set to become the country's biggest Naval base by 2025. The Karwar naval base is India's third major naval base after Mumbai and Visakhapatnam on the east coast.
Over 7 Crore Unemployed Youth in India
According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report an approximate 7 crore youth people in India are either unemployed or under-employed. The figures were revealed by Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha."As per results of the latest survey conducted by NSSO during 2009-10, the number of unemployed or under-employed persons on usual status basis in the country was 95 lakhs and about six crore respectively.
Rajya Sabha Passed SC/ST Quota Bill
A Constitution 117th amendment bill providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions was on December 17 passed by Rajya Sabha.
Unlawful Activities Amendment Bill Passed by Rajya Sabha
On 20 December Parliament passed a bill that makes economic offences, including circulation of high quality counterfeit currency, a terrorist act.The Rajya Sabha passed Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2012 by voice vote while several parties. The bill was already passed by Lok Sabha.
LokSabha Approved Company Bill 2011
On 18 December Lok Sabha passed the Companies Bill 2011 paving the way for a new modern company law.The Bill is aimed at improving corporate governance. It contains provisions to strengthen regulations for corporate as well as auditing firms.
Banking Bill passed by Lok Sabha
The Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, have been passed in the Lok Sabha on 20 December .The amendments pave the way for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new bank licences, and also opens door for more foreign investment into the sector.
Usha Mehra commission for Delhi incident victim Nirbhaya's Case
A female physiotherapy intern student Nirbhaya beaten and gang raped in Delhi on 16 December and died on 29 December while undergoing emergency treatment in Singapore for brain and gastrointestinal damage from the assault.The government has formed a committee of enquiry under justice Usha Mehra to reconstruct the events leading to the incident identify lapses by police and other agencies and fix responsibility for the crime.
Microsoft Launches 14 Innovation Centres in India
Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd had launched 14 Microsoft Innovation Centres (MICs) in India. It has signed agreements with leading academic institutions across four States.As part of the global programme, which currently has 75 MICs, Microsoft aims to launch a 100 such centres in India in the next two years.
Delhi Government Launched "Delhi Annshri Yojna"
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was launched a major food security programme of Delhi Government "Delhi Annshri Yojna" on 15 December 2012.under which a monthly cash subsidy of Rs. 600 will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the senior-most female members of two lakh poor families.
BJP Won in Gujarat Assembly Elections
The BJP registered its fifth consecutive victory in Gujarat on 20 December 2012.This is the third victory under Modi leadership. BJP won the 115 seats. Congress won the 61 seats. Modi won by a landslide from Maninagar constituency in Gujarat, beating his nearest Congress party rival Shweta Bhatt by a margin of 86,373 votes.
Congress has won Himachal Pradesh Elections
The Congress returned to power in Himachal Pradesh after five years, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Himachal Pradesh State Assembly elections conduced on 4 November 2012.The Congress secured 36 seats and the BJP 26 seats. The Congress Leader Virbhadra Singh won from Shimla (Rural) constituency and defeated the rival from BJP Ishwar Rohal by 19033 Votes.
Meghalaya Passed Lokayukta Bill 2012
On 14 December the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill, 2012 was passed in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and replaced the existing Lokayukta Act, 2002 amidst opposition from legislators. The new act under the lokayukta bill covered the chief minister, governor and all public servants, but allowed the state government through a clause to exclude the complaints by citing public interest.
Madhya Pradesh Government Set Up a Senior Citizen Commission
On 21 December the Madhya Pradesh Government has set up a Senior Citizen Commission to look into problems of the elderly in the State.
Assam Government Announced Special Health Scheme
On 12 December Assam government announced that 50 riverine public health centres would be set up in the state soon under the National Rural Health Mission.The public health centres would be located primarily in the districts of Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara and Darrang.
30% Reservation for Rural Candidates in Assam Govt. Jobs
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 26 December 2012 announced that 30 per cent state government jobs will be reserved for candidates belonging to rural areas from 2013.
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 18)
The United Nations Climate Change Conference , which is the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 18) and 8th session of the Conference of the Parties (serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol ) ends on 8 December in Qatar, Doha. United Nations climate talks in Doha had agreed to extend the Kyoto Protocol through 2020. Poland will host the next round of 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) UN climate talks in 2013.
World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12)
The First ever World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) from 3 -14 December held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The conference reviewed the current International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs).The 193 member states of the ambassadors are attended this conference.While 89 states have signed the UN International Telecommunications agreement and another 55 countries have refused the deal.The new agreement will come into effect in January 2015.
ASEAN – India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi
India is hosted the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held from December 20-21 in New Delhi to mark the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN – India dialogue partnership and the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-India Summit-level partnership.The theme of the summit is "ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace and Shared Prosperity". ASEAN and India have signed the awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on comprehensive economic cooperation as foundations for the establishment of an ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Area.
Katy Perry Honored With Billboard's "Woman of the Year"
Pop Singer Katy Perry was honored with Billboard's "Woman of the Year 2012" (The Star of the Women) award in New York.
Shah Rukh Khan Conferred With Morocco's Medal of Honour
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had given the prestigious Medal of Honour by the Prince of Morocco (Moulay Rachid) on 3 December 2012 in 12th Marrakech International Film Festival.
DRDO Scientist Gets Top Award
Brajnish Sitara scientist from Research Centre Imarat(RCI), a premier laboratory of DRDO's missile complex was conferred with INAE(Indian National Academy of Engineering)Young Engineer Award for 2012 at the academy's annual conventionheld at Roorkee on 6 December 2012.
Rajan and Sajan Mishra Conferred 'National Tansen Samman'
On 14 December 2012 noted vocalist duo of Rajan and Sajan Mishra will be awarded prestigious 'National Tansen Samman' for year 2011-12 for their contribution to Hindustani classical music
Stephen Hawking Won Yuri Milner Award
A Russian billionaire's foundation was awarded two special prizes of $3 million each to British cosmologist Stephen Hawking for his work on black holes and to seven scientists at the world's biggest atom-smasher for their roles in the discovery of a new subatomic particle believed to be the long-sought Higgs boson. Yuri Milner's Fundamental Physics Prize Foundation announced the awards on 11 December 2012.Hawking is honored for his discovery of Hawking radiation from black holes "and his deep contributions to quantum gravity and quantum aspects of the early universe."
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Ravi Shankar
Sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar will be honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.He becomes the first Indian to get the prestigious award. The decision to honour Ravi Shankar, a three-time Grammy winner, was made before his death.
Indian Journalist's Association Honoured Sir Charles Wheeler
On 16 December Indian Journalists Association has conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2012 posthumously to former BBC correspondent Sir Charles Wheeler.
Scientist Venkatesh Mannar honoured with Order of Canada Award
A Chennai born scientist of Indian origin, M.G Venkatesh Mannar and President, Micronutrient Initiative, Canada was awarded with Canada's Highest Civilian Award – the " Order of Canada " on December .US, was honoured with the award for his forty years long contribution working towards reduction of debilitating micronutrient deficiencies among the worlds most vulnerable.
Arunachal CM Selected for "IAEWP" Award
On 18 December Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has been selected by the International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP) for a Lifetime Achievement Award. IAEWP is a non-governmental organization affiliated to the United Nations and engaged in the promotion of world peace. Besides the individual award he would also receive the 'Green State of the Year ' Award on behalf of the Arunachal Pradesh Government for maintaining greenery in the state.
Top Honour For 7-year-old South African Indian Rhino Campaigner
A seven-year-old Indian-origin girl Afeefah Patel won a prestigious a wildlife conservation award in South Africa for writing a letter to President Jacob Zuma asking for his assistance in saving endangered rhinos. Afeefah Patel, who has just finished Grade One, became the youngest winner ever of SANParks's Corporate Contribution to Conservation Award in individual category at the 8th annual Kudu Awards.
P.Chidambaram received "Best Administrator" Award
On 20 December Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram received ""Best Administrator in India"" award instituted by K. Karunakaran Foundation.The award was presented to him by Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari.The award is being offered in the memory of renowned Congress leader as well as the former Kerala Chief minister K.Karunakaran. First Karunakaran Foundation Award was given to Pranab Mukherjee.
Archaeologist C.Govindarajanar Received Presidential Award
President Pranab Mukherjee on 21 December 2012 conferred the Presidential Awards for Classical Tamil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prof. C. Govindarajanar was conferred Tolkappiyar Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Tamil studies.
Top U.S. Innovation Award For Indian-American
A renowned Indian-American inventor at IBM, Rangaswamy Srinivasan, was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama for the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation. He named the phenomenon Ablative Photo Decomposition (APD). He got this award for the discovery of APD.
Shihab Ghanem the First Arab to receive India's Tagore Peace Prize
On 26 December The Asiatic society will award the Tagore Peace Prize to Emirati poet and translator Shihab Ghanem .Shihab Ghanem the first Arab to receive India's Tagore Peace Prize.The peace prize is named after Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali creative talent and India's first Nobel laureate.
Pratibha Ray Won 2011 Jnanpith Award
Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011 on 27 December 2012.
Astronautical Society's Aryabhatta award for Muthunayagam & Saraswat
The former secretary of the Department of Ocean Development, A.E. Muthunayagam, will received the prestigious Aryabhatta award, instituted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI), for 2010 and V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, will receive the award for 2011.They have been selected for their achievements in rocketry.
Lalith Babu Top in Commonwealth Chess Championship
Grandmasters M R Lalith Babu and Sergei Tiviakov scored final round victories to reached the top of the table with 9.5 points in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in Chennai on 01 December 2012. Lalith was crowned the Commonwealth Champion 2012 title.
Rory McIlroy named PGA "Tour Player of the Year"
On 2 December The PGA( Professional Golfers' Association of America) Tour has announced Rory McIlroy as "Tour Player of the Year" after McIlroy won four times on Tour in 2012. McIlroy, becomes the youngest player to earn Player of the Year honors since Tiger Woods in 1998.
Anna Ushenina is World Women's Chess Champion
Anna Ushenina of Ukraine 02 December 2012 won the women's World Championship crown, defeating Antoaneta Stefanova of Bulgaria in the first set of tie-break games.
Air India Won Lal Bahadur Shastri Tournament
Air India defeated Bharat Petroleum 3-1 to emerge champion in the 23rd Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium New Delhi on 4 December 2012.
Jadeja Created History Hitting 3rd Tripleton in FC Cricket
Ravindra Jadeja became first Indian and only eighth batsman in the First-Class (FC) cricket history of world to score three triple-centuries in the unbeaten 320 runs against Railways in the Ranji Trophy Group A match on 2 December 2012 in Rajkot.
International Olympic Committee Suspended India
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended India's national Olympic committee on 4 December 2012 because of government interference in its election process.
Australia Won 5th Consecutive Champions Trophy Hockey
On 8 December Australia won fifth Consective Champions Trophy Hockey after defeated Netherlands in Melbourne.The bronze medal was claimed by Pakistan after they beated India on 9 december.
Indian Wrestlers Won Nine Gold Medals in Copa Brasil Tournament
The Indian wrestling contingent finished with a haul of nine gold and four bronze medals in the recent Copa Brasil-2012 tournament held at Rio in December 2012.
Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Classic Tournament
On 10 December Norway's chess ace Magnus Carlsen won the 4th London Chess Classic Tournament in London .Carlsen defeated the World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the final round and claim the winner's trophy.Kramnik is second place , Adams and Hikaru Nakamura share the third place and Viswanathan Anand fifth place.
India Won Blind Cricket T20 World Cup
India won the first T20 world cup for the Blind .In the final on 13 December 2012 India defeated the Pakistan by 29-runs.India did well to clinch the first ever blind cricket T20 World Cup on the home soil.
India Won the World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012
India won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Men's category and second consecutive time in the Women's category on15 December 2012. Indian men defeated the Pakistan and India Women defeated the Malaysia in the finals held at the Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana.
Jeev Honoured with Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award
Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh (in pic) won the Asia Pacific Lifetime Achievement award along with Jack Nicklaus and Colin Montgomerie on 15 December 2012.
China Claimed All Titles at Junior World TT Championship
On 16 December China claimed the all titles at Volkswagen 2012 World Junior Table Tennis Championship after it won girls as well as boys trophies. Girls Singles : Zhu Yuling, Girls Doubles: Gu Yuting and Zhu Yuling, Boys Singles : Fan Zhendong, Boys Doubles : Gu Ruochen and Lin Gaoyuan, Mixed Doubles : Zhendong and Liu Gaoyang.
Federer & Nicola named " Swiss Athlete's of the Year 2012
Tennis star Roger Federer was named Swiss male athlete of the year at the 2012 Credit Suisse Sports Awards on 16 December in Zurich.Federer received the honour for the fifth time. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland.
England Won Test Series
On 17 December The last test match between India and England of the Tournament England Tour to India ended up as a draw and with this India lost the four-test match cricket series against England .With this win England succeeded in ending a 28 year long wait of winning a test series on Indian Soil.
Syed Rahim Nabi Named " AIFF Player of the Year 2012 "
Syed Rahim Nabi has been named the 'AIFF (All India Football Federation) Player of the Year, 2012′ on 20 December.
Sachin Retired From One Day Cricket
On 23 December Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement from one day cricket. Sachin scored 18426 runs in 463 one-day matches and also made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries. He became the first cricketer to score a double century in the history of One Day international Cricket against South Africa in February 2010.Tendulkar scored his 100th international century on 16 March 2012 against Bangladesh, where he scored 114 runs.
Kashyap Won First Grand Prix Title
Kashyap Parupalli defeated Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in a tight three game match to take his first Grand Prix title at the Shaheed Dr. KL Garg, Syed Modi India Grand Prix Gold 2012.
Apurvi Chandela Won Air Rifle Gold
On 24 December Apurvi Chandela of Rajasthan won Women's Air Rifle Gold in the Sahara 56th National Shooting Championship.Former champion and National record holder, Pournima clinched the bronze.
Djokovic won World Tennis Championship
On 29 December Spanish tennis player Novak Djokovic won World Tennis Championship final after defeated Nicolas Almagro in Abu Dhabi.
Vijay Won Gold in National Shooting Championship
London Olympics silver medallist Vijay Kumar 30 december 2012 clinched the gold medal in the men's rapid fire pistol event at the 56th National Shooting Championship in New Delhi.
McGrath inducted into 'Hall of Fame'
The ICC announced on 30 December 2012 that McGrath, who took more Test wickets (563) than any other fast bowler and holds the record for most wickets in World Cups (71), will be inducted as the 68th male player in the International Cricket Council's Hall of Fame.
The ADB cut India's Growth Forecast to 5.4 percent
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cut India's growth forecast to 5.4 per cent in 2012-13 fiscal, barely two months after it had made a projection of 5.6 per cent growth for the Asia's third largest economy. India's growth forecast is revised from 5.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent in fiscal year 2012 and from 6.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent in FY 2013.
Rich Gulf Families Own Wealth Worth USD 1.2 Trillion
According to the 'KFH-Research' report said one million wealthy families in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries own investment assets worth about USD 1.2 trillion.The report about wealth and funds management said that the world's population of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) grew by a marginal 0.8 per cent year on year to 11 million in 2011.
India Economy Would Dominate the Economy of the World by 2030
US intelligence counsel was released report on 10 December 2012 declared that India would straddle international commerce and will also dominate the economy of the whole world by 2030.
IOC Retains Top in Fortune 500 India List
Government owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is ranked as the largest company in terms of revenue, the Fortune 500 list of Indian companies for 2012 . In this list Indian Oil Corporation got the first place with a full-year revenue of Rs 4,202 billion, Reliance Industries Limited got the second place with a full-year revenue of Rs 3,675 billion and Bharat Petroleum Corporation got the third place with a full -year revenue of Rs 2,148 billion
India's Lost $123 bn in Black Money
According to the report of 'Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2001—2010,' released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) India lost $123 billion in black money during 2001-2010. However India's loss is far less than that of China, which according to the report suffered a loss of $ 2.74 trillion during the same period (2001 to 2010). India is the eighth largest victim of black money loses.
India Lags Several Nations in Per Capita Income
India is lagging behind several countries in per capita income due to different levels of development and various other factors, the central government was informed on 19 December. India's per capita GDP on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) basis was $3,403 in 2010 and is estimated at $3,662.69 in 2011 and $3,851.31 in 2012.
Canadian Scientists Created Artificial Brain
Software engineers as well as neuroscientists at University of Waterloo, Canada claimed that they have developed a closest model of the functioning human brain, known as Spaun which is advanced enough for passing the basic IQ tests. This is the virtual brain which functions on the supercomputer and comprises of a digital eye, which can be used for visual input. It also has the robotic arm which can be used for drawing the response.
Voyager 1 Drifts Into Unknown Region of Space
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has discovered a new layer of the solar system that scientists hadn't known was there, researchers announced on 4 December 2012. Voyager 1, in particular, has entered a new region of the heliosphere that scientists are calling a "magnetic highway," which allows charged particles from inside the heliosphere to flow outward, and particles from the galaxy outside to come in.
New Anti-HIV Gel for HIV Transmission
Researchers led by Dereuddre-Bosquet from the European Combined Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Microbicides (CHAARM) Consortium describe the gel's key ingredient, which are small peptides engineered to present a decoy to bind up the virus and prevent it from entering and infecting the body cells. Because this is a gel it can be topically applied and could represent a powerful preventative agent against sexual transmission of HIV. Bosquet and colleagues engineered peptides named 'miniCD4s' because they mimic the CD4 receptor used by HIV to gain entry into immune cells of the body.
NASA to Send New Rover to Mars in 2020
NASA was announced plans to send a new robotic explorer to the the Red Planet, Mars in 2020.
7 Planets Discovered In The Milky Way
New York Scientists have been discovered Seven planets in the Milky Way outside our solar system that could potentially harbour life and researchers from an ambitious project to catalogue all habitable worlds claim.
Russia Delivered MiG-29 Fighter Jets to India
Russia on 10 December 2012 delivered the first three upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jets to India under a USD 900 million contract to modernise the ageing fleet of MiG-29 aircraft with the IAF.
Tata Group Developed new "Artillery Gun"
On 11 December In a step towards developing the indigenous private sector defence industry, the Tata group has created a new Artillery Gun. The 155mm 52 calibre gun developed by the Tata group is likely to have a strike range of 52 kms, which would probably be the longest in the Indian inventory.
India Successfully Test Fired Agni-I Ballistic Missile
India on 12 December 2012 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast. Weighing 12 tonnes, the 15-metre-long Agni-I, which is capable of carrying payloads up to 1000 kg and destroy the targets at a distance of 700 km.
North Korea Launched Unha-3 Rocket
On 12 December North Korea launched a long-range rocket Unha-3 despite international opposition and growing tensions in the region successfully delivering a scientific satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 into orbit.Unha-3 is the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 which is successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center by carrier rocket.The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology.
NASA's Twin Probes Crashed Successfully onto Lunar Mountain
Ebb and Flow, the gravity mapping satellites of NASA ended the successful mission to Moon by crashing on the rim of crater. Lunar surface on which Ebb and Flow crashed will be given a name after Sally Ride, the first woman of America in the space who died earlier in 2012.
Rocket with 3 Astronauts Takes off for ISS
A Soyuz spacecraft carrying three astronauts took off atop a towering Russian rocket on 19 December 2012, headed for the International Space Station.It launched from Russia's manned-space facility in the frigid steppes of Kazakhstan. American Tom Marshburn, Russian Roman Romanenko and Canadian Chris Hadfield are travelled in capsule.
Prithvi-II Flight- Tested Successfully
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully flight-tested nuclear weapons-capable Prithvi-II missile from Chandipur, off the Odisha coast on 20 December 2012. The surface-to-surface ballistic missile, was fired from a road mobile launcher and tested for its full range of 350 km.The single-stage, liquid propelled missile can carry a payload of 500 kg.
Astra Missile Successfully Test-fired
India on December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air interceptor missile Astra at the interim test range(ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.Astra which has the capability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at a supersonic speed can be fitted into any fighter aircraft. Considered as one of the best of its kind in the world, the 3.8 metre long missile which weighs about 160 kg can carry explosive loaded conventional warheads up to 15 kg.
Scientists Discovered Mini Nile River on Saturn's Moon Titan
Nasa scientists had spotted the longest extraterrestrial river system ever – on Saturn's moon Titan – and it appears to be a miniature version of Earth's Nile river.
Higgs Boson ' Tops Journal Science's 2012 List
The discovery of the Higgs Boson, an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass, leads a list of the top 10 scientific advances of 2012 released by the US journal Science on 22 December .
America Launched Reusable Rockets
US California based SpaceX's industry successfully launched 'Grasshopper' reusable rockets.The rocket took a giant leap for commercial space flight and when it rose 131 feet and landed safely back on Earth. Grasshopper rocket rose to a height of 131 feet around ten storeys and hovered before landing safely on its launch pad using closed loop thrust vector and throttle control.
Hot Spots For World's more Powerful Earthquakes Revealed
The locations of where the world's largest earthquakes are most likely to take place had pinpointed with greater accuracy than ever before, by researchers from the University of Sydney.The coasts of Southern Chile and Peru, Indonesia's Sumatra Island, and several regions along the eastern Eurasian coastline, are some of the regions prone to great earthquakes.
Visually-challenged Indian-American in key US post
On 1 December Obama administration was appointed a visually-challenged Indian-American Sachin Dev Pavithran as a Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board member.
Ajit Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra Deputy CM
Ajith Pawar sworn-in as Maharashtra deputy chief minister on 7 December. After getting the clean chit from the government on corruption in irrigation projects.
Chautala Elected as IOA President
Abhay Singh Chautala was on December 2012 unanimously elected president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) while Lalit Bhanot became the new secretary general.
Parthasarathy Shome Appointed Adviser to Finance Minister
The government of India appointed tax expert Parthasarthi Shome as adviser to Finance Minister P Chidambaram with minister of state rank, sending a strong signal that tax reforms may top its economic agenda in the remainder of the UPA government's second term.
Malala's Father Ziauddin Yousufzai Appointed UN Education Adviser
Ziauddin Yousufzai, the father of 15-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' right to education, has been appointed as Special UN Adviser on Global Education on 10 December.
Vijay Kumar appointed Senior Security Adviser in Home Ministry
The Union government had appointed the former Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force, K. Vijay Kumar, as Senior Security Adviser in the Home Ministry where he will advise on security and development in the Naxal-affected States.
Vinod Rai Re-elected as Chair of UN Auditors Panel
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Vinod Rai was re-elected Chair of the (UN) auditors Panel for the year 2013, while the CAG of the United Kingdom, Amyas Morse, was re-elected the vice-chair of the Panel.
Naina Lal Kidwai Becomes First Woman President of FICCI
Country Head of HSBC India, Naina Lal Kidwai, took over as President of FICCI on 15 December 2012. She become the first woman to head the leading industry body.
Rita Singh Elected Federation of Indian Associations President
Rita Singh, an Indian American businesswoman from Bihar was elected the first woman president of Chicago-based Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).
Subhash Joshi Appointed As New BSF Chief
Subhash Joshi was appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) on 18 December 2012. Chadha, Special Secretary was appointed as Director General of ITBP(Indo-Tibetan Border Police).
Obama Nominates John Kerry to be Secretary of State
The senior senator John Kerry was nominated as America's Foreign Minister by President Barack Obama on 21 December 2012.The John Kerry, who is the senior Senator from Massachusetts, now he became the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Smita Singh Appointed as member of Global Development Council
On 22 December The Obama administration has appointed Indian-American Smita Singh as member of the president's Global Development Council.
Virbhadra Singh Sworn in as Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister
On 25 December Former Union Minister Virbhadra Singh was sworn-in as Himachal Pradesh's chief minister for a record sixth term in Shimla. He was Chief Minister five times between 1983 and 1985; 1985 and 1990; 1993 and 1998 and 2003 and 2007.
Narendra Modi Sworn in Gujarat CM for 4th time
Narendra Modi sworn in as Gujarat chief minister for the fourth consecutive time on 26 December 2012. He was sworn in along with seven ministers of Cabinet rank and nine ministers of state.
Cyrus Mistry took charge as Tata Group Chairman
Cyrus Mistry, the new chairman of the Tata Group, took charge of his office on 31 December.Mistry is the sixth chairman of the Tata empire.
b) RESIGNS
Mali Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra Resigned
On 11 December Malian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra resigned and dissolved his government after he was arrested by the army in the West African nation.He was acting Prime Minister of Mali from April 2012
Singapore Parliament Speaker Resigned
Singapore's parliament speaker Michael Palmer announced his resignation on 12 December 2012 over an extramarital affair with a staff member of the People's Association, a statutory body leading efforts to reach out to members of the public.
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Resigned
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman formally submitted his resignation on 16 December 2012 due to a pending indictment against him for fraud and breach of trust.
Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Resigned
On 16 December Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda resigned from his post to take responsibility for his Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) defeat in Lower House Election .He was formally appointed by the Emperor on 2 September 2011.
c) DEATHS
Geophysicist Devendra Lal Died
Devendra Lal, geophysicist and visiting professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) of the university of california, has died on 1 December in San Diego.He was conferred with Padma Shri in 1971. Devendra Lal also won NASA Group Achievement Award.
World's Oldest Woman and Tallest Woman Both Died
Besse Cooper, the woman listed as the world's oldest person was died on 4 December 2012 in Georgia at the age of 116. Meanwhile, a Chinese woman, Yao Defen, was certified as the tallest in the world was also died. Mrs Cooper was declared the world's oldest person in January 2011.Chinese woman Yao Defen was listed as the world's tallest woman by Guinness World Records in 2010.
Jazz Pianist & Composer Dave Brubeck Died
On 5 December Legendary Jazz composer and pianist Dave Brubeck died in Norwalk. He had also won various awards during his career which spanned over six decades.The Library of Congress designated him as the Living Legend.
British Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore Died
British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore on 9 December 2012 in Selsey, West Sussex.Sir Patrick presented the BBC programme The Sky At Night for over 50 years, making him the longest-running host of the same television show ever.
Ex-Bangladesh President Ahmed Died
Former Bangladeshi President and Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP) leader Iajuddin Ahmed passed away on 10 December 2012. Iajuddin Ahmed was the 13th president of Bangladeshserving from Sept. 6, 2002 until Feb. 12, 2009.
Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar Died
Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, whose mastery over the sitar helped rejuvenate the classical instrumental tradition in India and popularise Indian music in the West through concerts and collaborations with well known artists, died in San Diego, U.S. on 11 December 2012.
Former Ranji Cricketer Nimbalkar Died
Former Ranji cricketer B B Nimbalkar was passes away on 11 December 2012. BB Nimbalkar, who made an unbeaten 443 runs for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in a Ranji Trophy match in 1948-49. Yet this is the India's highest scorer in first-class cricket.
First CM of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami Passed Away
The first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Nityanand Swami died at Dehra Dun on 12 December 2012.He worked as a first Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after dividing it from Uttar Pradesh in 2000.
Barcode Co-inventor Woodland Died
Norman Joseph Woodland, who co-created the barcode, was died on 9 December 2012 in New Jersey at the age of 91. Woodland was the co-inventor of bar code. He as well as his partner Bernard Silver (who died in 1963) patented this idea of bar code back in 1952.
Guinness World's Oldest Person Dina Manfredini Died
Dina Manfredini (115 Years) the world's oldest person and a resident of Iowa, has died on 17 December in Johnston .Guinness World Records identified Manfredini as the world's oldest person on December 5, a day after the death of 116-year-old Besse Cooper of Georgia.
Former India Volleyball Captain Tilakam Gopal Died
Tilakam Gopal, former India captain died on 18 December 2012. Mr.Gopal's achievements was being member of the silver medal winning Indian squad in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games and even led India in the five-Test series against the visiting Russians in 1966 which later on helped him to continue be captain in the Bangkok ASIAD in 1966 where India stood fourth.
Hockey Legend Leslie Claudius Died
Legendary hockey player and one of India's greatest Olympians Leslie Claudius, passed away in Kolkata on 20 December 2012. India won the silver medal in the Asian Games in 1978 in Bangkok, when he was the team manager.He got the Padma Shree award in 1971.
Former England Cricket Team Captain Tony Greig Died
Tony Greig, the South Africa-born cricketer who became England cricket team captain and later continued to make his mark on the game as a revered commentator in Australia, died on 29 December 2012.He played 58 tests for England and scored 3,599 runs at an average of 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20.
d) VISITORS
Palestinian Hamas leader Meshaal Visited Gaza
The political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal has visited Gaza on 6 December .He attended a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas and a victory celebration .He visited southern Gaza strip through Egypt's Rafah border crossing over for the first time in 45 years.
Ukrainian President Yanukovych Visited India
Viktor Yanukovych the President of Ukrainian visited India from 9th to 12th December. During this visit he signed 5 agreements .He met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan and the both nations discussed ways to improve bilateral relations.
Pak Minister Rehman Malik Visited India
Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik visited India from 14th to 16th December .During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and both nations signed on new visa agreement.
Russian President Putin Visited India
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 24 December .During the visit he met Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and signed a series of pacts on defense cooperation and reached consensus to develop economic and trade relations.Putin last visited India as prime minister in 2010.
e) MISCELLANEOUS
China Launched First High Speed Train in Extremely Cold Areas
The world's first high-speed train in areas with extremely low temperature started operation in China 01 December 2012.This train move with a speed of 350 Kmph in the areas of minus 40 degrees temperature. This is the fastest train world in this areas.
Forbes 2012 Most Powerful Persons List
On 6 December 2012 Forbes Magazine released the most powerful persons list in the world. In that list AICC President Sonia Gandhi got the 12th place and Prime Minister of India Man Mohan Singh got the 20th place. As usually this year also American President Barack Obama got 1st place. German chancellor Angela Merkel got the 2nd place. The list also includes Russian President Vladimir Putin at number three, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates (4), Richest Person in India Mukesh Ambani (37).
Mumbai Among World's 'Dirtiest' Cities
India's commercial capital, Mumbai, was named among the world's 'dirtiest' cities, ranking last in the "cleanest streets" category, a global survey of 40 key tourist cities has found. According to TripAdvisor's Cities Survey, Tokyo grabbed the first place while Mumbai ranked last in the list of "cleanest streets".
Jiroemon Kimura named ' World's Oldest Person
On 18 December Jiroemon Kimura (115 years) has been named the world's oldest person after the death of his predecessor, an American woman named Dina Manfredini who died on 17 December after receiving the title of oldest person of the world.Jiroemon Kimura was born on 19 April 1897 and is just 15 days younger than the deceased Dina Manfredini.
Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo (USA)
Miss USA Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012 on 19 December 2012, on the Las Vegas. Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.
Obama is Time's 'Person of the Year'
President Barack Obama had been named Time magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2012 on 19 December 2012. Obama also received the honour in 2008.
8 Indians Among World's Best Performed CEOs
Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 best performing global chief executives, compiled by Harvard Business Review (HBR). Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall.Former chairman and MD, ONGC Subir Raha (Rank 13).Chairman and CEO, Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani (Rank 28).Chairman and Managing Director, Larsen & Toubro, AM Naik (Rank 32). Former CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals, AK Puri (Rank 38). Chairman, Bharti Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal (Rank 65). CEO, Jindal Steel & Power, Naveen Jindal (Rank 87). Former Chairman, SAIL,VS Jain (Rank 89). Former Apple CEO, Steve Jobs (Rank 1). CEO, Amazon.com CEO, Jeff Bezos (Rank 2).
China Launched World's Longest High-Speed Rail
China launched service on the world's longest high-speed railway on 26 December 2012 with trains scheduled to run 2,298 kilometres between Beijing and Guangzhou in about eight hours.Travelling at an average speed of about 300 km per hour, the service would cut the journey time from more than 20 hours by conventional trains.
Typhoon Bopha Killed Hundreds in Philippines
Bopha, the strongest typhoon hit the Philippines on 5 December 2012, was left at least 325 died. The typhoon with central winds of 115 kph and gusts of up to 145 kph was moved to west-northwest of the central Philippines on 6 December 2012.
Powerful Earthquake in Japan
The powerful earthquake had occurred in Japan on 7 December 2012.The magnitude of this earthquake was recorded as 7.3. This earthquake had occurred in 240 km beyond the Miyagi coast in the Pacific Oceanin a depth of 10m.
UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
WCCB – Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
TRAI – Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
SCI – Shipping Corporation of India
NSC – National Security Council
OIL – Oil India Limited
GAAR – General Anti Avoidance Rules
NCHRH – National Council for Human Resources in Health
IOA – Indian Olympic Association
GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council
NDAA – National Defence Authorisation Act
INAE – Indian National Academy of Engineering
ITSMA – Information Technology Services Marketing Association
GTI – Global Terrorism Index
"The Peak" Book Released on Sachin Tendulkar
On 2 December Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh was launched Sachin Tendulkar's new book named 'The Peak' which is a unique photographed story on Tendulkar by photo-journalist Suman Chattopadhyay. The book captures some rare and memorable moments of Tendulkar's life through Chattopadhyay's lens and the stories behind them in the master's own words
"Pankaj, Bengal's Forgotten Hero" Book Released
On 3 December Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Sourav Ganguly released a book on former India opener Late Pankaj Roy named 'Pankaj, Bengal's Forgotten Hero' has been written by Bengali sports journalist Gautam Bhattacharya. Pankaj Roy had played 43 Tests for India in a span of 10 years scoring 2442 runs with five centuries.
"My Tryst with Justice" Book Released
On 12 December President Pranab Mukherjee released a book "My Tryst with Justice" which was written by Former Chief Justice P.N.Bhagwati .The book would be a prized possession for every Indian who wants to make a difference to the world and who aspires for a world more just, he added.
'M.S. Subbulakshmi – Queen of Carnatic Music' Book Launched
The life story of carnatic music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, is now detailed in a graphic illustrated book launched on December. The story of the nightingale of carnatic music, fondly known as MS. It is being told through Amar Chitra Katha's new title "M S Subbulakshmi – Queen of Carnatic Music''
Usha Thorat Committee for NBFCs
India's majority of Non-Banking Finance companies (NBFCs) may be freed from the regulatory clutches provided Reserve Bank of India (RBI) implements one of the recommendations made by Usha Thorat Committee. The committee had submitted its recommendations to RBI. Currently, those recommendations are under RBI's consideration.
Chandrashekhar Committee to Frame Rules for Foreign Investors
On 13 December The market regulator Sebi has appointed a committee under ex-Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekhar to frame a single set of guidelines for all types of foreign investors.The committee will suggest ways to simplify the investment process for all overseas entities like foreign institutional investors, foreign venture capital investors (FVCIs), qualified financial, institutional investors (QFIs)
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
Feb 4 – World Cancer Day
Feb 20 – World Day of Social Justice
Feb 21 – International Mother Tongue Day
Feb 22 – World Scout Day
Feb 22 – World Thinking Day
Feb 23 – World Peaces and Understanding Day
Feb 24 – Central Excise Tax Day
Feb 28 – National Science Day
Updated Current Affairs Oct 2012
Imran Khan on anti-drone 'peace march' to tribal belt
Imran Khan on 6th October 2012 set off on a motorcade "peace march" to the terrorists-riddled South Waziristan to protest US drone strikes in the tribal belt.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Re-Elected for fourth term
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been re-elected for the third term. Mr Chavez defeated opposition leader Henrique Capriles. Mr Chavez garnered 54.42 per cent of the vote while his rival bagged 44 per cent votes.
Pakistani youth support Malala Yousufzai
Pakistani teenaged rights campaigner, Malala Yousafzai, who was on 14th October 2012 shot by the Taliban for publicly opposing them against the girl education.She got the support from all over the world.
Ali Zidan elected Libya PM
Libya's 200-member General National Congress has elected a former congressman and human rights lawyer Ali Zidan as the country's new Prime Minister on 14th October 2012.
Austrian skydiver breaks sound barrier
Austrian national Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from a height of 39 km, became the first skydiver to record the highest ever freefall and also the first human to go faster than the speed of sound.
Five New Non-Permanent Member Countries Elected to UN Security Council
UN General Assembly elected five new non-permanent members to the Security Council. The New Members are South Korea, Luxembourg, Argentina, Australia and Rwanda.
Iran bans export of 50 basic foods to preserve supplies
Iran has banned the export of around 50 basic goods in order to preserve supplies of essential items in the wake of tightening Western sanctions.
India, Australia signs MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation
India and Austrlia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 1st October 2012 for strengthening long-term relationship and bilateral Cooperation on Road and Rail Infrastructure.The agreement was signed between the Minister of Railways and Road Transport and Highways, Dr. C.P.Joshi and visiting Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austrlia, Mrs. Doris Burse in New Delhi.
India, Austrlia tie up to develop 'smart cities'
India tie up with Austrlia to develop two "smart cities" in all states with a host of modern features like intelligent transport and carbon neutral status in each of the states in the second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission.Initially half a million to one million population cities will be developed as smart cities with the help of Austrian Institute of Technology who is expertise in this field.
India gets $500 mn World Bank fund for secondary education
World Bank, the multilateral lending agency, and the government of India 5th October signed a loan agreement worth $ 500 million for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in the country.
India lags behind China, Pak in reducing hunger level
India lags behind neighbouring China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in reducing hunger level, says the 2012 Global Hunger Index (GHI) released by US-based International Food Policy and Research Institute.India is ranked 65th out of 79 countries in GHI, behind China at 2nd place, Pakistan at 57 and Sri Lanka at 37.
IOC signs MoU with Korea Gas
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on 17th October 2012, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) for jointly exploring opportunities in exploration of oil and gas and LNG business.
Cabinet clears Rs 8,000cr missile purchase for armed forces
Proposals worth over Rs 8,000 crore for procuring around 10,000 'Invar' missiles from Russia for the Army's T-90 tanks and over 200 air-launched versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the IAF were cleared on 18th October 2012 by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
India and Australia Sign Four Agreements of Cooperation
India and Australia agreed to expand cooperation in security and Defence including fight against terrorism.They also agreed to begin negotiations for an agreement on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation which will precede actual cooperation. Both the countries also signed four agreements in the field of space science technology and education, cooperation in student mobility and welfare, skill development and textiles.
Iran to complete gas pipeline work by year-end
Iran has said it was for India and Pakistan to sort out issues related to the proposed Indo-Iran gas pipeline, even as it committed itself to complete its part of 800 km of gas pipeline to India till Irani boundaries by the end of this year.
India, New Zealand sign five pacts to cooperate in field of education
India and New Zealand signed five Memoranda of Understanding in the different fields of education on 19th October 2012.
India, Switzerland to cooperate in Transport sector
India and Switzerland on 19th October 2012 discussed ways and means for enhancing cooperation in the field of Transport sector including roads and Railways.
India & Pakistan may introduce a common currency called "Papee"
After taking into consideration the decade long success of Euro, and due to increasing demands of businessmen of India (and terrorists of Pakistan), both countries' ruling leaders (i.e. India's UPA, and Pakistan's Military) are thinking about introducing a common currency for India and Pakistan.The name with the highest votes , is a word derived by adding "pa" from 'Pa'kistan and "pee" from Indian Ru'pee' i.e. "Papee"
Hyderabad is world's 3rd best city to visit in 2013
Hyderabad has been named as one of the best cities in the world to visit in 2013 by travel guide book Lonely Planet published on 22nd October 2012.The top 10 cities according to Lonely Planet to visit in 2013 are San Francisco, Amsterdam, Hyderabad, Derry/Londonderry, Beijing, Christchurch, Hobart, Montreal, Addis Ababa and Puerto Iguazu.
India, Japan focus on expanding defence cooperation
India and Japan on 22nd October 2012 discussed ways to expand their security and defence cooperation at a meeting of their foreign and defence secretaries in Tokyo.
'Super 30' ties up with Tokyo University
The 'Super 30' programme for training students of the backward sections for the IIT-JEE tied up on 24th October 2012 with the University of Tokyo, which will sponsor study of its students in Japan.This agreement is a follow-up of the Japanese Government Program named Global 30, of engagement with Super 30 for increasing the flow of Indian Students to Japan.
–7th SAFF begins in Goa
The Seventh South Asia Film Festival (SAFF)-2012 held at Panaji in Goa from.
India-US-Japan trilateral meet
The US' 'pivot-to-Asia' policy, Iran, China-Japan maritime dispute and South China Sea will be among the issues to be discussed during the 3rd round of India-US-Japan Trilateral dialogue in New Delhi on 29th October 2012. The meet will also focus on finding areas of cooperation between the three countries.
India to give financial assistance to Nepal's Palpa District
India is to provide an assistance of four crore and thirty-three lakh Nepali rupees for Palpa District in Western Nepal on 31st October 2012.
FICCI urges Centre to ban bauxite exports
Trade body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has urged the Union ministry of commerce and industry to ban bauxite exports fearing closure of alumina refineries for shortage of the key raw material required to produce alumina.
Supreme Court directs Centre and states to provide basic facilities to students
The Supreme Court on 3rd October 2012 directed all schools across the country to provide basic infrastructure facilities like drinking water and toilets to school children within six months and failure to implement will be viewed seriously. The order was passed on a petition filed by an NGO Environmental and Consumer Protection Foundation.
Kejriwal forms political party, promises to change the system
Social activist Arvind Kejriwal added a new dimension to his movement against corruption as he formally launched his political party and said it belonged to the people of the nation.
Ministry of Rural Development Launched Nirmal Bharat Yatra
Ministry of rural development on 3 October 2012 started a campaign named Nirmal Bharat Yatra which focuses on making the country free from open defecation.The yatra will begin from Wardha District of Maharashtra from 3 october 2012 and will go through Indore, Kota, Gwalior, and Gorakhpur and end up in Bettiah district of Bihar on November 17, covering about 2000 km of distance.
SC orders new survey to identify bonded labour
The Supreme Court on 15th October 2012 directed all states and Union Territories to conduct fresh surveys to identify bonded labour problems in the country and regretted that a large number of children continue to work as domestic help even after the enactment of the Right to Education Act.
Centre to launch Aadhaar based delivery system
The much awaited Aadhaar enabled system for direct cash transfer to beneficiaries under social schemes such as MNREGA and pension will be launched on 19th October 2012 by PM Manmohan Singh at Dudu, Rajasthan.
India's infant mortality rate drops
India's infant mortality rate (IMR) has come down by three points from 47 to 44 deaths per 1,000 live births during 2011.
Centre, states sign MoU for broadband linking of villages
The Central government has signed a tripartite agreement with 16 states and union territories and a special purpose vehicle Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL) has been launched to expedite the mission of connecting every gram panchayat with broadband network.
Reshuffling of Central Cabinet
M. Veeerappa Moily
Petroleum & Natural Gas
S. Jaipal Reddy
Science & Technology and Earth Science
Kamal Nath
Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs
Vayalar Ravi
Kapil Sibal
C.P. Joshi
Road Transport & Highways
Kumar Selja
Social Justice & Empowerment
Pawan Kumar Bansal
Salman Khursheed
Jairam Ramesh
K. Rahman Khan
Minority Affairs
Dinsha J. Patel
Ajay Maken
Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation
M.M. Pallam Raju
Ashwani Kumar
Chandresh Kumar Katoch
Ministers of State with Independent Charge
Jyotiraditya Madharao Scindia
K.H. Muniappa
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Sachin Pilot
Youth Affairs & Sports
Manish Tewari
Information & Broadcasting
K. Chiranjeevi
Ministers of State
E. Ahamed
D. Purandeswari
Jitin Prasada
Defence & Human Resource Development
S. Jagathrakshakan
New & Renewable Energy
R.P.N. Singh
K.C. Venugopal
Rajeev Shukla
Parliamentary Affairs & Planning
Kodikunni Suresh
Tariq Anwar
Agriculture & Food Processing Industries
K.J. Surya Prakash Reddy
Ranee Narah
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
A.H. Khan Choudhury
Sarvey Sathyanarayana
Ninong Ering
Deepa Dasmunsi
Porika Balram Naik
Kruparani Killi
Communication & Inforamtion Technology
Lalchand Kataria
Resigned Cabinet Ministers
S.M. Krishna
Ambika Soni
Information and Broadcasting
Mukul Wasnik
Mahadev Khandela
Minister of State Justice and Empowerment
Door-to-door cancer campaign in Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sanctioned the "biggest ever" door-to-door campaign for a symptoms-based early detection and awareness about cancer.At least 50,000 personnel and volunteers would visit 54 lakh households in 12,603 villages and 217 census towns, for the exercise that begins in Faridkot district on October 2.
In Goa Housewives with family income less than Rs 3 lakh to get Rs 1000 to fight inflation
Housewives in Goa just got a breather from rising inflation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government on 2nd October 2012 launched a scheme to provide an allowance of Rs 1,000 a month to housewives in households whose annual incomes are less than Rs 3 lakh.
EC announces dates for assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh
The Election Commission on 3rd October 2012 announced dates for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. While Gujarat will have elections in two phases – December 13 and 17, Himachal Pradesh will vote on November 4. The counting for both the assembly elections will take place on December 20.
UP government announces ban on gutka industry from April 2013
On 3rd October 2012 Uttar Pradesh government decided to impose a ban on gutka industry in the state with effect from April 2013.
Supreme Court bans mining activities in Goa
In Goa, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the mining activities as well as transportation of iron and manganese ore on 5th October 2012.
Arvind Kejriwal launches 'bijli-paani satyagraha' in Delhi
Activist Arvind Kejriwal on 6th Octomber 2012 launched a 'bijli-paani satyagraha' in Delhi to protest against "inflated" power and water bills and hike in tariffs by restoring electricity connection to the household of a labourer which was disconnected for non-payment of bills.
EC fiat to Himachal Pradesh
On 7th October 2012 The Election Commission (EC) stopped the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh from distributing free PDS bags carrying photographs of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Maharashtra tribals demand ban on alcohol
Tribal women from Maharashtra's Chandrapur have sent 80,000 postcards to Chief Miniter Prithviraj Chavan asking to make the district liquor-free.
UPRVUNL, NLC to set up thermal plant at Ghatampur
The UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) and the central government PSU Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLCL) signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) to set up a 2,000 MW thermal power plant at Ghatampur (Kanpur) on 7th October 2012 .
Union Government ruled out the decision of Cauvery River Authority
Decision of the Cauvery River Authority was ruled out by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 8 October 2012. The Prime Minister ordered Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day, till 20 October 2012.
Railways put 400 CCTVs at 10 stations to improve security system
The Delhi division of Northern Railway authorities have completed the installation of 400 CCTVs at 10 stations with Rs. 20 crore to ensure better security and mobility at its stations.Only in the New Delhi Railway station they installed more than 100 CCTV cameras as part of an integrated security system (ISS).
President's son Abhijit Mukherjee wins Jangipur Lok Sabha by-poll
Abhijit Mukherjee, son of President Pranab Mukherjee and Congress candidate, on 13th October 2012 won the Jangipur Lok Sabha by-election by 2,536 votes defeating the CPI-M rival Muzaffar Hussain.
Union Power Ministry gave its Nod to Implement Islanding Scheme in Delhi
The Union Power Minister Veerapa Moily on 17 October 2012 announced the implementation of Islanding Scheme for Delhi by January 2013 to protect it from massive disruptions caused due to grid failures in power supply. The scheme of Delhi is different to that of the existing ones in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata because the transmission lines of different states is routed through Delhi.
Haryana to give Rs.11,000 to couples at mass weddings
The Haryana Government has announced on 20th October 2012 that it will give Rs.11,000 to each newly wedding couple at a mass marriage.
Uttarakhand Named best Performing States in terms of Environmental standards
The state of Uttarakhand on 29 October 2012 tops the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) list of being best-performing States and Union territories in terms of environmental well-being released by Planning Commission.
The international biodiversity meet in Hyderabad
The XI Conference of Parties (CoP-11) on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) being hosted by India at Hyderabad starts on 1st October 2012.
Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit held in Kuwait
Asia Co-operation Dialogue Summit has given a call for stronger co-operation among member nations and to work for the improvement of living conditions.Leaders from 32 countries pledged to focus on key areas to fulfill the aspirations of the people. These include sustainable energy and development, economic growth, food security, trade and commerce, health care, climate change and co-operation in financial and education sectors.
South Korea to host next UN biodiversity meet in 2014
South Korea will host the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2014, it was announced in Hyderabad on 19th October 2012.
Third Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit
The 3rd Worldwide Cybersecurity Summit organized by EastWest Institute, a New York based think-and-do tank, kick-started in the New Delhi on 30th October 2012.
President Confers Shastri awards to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas
On 1st October 2012 President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award 2012 to ISRO scientist Tessy Thomas at an award function in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award is conferred every year for doing excellent work in the field of Public Administration, Academics and Management.
Banaras Hindu University VC wins MV Pylee award for best academician
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) vice chancellor and renowned molecular biology scientist Dr Lalji Singh has won the 7th MV Pylee award for the best academician. The MV Pylee award was constituted in year 1996 in honour of Cochin University's former vice chancellor MV Pylee. The award includes Rs 2 lakh, a memento and citation for excellence in teaching and research and contribution to academic community. It is awarded once every three years.
Name of the Person/ Organization
Field of Research
Serge Haroche and
For ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems
David J. Wineland
Robert J. Lefkowitz and
For studies of G-Protein-coupled receptors
Brain K. Kobilka
PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE
Sir John B. Gurdon and
Britan
For the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent
Shinya Yamanaka
Alvin E. Roth and
For the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design
Lioyd S. Shapley
Who with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary
For over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation. Democracy and human rights in Europe.
Sachin Tendulkar to be made member of Order of Australia
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement on 16th October 2012 that the first Indian sportsperson Tendulkar to be conferred with the Membership of the Order of Australia, an honour "rarely" bestowed on non-Australians.
First-ever India Biodiversity Awards presented
The women who led the ecological restoration of Gundlaba village in Odisha's Puri district after the 1999 super cyclone are among the four winners of the first India Biodiversity Awards. The awards, instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).
Vijay Kumar honoured with 'Services Best Sportsman'
London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar was named as the 'Services Best Sportsman' award for 2012 at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi.The award is given to best sportsman from out of all the three services-Army, Air Force Navy.
Bangladesh honours fifty-two Indians
Bangladesh has honoured foreign friends who contributed to achieve the nation's independence from Pakistan in 1971.Of the 61 recipients of the award in the third phase, 52 are from India and the rest are from Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Australia, Sweden, and Italy.The former Indian Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral, and the former Nepalese Prime Minister, the late Girija Prasad Koirala, received the Bangladesh Muktijuddho Sammanana.
Singham Bravery Award Posthumously given to IAS and Security Personnel
Narendra Kumar the IPS officer who was brutally killed by illegal mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh and many other Security Personnel who had laid down their life for fighting against Maoists and anti Social element on 21 October 2012 were awarded with Singham Bravery Awards.
Bangladesh honours Babu Jagjivan Ram
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of India, late Babu Jagjivan Ram has been awarded with the "Friends of Liberation War Honour" by the Government of Bangladesh for his contribution in the 1971 War.
Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal
IT giant Infosys founder, N.R. Narayan Murthy honoured with Hoover Medal for promoting science at Global Humanitarian Technology Conference in Washington.
Gavaskar to receive BCCI's lifetime achievement award
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar will be conferred the Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award at the annual BCCI awards function on 25th October 2012.
Amitabh Bachchan gets best TV host award for Kaun Banega Crorepati
Amitabh Bachchan has won the best television host award for the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Lord Indarjit Singh conferred Punjab Ratan Award
Lord Indarjit Singh, the first member of the House of Lords to wear a turban, has been presented with the 'Punjab Ratan' (Jewel of Punjab) award by the World Punjabi Organisation, in recognition of his contribution to promoting Punjabi culture, heritage and inter-faith services.
Delhi Metro bags JICA President Award
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was awarded the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President's Award 2012 on 29th October 2012.
Noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar presented with Indira Gandhi award for National Integration
The Indira Gandhi award for National Integration for 2011 has been given to noted film lyricist and poet Gulzar in recognition of his contribution to national integration.
Indian judokas win 2 silver, 3 bronze in Asian Championship
Indian judokas bagged two silver and three bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships held in Chinese Taipei.In the Youth Championships, Vijay Kumar Yadav and Besto Rani Devi won a silver each in boys' 60kg and girls' 48kg categories respectively.Preety and Mongjam Kabita Devi won a bronze each in gilrs' 40kg and 44kg respectively in the September 28-30 event.Khaidem Rashi Devi bagged a bronze in 70kg category in the junior section.Indian judokas had won one gold, four silver and two bronze in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Lebanon last year.
India move up to 2nd spot in T20 rankings
India might have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, but four wins out of five matches have pushed the India by one place to the second spot in the latest T20 International team rankings released on 3rd October 2012.India now trail Sri Lanka (129) by nine points and are followed by Pakistan (118) and England (118).
India 168th in FIFA rankings
Indian football team moved a place up to be 168th in the latest FIFA rankings, India, who last month won a hat-trick of Nehru Cup titles, have 114 points.
Red Bull driver Vettel wins Japanese Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel ,the driver Red Bull won the Japanese Grand Prix 2012 on 7th Ocober 2012.
Australia retain women's World Twenty20 title
The Australian Women Cricket team on 7 October 2012 defeated England by four runs to retain the Women T-20 world cup title.
West Indies won the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament
West Indies 7th October 2012 clinched the ICC World Twenty20 crown with a comfortable 36-run victory over Sri Lanka.
Kaltenborn becomes first female F1 team principal
India born Monisha Kalterborn is set to become Formula 1′s first woman team principal after she takes charges from founder of Sauber chief Peter Sauber on 12th October 2012.
Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions
Jeevan Neduncheziyan and Prerna Bhambri emerge champions in the Fenesta Open national tennis championship at the RK Khanna Stadium in New Delhi on 13th October 2012.
Hat-trick for Vettel
Sebastian Vettel has claimed his third successive victory at the Korean GP on 14h October 2012.He is already won the Singapore and Japan GP titles.
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic beated British Tennis Player Andy Murray, on 14 October 2012 saving five match points to seal a stunning 5- 7, 7- 6 ( 13/ 11), 6- 3 victory in the Shanghai Rolex Masters final.
Bhullar wins Macau Open golf
India's Gaganjeet Bhullar completed a commanding start-to-finish victory at the Venetian Macau Open golf on 14th October 2012.
India's Saina Nehwal win Denmark Open Badminton Title
Indian badminton player and Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal has won the Denmark Open Super Series Premier trophy on 21st October 2012.
Martin Guptill wins NZ top cricket award
Opening batsman of New Zealand Cricket team Martin Guptill on 18 October 2012 claimed the top honour at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in Auckland, winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for 2011-12. Martin Guptill was also named ODI and Twenty20 player of the year, based on performances between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012.
Anaka Alankamony clinches her second WISPA title
Asian junior gold medallist Anaka Alankamony today claimed her second title and first one abroad in the women's professional squash tour when she beaten the top seed Kylie Lindsay of New Zealand in the final of the Ipswich Open in Queensland.
Lance Armstrong stripped of his 7 Tour de France titles, banned for life
Cycling's governing body agreed on 22nd October 2012 to strip Lance Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles and ban him for life, following a report from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that accused him of leading a massive doping program on his teams.
Women's Indian Golf Open from November 30
The creme-de-la-creme of Indian women's golf will be up against a strong international field, including the likes of Laura Davies and defending champion Caroline Hedwall, when the tri-sanctioned Hero Women's Golf Open tees off from November 30.
Sun TV Network Acquired Hyderabad IPL Franchise
Chennai based SUN TV Network acquired the Indian Premier League (IPL) Hyderabad franchise on 25 October 2012 for an enormous amount of 85.05 crore Rupees per year.
Sebastian Vettel won F1 Second Indian Grand Prix
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix 2012 on 28 October 2012 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the second time in a row extending his Formula One championship lead.This is his fourth consecutive success in this year.
Pankaj Advani defeats Russell, clinches seventh World Billiards Championship title
India`s Pankaj Advani won his seventh World billiards title when he outclassed defending champion Mike Russell 1,895-1,216 in the final on 28th October 2012.
Joshna Chinappa wins Penang Open squash title
India's top squash player Joshna Chinappa claimed the IJM Land Penang Open, defeating top seed and local favourite Siti Munirah Jusoh in straight games on 28th October 2012.
India retains third spot in ICC ODI ranking
India retains the third spot in the ICC ODI ranking after England and South Africa. England has retained the top spot in the latest ODI rankings with 121 points followed by South Africa. The latest ICC rankings were released in Dubai on 30th October 2012.
India lifts the Asian Cricket Council Women's Twenty-20 trophy at Guangzhou in China
Indian women lifted the title of Asian Cricket Council Women's Twenty-20 Asia Cup cricket tournament by defeatingthe Pakistan by 18 runs in the final match at Guangzhou in China.
Govt approves 49% FDI in insurance & pension sectors
On 4th October 2012 The Cabinet has cleared proposals to allow more Foreign Direct Investment or FDI in the insurance and pension sectors.In both the sectors government approves 49% of FDI's.
Govt approves 12th Five-Year Plan
On 4th October 2012 Government approved the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) document that aims to achieve annual average economic growth rate of 8.2 per cent, down from 9 per cent envisaged earlier, in view of fragile global recovery.
HDFC Bank partners Indian Oil Corporation to offer rural banking services
HDFC Bank has partnered Indian Oil Corporation to provide banking services in the rural areas where IOC's petrol pump outlets Kisan Seva Kendras will act as the business correspondents for the banks.
IMF cuts India's Growth Forecast for 2012 to 4.9 Percent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India's growth forecast to 4.9 per cent for 2012 due to low business confidence and "sluggish structural reforms".
India-US trade to touch $100 bn
Bilateral trade between India and the US is expected to touch USD 100 billion in the coming years on increasing economic engagement between the countries.
Rangarajan lowers FY13 GDP growth forecast to 6%
Prime Minister's key advisor C Rangarajan 25th October 2012 lowered the growth projection for the current fiscal to 6 per cent from 6.7 per cent estimated earlier.
Scientists discover bacteria that can produce 24-carat gold
Scientists have discovered a bacteria that has the ability to withstand incredible amounts of toxicity and can be the key to creating 24-carat gold.Researchers from the Michigan State University have found that the metal-tolerant bacteria 'Cupriavidus metallidurans' can grow on massive concentrations of gold chloride or liquid gold, a toxic chemical compound found in nature.
India sucessfully test-fires Prithvi-II ballistic missile
On 4th October 2012 India sucessfully test-fired surface-to-surface Prithvi-II ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur of Balasore district off Odisha coast.
India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile
A day after the launch of Prithvi-II, India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile for its full range of 350 km from a naval ship off Odisha on 5th October 2012.
Australia launches world's fastest radio telescope
In the remote Australian outback, scientists have launched the world's fastest radio telescope which will exponentially increase astronomers' ability to survey the universe, mapping black holes and shedding new light on the origins of galaxies.The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), located near the region of Murchison about 650 kilometres north of Perth, was officially opened 5th October 2012 by Science Minister Chris Evans.
Indian navy successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
The Indian Navy on 7th October 2012 successfully test-fired the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of carrying a conventional warhead of 300 kg, from a warship off the Goa coast.
The Barcode Turns 60 Years Old
October 7, 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the registration of the first bar code patent. The original patent for what we know today as the modern barcode was granted on October 7, 1952 to Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver, its inventors.
New planet discovered in Earth's backyard
Astronomers have found a new planet called exoplanet in Alpha Centauri , the closest yet outside our solar system and just an astronomical stone's throw away at four light years.Alpha Centauri is a three-star system consisting of two stars similar to our sun and a faint red star called Proxima Centauriand another one is the Alpha Centauri B.The Exoplanet orbits Alpha Centauri B.
Congress selects Raja, Suresh Kalmadi and Kanimozhi as members of standing committee
The congress on 3 October 2012 nominated the former Union Minister, A. Raja, Kanimozhi and Suresh Kalmadi as the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committees on Energy, Home Affairs and External Affairs respectively.Raja was arrested in the 2G scam case on February 2 last year and is on bail since 15 May 2012. Suresh Kalmadi, who was accused in the Commonwealth Games scam case, spent about nine months in jail and was released on bail on 19 January 2012. DMK MP Kanimozhi, also an accused in some cases related to the 2G spectrum allocation, was nominated to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.
Ajit Saran Appointed as Secretary in National Commission for Women
Senior IAS officer Ajit M Sharan was appointed as Member Secretary in National Commission for Women (NCW). Ajit Sharan is a 1979 batch officer of Haryana cadre.
Vivek Rae appointed new MSME secretary
On 5th October 2012 the government appointed Vivek Rae as secretary, ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises. Rae, a 1978 batch IAS officer of the UT cadre, is currently director general, acquisition, defence ministry. He will take over from RK Mathur.
Anil Kumble appointed chairman of ICC Cricket Committee
Former India captain Anil Kumble was unanimously appointed chairman of ICC`s Cricket Committee by the game`s governing body, replacing West Indies great Clive Lloyd on 11th October 2012.
Jaspal Rana appointed junior pistol chief coach
Multiple Asian Games gold medallist, Jaspal Rana, has been appointed chief coach for junior pistol shooters by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on 16th October 2012.
Ashok Kumar appointed India's ambassador to Brazil
Mr. Ashok Tomar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil on 31st October 2012.
b). Resigns
Michael Schumacher announces retirement from Formula One
Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.Schumacher's announcement follows news last week that he will be replaced at Mercedes by Lewis Hamilton in 2013.
UP revenue minister resigns due involved in CMO abduction
UP revenue minister Vinod Singh was forced to resign on 12th October 2012 for his alleged involvement in the abduction of Gonda chief medical officer (CMO) SP Singh.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna resigned
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna has resigned from his post ahead of on 28th October 2012 cabinet reshuffle.
Badminton Player Peter Gade Retired From International Career
Danish legend Baminton Player, Peter Gade on 30 October 2012 retired from international badminton.
c). Deaths
Historian Eric Hobsbawm dies, aged 95
Eric Hobsbawm, one of Britain's most eminent historians, has died at the age of 95, on 1st October 2012 at the Royal Free Hospital in London .Mr Hobsbawm, a historian in the Marxist tradition, wrote more than 30 books.He published his final book, "How to Change the World", in 2011.
Freedom fighter, ex-Governor Satyanarayana is dead
Freedom fighter and former governor of Uttar Pradesh B Satyanarayana Reddy died at a hospital in Hyderabad on 6th October 2012.
Zimbabwe cricket coach Kevin Curran passes away
Kevin Curran, the former Zimbabwean all rounder and coach, has died in Mutare on 10th Ocober 2012.
Cambodia ex-king Sihanouk dies
Cambodia's former king Norodom Sihanouk died on 15th October 2012 in China at Beijing.
Bandya Kakade dead
Bandya Kakade, former India football goalkeeper, passed away here on 18th October 2012 evening. Kakade and Kuppuswami Sampath (MEG, Bangalore) were the two goalkeepers of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. Kakade was also part of the Indian team
Yash Chopra, the 'King of Romance' passes away
Yash Chopra, one of Bollywood's most well-known filmmakers, died of dengue fever on 21st October 2012.
Eminent litterateur Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away
Eminent litterateur and Sahitya Akademi President Sunil Gangopadhyay died at his South Kolkata residence on 23rd October 2012 following a massive heart attack.
d). Visitors
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner to visit India on Oct. 9
U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner visit India on 9th October 2012 to participate in the third annual meeting of the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.
Australia PM Julia Gillard begins India visit
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has begun a three-day visit to India.The two countries are expected to announce negotiations on civil nuclear co-operation during Ms Gillard's visit.
Suu Kyi to visit India next month
After 40 years, Myanmar's Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will travel to India on November 13. She will deliver the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on November 14.
Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, New Zealand visited India
Hon. Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand visited the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi on 18th October 2012.
Ex-Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia to meet PM Manmohan Singh
Bangladesh's former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Begum Khaleda Zia, who is on a week-long trip to India, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singhin New Delhi on 28th October 2012.
e). Miscellaneous
Pakistan spinner Rehman hit with ban after failed drug test
Pakistan's Abdur Rehman has been banned from cricket for 12 weeks after testing positive for cannabis during his recent stint with Somerset.
Mukesh Ambani richest Indian
The China-based research firm Hurun releases a report on 10th October 2012 declared Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest person in India.
Hyderabad's last Nizam named all-time richest Indian
Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam (or ruler) of Hyderabad is India's all-time richest person.According to a new inflation-adjusted list of the world's richest people of all time, the Nizam, who ruled Hyderabad between 1886-1967, was ranked sixth with $ 236 billion.
Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes India rich list
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian for the fifth year in a row with a net worth of $21 billion, according to the Forbes India rich list.
Manju Seth appointed as next Ambassador of India to Madagascar
Ms Manju Seth has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Madagascar.She is presently Consul General of India in Reunion Island, which is a French-administered territory in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Madagaskar.
Shadman Chowk renamed as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore
Pakistan government has finally renamed Shadman Chowk as Bhagat Singh Chowk in Lahore as a mark of respect to the martyr and an acknowledgement of his role in the struggle against British rule.
Mercedes-Benz rolls out M-Class luxury SUV from Pune facility
Mercedes-Benz India has rolled out its first locally manufactured M-Class luxury SUV from its facility in Chakan, Pune. The company has also declared the start of operations of its paint shop at the same location.India is the only country outside of the USA where the German luxury car maker has begun production out of the new ML-Class.
44 killed in Syrian air strikes
At least 44 people were killed in air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held town of Maaret al-Numan on 18th October 2012.
5.5 magnitude earthquake hits off Taiwan
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off southern Taiwan on 25th October 2012, the island's Seismology Center said, but there were no reports of any damage or casualties.
Earthquake in Canada triggers tsunami in Hawaii
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake rattled the west coast of Canada, triggering tsunami warnings for Hawaii on 28th October 2012.
ABBREVIATIONS IN NEWS
Abbreviation of FICCI
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Abbreviate JNNURM
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal mission
Abbreviate NCM
National Commission for Women
Abbreviate IOC
Indian Oil Corporation
Abbreviate ASKAP
The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder
Abbreviate ISS
Integrated Security System
Abbreviate LPN
Liquefied Natural Petroleum
Abbreviate WISPA
Women's International Squash Players Association
Hilary Mantel wins Booker Prize for Tudor saga
British writer Hilary Mantel won the prestigious Booker literary prize for a second time on 16th October 2012 with her blood-soaked Tudor saga. Ms Mantel, who took the 50,000 pound ($82,000) award in 2009 for "Wolf Hall," is the first British author, and the first woman, to achieve a Booker double.
"The Folded Earth and A Free Man" won the 11th Economist Crossword Book Award
The Folded Earth written by Anuradha Roy and A Free Man by Aman Sethi won the 11th Economist Crossword Book Award that was declared at Mumbai.
Governor releases 'Ek Thhi Kusum' by former Speaker
Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi on 22nd October 2012 released "Ek Thhi Kusum", a short stories collection authored by former State Assembly Speaker Prakash Pant.
COMMITTEES IN NEWS
Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry
Rangarajan Committee has recommended deregulation of the sugar sector, by giving freedom to mills to sell sugar in the open market.The Millers should sell the 10%of sugar to government below the market price,for running the ration shops ,remaining should sell in the open market.
DAYS & DATES
UP cancels holiday on Kanshi Ram's death anniversary
The Samajwadi Party (SP) government on 6th October 2012 cancelled the October 9 public holiday on the death anniversary of BSP founder Kanshi Ram, which had been announced by the Mayawati government in May 2007.
World Food Day Celebrated worldwide on 16 October 2012
World Food Day is celebrated every year across the globe on 16 October in honour of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.The aim of this World Food Day is to raise awareness on global food problems and to create a sense of solidarity in the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition.


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