Current affairs-magazine-november-2012-13

Current Affairs PDF November 2012 Page 1

CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF
WWW.JAGRANJOSH.COM
NOVEMBER 2012

www.jagranjosh.com Current Affairs PDF November 2012
Page 1


Table of Contents
Preface ......................................................................................................................................12

Pick of the Month......................................................................................................................13

Barack Obama won the U.S. Presidential Elections 2012 ...................................................13

Twenty First ASEAN Summit concluded in Cambodia .........................................................17

Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray died in Mumbai .......................................................18

Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab Hanged at Yerwada Jail, Pune ...........................................19

India and Afghanistan Signed Four Cooperation Pacts .......................................................21

India signed 70 million US Dollar loan Agreement .............................................................21

CCEA approved 9.5 percent Stake Disinvestment in NTPC .................................................21

Union Cabinet Cleared Setting up of 21 Textile Parks ........................................................22

Union Government approved an Anti-Piracy Scheme ........................................................22

Sebastian Vettel became Youngest Triple Champion .........................................................22

Bolt and Felix named IAAF World Athletes of the Year 2012 ..............................................23

Greenhouse Gases Level Reached Record High in 2011 .....................................................23

Tongariro Volcano erupted in New Zealand .......................................................................23

NASA launched Space Station Alert Service .......................................................................23

International .............................................................................................................................26

Pakistan Cabinet Ratified the Landmark Visa Pact with India .............................................26

India-Japan-US Trilateral Dialogue held in New Delhi ........................................................26

India-Canada finalised a Mechanism for Shipping Uranium ...............................................26

UK Lifted Travel Advisory on Jammu and Kashmir .............................................................26

Noor Inayat Khan’s Bust Unveiled at London by Princess Anne ..........................................26

India and Britain decided to enhance Cooperation ............................................................27

Central Intelligence Agency Director David Petraeus Resigned ..........................................27

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The Review Meeting of the E-9 Countries Concluded ........................................................27

Nepal Elected as a Board Member of the ECOSOC .............................................................27

IEA: US would become World’s Largest Oil Producer by 2017 ............................................28

France Recognised the New Syrian Opposition Coalition ...................................................28

Japan’s Lower House of Parliament, dissolved ...................................................................28

India and Japan Signed Earths Pact on Rare Earth Minerals ...............................................28

US Lifted the Ban Imposed on Imports from Myanmar ......................................................29

Bangladesh Opted out of D-8 Summit to be Held in Pakistan .............................................29

Death of Savita Halappanavar and Irish Abortion Law .......................................................29

China State Broadcaster Auctioned Prime Time Slot ..........................................................29

RBI and the State Bank of Vietnam signed a MoU ..............................................................30

India Voted Against Resolution to Ban Death Penalties .....................................................30

India Added New Items to promote Indo-Myanmar Trade ................................................30

Twenty First ASEAN Summit concluded in Cambodia .........................................................30

Tenth ASEAN-India Summit Concluded at Cambodia .........................................................30

The 2nd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue .............................................................31

The 8th Meeting of the India-UK JWG on Counter Terrorism .............................................31

US Military’s Ban on Women at Combat Positions Challenged...........................................31

International Quizzes .........................................................................................................31

World Dairy ...............................................................................................................................35

Economy ...................................................................................................................................38

Government of India announced MSP for Cotton ..............................................................38

GAIL and RSPCL signed an Agreement of Joint Venture .....................................................38

Government decided to Digitize Cable TV Network ...........................................................38

South African Government Rolled Out Nelson Mandela Notes ..........................................38

Civil Aviation Ministry approved New Traffic Rights ...........................................................39

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Retail Inflation in India rose to 9.75 percent in October 2012 ............................................39

Union Cabinet cleared Proposal for Spectrum Sharing .......................................................39

Income Ceiling for LIG raised by Union Government of India .............................................39

Oman Banned Import of Eggs and Chicken from India .......................................................40

Petrol Price in India Slashed by 95 Paise ............................................................................40

RBI asked Banks not to Provide Loans for Purchase of Gold ...............................................40

Union Coal Ministry decided to de-allocate Four Coal Blocks .............................................41

National Cancer Institute to be Developed at Jhajjar .........................................................41

Economy Current Affairs Quiz ............................................................................................41

Corporate..................................................................................................................................45

Discovery Communication launched kids Channel .............................................................45

Master Card and Thomas Cook Came up Together ............................................................45

ONGC sold 26 percent Stakes to Japan’s Inpex Corp ..........................................................45

Gov. of Odisha Slapped 6000 crore Rupees fine.................................................................45

Online Travel Agency MakeMyTrip Acquired Hotel ............................................................46

BAE Systems Inked an Agreement with Smile Foundation .................................................46

Vodafone India tied up with ICICI Bank ..............................................................................46

Barista Lavazza and Penguin Books Tied up for Book Releases...........................................46

Karishma Appointed Brand Ambassador of McCain Food ..................................................46

Himalaya Drug Company won its Trademark Battle ...........................................................47

Lacoste Acquired by Swiss Company Maus Freres .............................................................47

Volvo Group to Invest Two Thousand Crore Rupees in India ..............................................47

Twitter Launched New Email sharing Feature ....................................................................47

Goldman Named 16 Indians as MDs and 3 as Partners ......................................................48

General Motors decided to expand its Production Capacity ..............................................48

Disa Holdings to sell its Shares in Indian Arm .....................................................................48

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Maldivian Airlines Signed Pact with Apollo Hospital...........................................................48

Airtel Completed Largest Network Transformation in Africa ..............................................48

Sahara Moved to SAT to Seek More Time ..........................................................................49

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories launched Sildenafil Tablets .........................................................49

Nokia India Introduced Rebranded Map Service named HERE ...........................................49

PepsiCo won Title Sponsorship for Next 5 Years of IPL .......................................................49

Harley Davisdon launched its New Model Fat Bob .............................................................49

Fitch Downgraded the Debt Rating of Sony Corp. ..............................................................50

Portman Holdings Invested in Tata Housing Project...........................................................50

Maldives cancelled its Biggest Foreign Investment Project ................................................50

Corporate Current Affairs Quiz ..........................................................................................50

National ....................................................................................................................................54

Union Government lifted Export Ban on Some Milk Products ............................................54

Government Nod to Grant Ex-Serviceman Status ..............................................................54

SC: Criminal Case can’t be Dismissed because of Delay......................................................54

TRAI issued a CAP of 100 SMSs on Concession Rates .........................................................54

President Pranab Mukherjee Launched Aakash Tablet 2....................................................55

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 ...............................................55

Controversy over Clean Chit Given to RAPP by IAEA ..........................................................55

Rahul Gandhi Appointed Head of INC Coordination Panel .................................................55

Coal Ministry Issued Order for Deduction of Bank Guarantees ..........................................56

P Chidambaram Finalised GAAR Amendment ....................................................................56

GOI approved the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy .................................................56

Costal Chain of Static Sensors Positioned ..........................................................................56

National Current Affairs Quiz .............................................................................................57

Indian Diary ...............................................................................................................................60

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State .........................................................................................................................................63

HCL Signed MoU with Madhya Pradesh Government ........................................................63

Adhikaar Rally Held in Bihar Demanding Special Status .....................................................63

Biometric Attendance for Teachers in the State of UP .......................................................63

12th Foundation Day of Uttarakhand Celebrated ..............................................................63

Swiss Company Launched Health Product in Bihar.............................................................64

UP: Re-introduction of Sports Quota in Government Jobs .................................................64

50 % Reservation for Women in Assam Panchayat Election ...............................................64

Arjun Munda, announced Tablet Computers for Students .................................................64

CM of UP Inaugurated New Helpline Service for Women...................................................65

Tobacco Board went Hi-Tech, Launched e-auction ............................................................65

NTPC to impart Skill Development Programme for Youth ..................................................65

Delhi High Court Launched e-court Fee System .................................................................66

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Announced Agri Loan waiver.........................................66

Sports........................................................................................................................................68

Virat Kohli Selected for BCCI Polly Umrigar Award .............................................................68

Sahara India Pariwar Felicitated London Olympic Medalists ..............................................68

Hironmoy Chatterjee Appointed as the CEO of AITA ..........................................................68

Bhupathi and Bopanna won First ATP Tour Masters Title ..................................................68

NADDP Suspended 11 Athletes for Two Years ...................................................................69

Philander Named South-African Sportsman of the Year .....................................................69

Sachin received AustraliaN Honour....................................................................................69

Pakistan won the Asian Kabaddi Championship .................................................................70

Dhoni Renamed his Super Bike Team ................................................................................70

Gaganjeet Bhullar Declared Youngest Indian on Golfer List ...............................................70

V. Dinesh Reddy appointed as the President of IHF ...........................................................70

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Life Ban on Mohammad Azharuddin Lifted ........................................................................70

Mirabai Chanu claimed 3 Bronze Medals in Jr Weightlifting ..............................................71

Granollers & Marc Lopez won the ATP World Tour Final 2012 ...........................................71

News Agencies Boycotted India England Test Series ..........................................................71

Davis Cup 2012: Czech Republic defeated Spain in the Finals ............................................71

WADA Proposed Four-Year Ban for Felony Athletes ..........................................................72

Daimler Purchased full control of Mercedes ......................................................................72

M. Mahalakshmi and R. Vaishali won Gold ........................................................................72

West Indies won the Bangladesh Test Series by 2-0 ...........................................................73

Sports Quiz ........................................................................................................................73

Science & Technology ...............................................................................................................76

Scientists Developed Test to Detect schizophrenics ...........................................................76

Device that Power Pacemaker by Heartbeat ......................................................................76

Scientists discovered Bacteria that Create Live Wire..........................................................76

Total Solar Eclipse seen in Northern Australia....................................................................76

Scientists Unveiled the Secret of Bactrian Camels by DNA Study .......................................77

Researchers Created a Paper-Thin Fabric to Stop Bullets ...................................................77

Scientist Decoded a Gene that Gives Humans an Edge over Apes ......................................77

14 New Genes Which Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis ............................................................77

Scientist decoded the Reason for Einstein Being a Genius .................................................77

Bionetwork of Bacteria Live in Belly Button .......................................................................78

Gene Discovered That Identifies Your Time of Death .........................................................78

Algorithm Developed for Controlling Computer Cursors ....................................................78

Sunita Williams Returned Back on Earth after 4 Months ....................................................79

Research on Paralysis Cure via Olfactory Ensheathing Cells ...............................................79

Researchers Developed New Tool to Keep Your Email Spam-Free .....................................79

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Device Developed to Imitate Dog’s Nose ...........................................................................79

Massive Dwarf Planet of Solar System Has No Atmosphere ...............................................79

Scientists decoded how flu viruses replicate ......................................................................80

New Drug Discovered that can Halt Cancer from Multiplying ............................................80

Science Current Affairs Quiz ..............................................................................................80

Environment & Ecology .............................................................................................................84

SC: Expressed Concern over Growing Smog Cover on New Delhi .......................................84

World Rarest Whale Species found in Pacific Ocean ..........................................................84

DDA announced its Plans of Creating Four Diversity Parks .................................................84

Report indicating Growth in Vulture Population: BHNS .....................................................84

Australia Created World’s Largest Marine Reserve ............................................................85

Tripura to Set up Two Elephant Reserves ..........................................................................85

Largest Crabs of the World Tracked With GPS Technology.................................................85

Greenland Continuously Lost 200 Million Tonnes Ice .........................................................85

Australia approved plan to save the Murray-Darling Basin ................................................86

One Liner Quizzes......................................................................................................................88

News Capsule ............................................................................................................................92

Lyricist Gulzar Conferred with Indira Gandhi National Award ............................................92

Anand Kumar of Super 30 Fame Declared People’s Hero ...................................................92

Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Pawan Varma Resigned ......................................................92

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Conferred with French Award .....................................................92

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam invited to teach at Peking University .................................................92

Annual Greentech Environment Award to Mathura Refinery .............................................93

Sunita Williams Ventured on 7th Space Walk: Set New Record..........................................93

Pioneer of Pocket Cartoons in India, T. Samuel Died ..........................................................93

Veteran BJP Leader Kailashpati Misra Died ........................................................................93

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Chinese-British Writer Han Suyin died ...............................................................................94

President Presented Durgabai Deshmukh Awards for Women ..........................................94

Irom Sharmila completed 12 Years of Fast .........................................................................94

The World Development Report 2013-Jobs Released ........................................................94

Chairman of Khaitan Group S.K. Khaitan Passed Away .......................................................94

DRDO to Conduct Eighth Ballistic Missile Interceptor Test .................................................95

United Nation Declared November 10 as Malala Day ........................................................95

Ramanujan’s genius Proved by US Mathematician ............................................................95

NCRB released Figures of Total Convicts Lodged in Indian Jails ..........................................95

Report on Condition of Elderly People in Delhi-NCR Released ...........................................96

Hindu’s Press won INCQC ..................................................................................................96

BBC: DG George Entwistle Resigned Over covering Sexual Abuse ......................................96

Shanti Gandhi Elected to Kansas State Assembly ...............................................................96

Literary Critic Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak Got Kyoto Prize .................................................96

India International Trade Fair started in Delhi ...................................................................97

Hamid Karzai Visited India and discussed on various Issues ...............................................97

Omnishambles selected as the UK Word of the Year .........................................................97

Xi Jinping is the New General Secretary of the CPC ............................................................97

Madhav Chavan Awarded the Education Nobel Prize ........................................................98

Golconda Diamond was auctioned at a Record Price .........................................................98

Former Union Minister of India K.C. Pant Died ..................................................................98

Kamala Sadagopan the Eminent Tamil Novelist Died .........................................................98

Cigarette Package Health Warnings: Report Released .......................................................99

Report: Low Percentage of Enrolment of SC and ST Students ............................................99

Bera is 3rd Indian-American to win US Congressional Election...........................................99

Katherine Boo won US National Book Award for Mumbai Book .........................................99

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Savita Halappanavar Died in Ireland ................................................................................ 100

Gopi Chand Narang Awarded Moortidevi Award for 2010 ............................................... 100

Chinese Film, Eleven Flowers won NETPAC Award ........................................................... 100

Tulsi Govinda Baruah, the Assam Tribune’s Chairperson died .......................................... 100

Microsoft Corp Organised Wowzapp 2012 for Students .................................................. 101

Skyfall, Became the Highest Grossing Bond Film Ever ...................................................... 101

Anil Dev Singh became new Chairperson of IOA Election Panel ....................................... 101

President of Liberia chosen for Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2012 ....................................... 101

Scott Flemming Became the New Indian Basketball Team Coach.....................................101

CEOs from the World Came Together to Combat Deadly Cancer .....................................102

Malala Yousafzai awarded with Bravery Award ............................................................... 102

President of India released a Commemorative Postage Stamp ........................................ 102

Super-Jupiter, the Largest Planet of Our Solar System ..................................................... 103

Yuvi- Book on Cricketer Yuvraj Singh Released.................................................................103

Mannam Int. Socio-Cultural & Charitable Center Inaugrated ........................................... 103

Book Victory India Authored by Colonel Vinay B Dalvi Released ...................................... 103

Gavaskar awarded Lifetime Achievement Award ............................................................. 103

Mount Tongariro Volcano Erupted .................................................................................. 104

GRACE: Greenland loses 200 million tonnes of ice every year .......................................... 104

3 Indians Shortlisted for DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013 ....................................... 104

BBC Appointed Tony Hall as its New Director General ..................................................... 104

Ranjit Sinha Appointed as CBI Director for Two Years ...................................................... 104

Autar Kaw won US Professor of the Year Award-2012 ..................................................... 105

President of Brazil Lula da Silva awarded Indira Gandhi Prize .......................................... 105

Scientists Claimed South Pacific Island Does Not Exist At All ............................................ 105

Rafael Benitez Appointed Manager of Chelsea Football Club ........................................... 105

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Barbosa sworn-in as Brazil’s SCs First non-White President ............................................. 106

Ernest Bai Koroma re-elected as the President of Sierra Leone ........................................ 106

Arvind Kejriwal named his Political Party as Aam Admi Party .......................................... 106

BJP suspended Rajya Sabha Member Ram Jethmalani ..................................................... 106

Bangladesh’s Worst-Ever Fire Accident Claimed Several Lives ......................................... 106

India-Maldives Joint Military Training Exercise EKUVERIN 2012 ....................................... 107

Marc Grossman, US Special Envoy to Af-Pak Resigned ..................................................... 107

Passport Seva Project won CSI-Nihilent e-Governance Award ......................................... 107

Questions of the Month .......................................................................................................... 109

Interview of IAS|PCS Topper ...................................................................................................111

Interview ......................................................................................................................... 111

For More Info .......................................................................................................................... 113

Find the Way of Your Choice Follow the Links Given Below ............................................. 113

Don’t miss the information of past quarter, just CLICK BELOW ........................................ 113

For More Information Click on the Below Mentioned Links ............................................. 113

For Specific Notifications of UPSC Click on the Links ........................................................ 113

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PREFACE
Current Affairs PDF Magazine November 2012 includes the happenings of November Month.
Current Affairs has its own importance for candidate preparing for different level of competitive
examinations as well as types of examination. The content included in the magazine has been
drafted for meeting the requirements of various examinations that includes IAS|PCS, SSC,
Banking, MBA as well as Board Exams of CBSE and State Boards.

The events mentioned here in the PDF Magazine are written by a team of experts, and tried to
evaluate the same by genuine methods to make sure that the data represented here are
correct. Our experts have tried to put on the efforts to make sure that the content provided
remains for a longer period of time in the mind of people and perceived in actual manner,
because fine perception of the events can only allow a candidate to apply the theories in
existence in a suitable manner.

The compilation of the world events and issues with relevance to the current perspectives had
been included crossing the boarders of limitations that Print Media can’t go for, we have tried
to portray everything after analyzing and identifying the hidden theories within them, to serve
the purpose for which we are here as a solution to your needs.

Records and data, that shocked the world created an illusion and made the people living in it
think, has been included in it. It is also important for a common man, an opinion leader for
mass, a teacher who teaches a preacher who preaches, leader of a group who take decisions
following the history of recent events or an economist who plans the economy with growth
inclusive in his plans. It also allows a student in school and college to prepare for the quiz
competitions at school level and other levels.

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PICK OF THE MONTH
BARACK OBAMA WON THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2012
Barack Obama, the leader of Democratic Party on 7 November 2012 was re-elected as the
President of USA. Obama defeated the Republican
Challenger, Mitt Romney in the U.S. Presidential Elections
2012 by winning over 332 votes as compared to the 206
votes of Mitt Romney of all the votes declared by the
Electoral College declared. Obama was successful in getting
around 74000 more votes than the competitor, Mitt Romney
out of the eight million votes casted during the Presidential
Elections.

The elections were conducted on 6th November 2012 and this was the 57th quadrennial
presidential election for the United States.

The two, Obama and Romney won 50 percent and 48.1 percent of votes respectively. 53
members in the Senate were from Democratic Party, whereas 45 are from Republican Party. In
the House of Representatives, the lead went in the way of Republican Party with 232 seats and
the Democratic Party was successful in securing 191 seats. Mitt Romney tied with the President
Obama at 49 percent of the Popular Votes.

After the win, Obama declared that the best is yet to come for America and he to take care of
the greatest challenges faced by the country he also called for bipartisan support
(bipartisanship can be defined as a political situation, where the there exists a context of two
political parties, where one of the opposing party finds common grounds by making
compromises).

The Republican Party has lost four Presidential elections of the six Presidential contests and the
two won by them was just with narrow margins. At the same time, President Obama, by being
back has proved that in the period of austerity and crisis also, an incumbent can survive.

Swing States

President Obama was successful in winning over the eight of the nine swing states including
Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Virginia, Colorado and Nevada. He only lost from the
seat of North Carolina.

Issues

Apart from the sluggishness in economic growth, witnessed by the America in past few years
there were five main pointers on which debates were done and the Presidential Election was

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fought and it included Health, Women’s Right, Tax, Environment and Same Sex Marriage. One
major challenge that lies behind the President, Barack Obama to deal with is to get rid of
unemployment as; America registered an unemployment rate of 7.9 percent in October 2012.

Opinions of both the leaders on all the five topics:

Issues Barack Obama Mitt Romney

Has already played a role on
Would ask the insurance issues of health care while
company to insure everyone, being a Governor of
Health
and will bring down the cost Massachusetts. If won,
of treatment concentrated at taking out the
hidden truths of Obamacare

He disliked gay marriages and
He will permit the same sex
Same Sex Marriage have obstructed such things
marriage
from the society

Permitted Abortions at will of He stood against the issue of
Women’s Right
the women Abortions

Would have decreased taxes
put forward to Rich people
Will raise taxes for Rich
which would have resulted in
people to increase funds in
Taxes growth of profits and in
Governments account to help
return increased number of
poor and middle class people
employment opportunities in
the country

Obama pointed out that he
has already made investments
Romney belief lied in Global
of $80 billion for development
Warming, but he would have
of new energy mechanisms,
Environment made zero investments in
by 2016, all the cars in
controlling and curbing the
America would give an
Carbon Dioxide emissions
average mileage of 35.5 miles
per gallons

Indians

Ami Bera- the third Indian-American in the U.S. House of Representatives

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Dr. Ami Bera is third Indian-American ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The 45 years old Bera took a lead of 184 votes against Dan Lungren, the Republican rival from
the seventh Congressional District of California. Before Bera, two Indians to be elected for the
US House of Representatives include Dalip Singh Saund in the 1950s and Bobby Jindal was the
House member before being elected to be the Governor of Louisiana from 2005 to 2008.

Except Dr. Bera, five more Indian-Americans namely Dr. Syed Taj, Dr. Manan Trivedi, Upendra
Chivukula and Jack Uppala and Ricky Gill, were candidates, who lost from their seats in the US
elections. Except Ricky Gill all the other four were from Democratic Party. Dr. Syed Taj, who
was a representative from Democratic Party, is the younger brother of Syed Shahbuddin and he
basically belongs from Bihar. He lost in the tough fight against his opponent K Bentivolio from
the seat of Michigan's 11th Congressional District.

Tulsi Gabbard-First Hindu-American to be in the House

Tulsi-Gabbard is the first Hindu-American to enter the U.S. House of Representatives. She
defeated the Republican rival K. Crowley from the Hawaii seat in the one-sided contest. Tulsi
doesn’t belong to the Indian Heritage and is not an Indian. She is a daughter to the Catholic
Father Mike Gabbard, who at present is serving as the Senator from the Hawaii State and her
mother Carol Porter Gabbard, who is a Hindu is an educator and a business owner in Hawaii.

Basic Facts

• Before Obama, Bill Clinton was the Democratic Party Representative to serve White
House for continuous two terms after World War II.

• Obama is the first President after the wars to be re-elected in the office with an
unemployment rate of 7.4 percent in the country.

• Obama in the last Presidential Elections of 2008 won 349 votes, which was higher than
the votes he secured in the Presidential Elections of 2012.

History of US elections of 223 years: In the 223 years history of US Presidential Elections only
eight Presidents contesting elections being in the White House lost the elections.

Portfolio of Barack Obama (Democratic Party Representative) and Mitt Romney (Republican
Party Representative)

Qualifications:

Barack Obama Mitt Romney

• Juris Doctor from Howard Law School • MBA from Howard Business School

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• B.A. from Colombia University • Juris Doctor from Howard Law School
• B.A. from Birmingham Young
University/Stanford University

Books written by Obama: Dreams of My Father (1995), The Audacity of Hope (2006), Of the I
Sing (2008)

Books written by Mitt Romney: Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership and the Olympic Games (2004),
No Apology: the Cause for American Greatness (2010)

Presidential Elections in America and its Process

Article 2 Section 1 of the US Constitution states that the executive Power of the Nation is
vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term
of four Years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same Term, be elected, as
follows:

In USA the executive power is vested on the President, who holds the office for a term of four
years with a vice-President, who is elected along with him for the same term.

The Process

Every state appoints in such a manner that the legislature thereof may direct a number of
electors that is equal to the whole number of representatives and senators to which the state if
entitled in the congress. No Senator or Representative, holding any office of Profit or Trust
under United States can be appointed as an Elector.

The Electors meet in their respective state and vote for two persons via ballot of which one
person must not be an inhabitant of the same state. A list of all persons voted for must be
made and the number of votes to every person by signing and certifying, the list is then sealed
for transmission to the Seat of the Government of United States, which is directed to the
Senate’s President. The President of the Senate opens all the certificates and the votes are
counted in presence of the Senates and the House of Representatives. The person, who
receives maximum votes, is elected as a President only when, the derived numbers meets the
majority mark of the whole number of the electors appointed. In case the results bring out
more than one person with majority or an equal number of votes than the House of
Representatives can choose by ballot, one of them as the President that to with immediate
effect.

In case situation occurs, when none of the members have been successful in winning the
majority than the House of Representatives can choose any one among the five with highest
number of votes as the President. But in this situation, Votes need to be taken by the states and
the representation of the states with one vote. The quorum (gathering of the minimal number
of members of an organization to conduct business) made for this purpose comprises a
Member/Members from two-thirds of the States, along with the Majority of all the States is
necessary to a Choice.

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In case after election of the President, the Person with maximum number of votes is elected as
the Vice-President, but in case of two or more persons remains available with the same number
of votes, then the Senate is responsible for choosing the Vice–President from them but by the
process of Ballot (In 12th Amendment the clause in parentheses was superseded). A Natural
born Citizen of United States or a Citizen of the United States at time of Adoption of the
Constitution can only eligible to the President’s Office and the person must have attended the
age of thirty-five years, with at least fourteen years of residence in United States.

In U.S. the Presidential elections are conducted after every four years and the count of this
quadrennial election process started from 1972, on the Election Day that is on the Tuesday that
falls in between 2 November to 8 November of the election year. The Next U.S. elections would
be held on 8 November 2016 i.e. the Tuesday.

Obama’s re-election and its effects

Re-election of Barack Obama as the US President would surely effect the world economy by the
decisions which would be taken by him to bring up employment opportunities and take
America out of the economic sluggishness. The most prevalent questions that may occur by the
time, dust of celebrations sets down, is how Obama would deal with the fiscal cliff and the
federal debt. Will the group of policies which includes the increase on tax to cut the massive
spending by the Government, which can come into existence by January 2013, in case both the
parties, Democratic and Republicans fails to arrive to a conclusion of how to reduce the federal
debt. Finding a solution to the fiscal cliff would also be a big challenge to the incumbent
President of USA and in case the President fails to answer to the requirements its sure that the
US economy that is improving may be dragged back to the mode of recession like the European
crisis.

TWENTY FIRST ASEAN SUMMIT CONCLUDED IN CAMBODIA

The 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom
Penh was held on 18 November
2012 at Peace Palace, Phnom
Penh in Cambodia. Prime Minister
of the Kingdom of Cambodia-
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei
Techo Hun Sen was the
Chairperson for the 21st ASEAN
Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The head of states of the ASEAN
members and the Secretary-
General of ASEAN participated in the 21st ASEAN Summit and discussed about things like
progress of the Implementation of ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN community.

Issues Discussed

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 Follow-up to the 20th ASEAN Summit

 The Progress Report on the Implementation of Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity

 Signed Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

 Exchange of View on Regional and International Issues

A Leaders’ Statement on the establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC)
was also issued during the summit.

Document Signed and Adopted

 Phnom Penh Statement on the Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)

 Concept Paper on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC)

 ASEAN Leaders’ Joint Statement on the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Mine
Action Centre (ARMAC)

New Secretary General for ASEAN

Le Luong Minh- the candidate from the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was appointed as the
upcoming Secretary General for ASEAN for the next five year term by the ASEAN Head of States.
The nomination was done on the basis of alphabetical rotation plan for next five year that
would start from January 2013 and end in December 2018.

ASEAN

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was created on 8 August 1967 at Bangkok,
Thailand after ASEAN Declaration (also called Bangkok Declaration) was signed between the
Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand.
With time 5 more South Asian countries joined the group namely Brunei Darussalam joined on
7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and
Cambodia on 30 April 1999. Today, ASEAN is a 10-member group by now. The group was
formed with a basic idea of promoting social progress, economic growth and cultural
development between the member nations and talk on the differences in a peaceful manner.

SHIV SENA CHIEF BALASAHEB THACKERAY DIED IN MUMBAI
The Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray died on 17 November 2012 at the age of
86. He died of the cardio-respiratory arrest after suffering a long illness at his residence
Matoshree, in Mumbai.

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About Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray

Balasaheb Keshav Thackeray was an Indian Politician, who
founded Shiv Sena a Political Party based in Mumbai,
Maharashtra in the year 19 June 1966. Before turning up to
politics, he was a cartoonist by profession with an English
daily newspaper in Mumbai, named the Free Press Journal.
His cartoons were also published in the Times of India. He
resigned from the Free Press Journal in 1960 and founded his
own political weekly, named Marmik. He also founded
Samana, the Marathi language newspaper and the Dophar ka
Samna a Hindi newspaper.

His house at Bandra, Mumbai is famous with the name Matoshree.

Balasaheb was a leading face in the fight named Samyukta Maharashtra movement (United
Maharashtra movement); to make Mumbai a place for Maharastrians that was witnessing the
influence of South Indians, Gujaratis and Marwaris.

Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena is a Political Party that strongly supports the thought of Maharashtra for
Maharashtrians. Shiv Sena has been a member in different Governments of the State in
Maharashtra and was a member in the national cabinet as a coalition partner in the National
Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004. The party came up as a political force after
it won a Mumbai Civic Body Elections in the year 1973. In late 1980s and early 1990s, Shiv Sena
adopted the hard-line Hindu Ideology and joined hands with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the
coalition won the assembly elections of 1995 and came to power in Maharashtra. In 1999 the
coalition failed to win the majority.

MOHAMMED AJMAL AMIR KASAB HANGED AT YERW ADA JAIL, PUNE
Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the Pakistani National and the lone surviving terrorist of 26/11
Mumbai Terror Attacks, was hanged on 21 November
2012 at Pune’s Yerwada Jail at 7:30 am. The Home
Minister of Maharashtra R.R. Patil confirmed that Kasab
was hanged. The President of India Pranab Mukherjee
rejected the mercy plea of Kasab.

He was hanged five days before the fourth anniversary
of the brutal terror attack on Mumbai that claimed 166
lives and sieged Mumbai for continuous three days.

Execution of Kasab Second-Fastest in the History of
India

Page 19


In the top-secret operation, the sole surviving terrorist of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks
Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab was hanged till death in Yerwada jail, Pune, on 21 November
2012. Kasab had killed 166 people on 26 November 2008 along with 9 other terrorists from
Pakistan.

AJMAL KASAB’S EXECUTION CHRONOLOGY
 26 November 2008- Kasab as well as 9 terrorists launched a commando raid in Mumbai

 27 November 2008- Kasab caught and arrested

 30 November 2008- Kasab confessed before police

 16 January 2009- Arthur Road Jail selected for trial of Kasab

 20/21 February 2009- Kasab confessed before the magistrate

 22 February 2009- Ujjwal Nikal appointed as the Special Public Prosecutor

 20 April 2009- Prosecution charged Kasab on 312 counts

 6 May 2009- Kasab was awarded death sentence by the trial court

 21 February 2011- Bombay High Court upheld the decision of the trial court

 March 2011- Kasab wrote to Supreme Court challenging high court’s decision

 10 October 2011- Supreme Court stayed execution of the death sentence

 25 April 2012- Supreme Court reserved its verdict after going through a lot of hearing
over two and a half months

 16 October 2012- Union Home Ministry recommended to president for rejecting mercy
plea of Kasab

 5 November 2012- President rejected mercy petition of Kasab

 8 November 2012- Maharashtra Government was informed about the decision of
President

 21 November 2012- Kasab was hanged at 7.30 A.M. in Yerwada Jail, Pune

Background of Kasab

Kasab was a Pakistani militant and belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. He was born on
13 July 1987 at Faridkot, Pakistan and is 25 years old. Kasab was found guilty in 80 offences
which included murder, possession of explosives, waging a war against India and many more.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the death sentence of Kasab on 29 August 2012. The

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defense lawyers on Kasab’s side are Defense lawyers Amin Solkar, Farhana Shah and Abbas
Kazmi.

Kasab’s execution is second-fastest in the history

Kasab’s execution is said to be the second fastest in the history of India, only after Banswara-
based Ramchandra a.k.a Raoji. Raoji was executed in just 3 years after murdering his family.
Raoji was put to death on 4 May 1996.

Comparing the two, Kasab’s execution is the second-fastest as he was hanged 4 years after his
heinous terror attack in Mumbai. It is quite significant to note that the President Pranab
Mukherjee decided to reject Kasab’s mercy plea while 14 other petitions till October 2012 were
pending and this also included Parliament attack terrorist- Afzal Guru besides other important
names.

INDIA AND AFGHANISTAN SIGNED FOUR COOPER ATION PACTS
India and Afghanistan on 12 November 2012 signed four agreements to cooperate in areas of
social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and youth affairs. President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai
was in India on a four day visit from 9 November 2012 to12 November 2012. During his visit a
Memorandum of Understanding was signed by External Affair Minister Salman Khurshid and
Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul under which India will provide grants to
Afghanistan to implement small development projects through local bodies, community
organisations, charitable trusts and educational institutions. To Read More

INDIA SIGNED 70 MILLION US DOLLAR LOAN AGREEMENT
Government of India on 22 November 2012 signed a 70-million US Dollar loan agreement with
World Bank for financing the Karnataka Health Systems Development as well as Reform Project.
Primary objective of this project is improvisation of public-private collaboration, health services
delivery and financial aid for vulnerable groups and underserved in Karnataka. The agreement
was signed by the Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and India Operations
Advisor of World Bank in New Delhi.

The components of the project include:

• Strengthening present health programs of the Government of India

• Innovations in the health financing as well as service delivery

• Project management, evaluation as well as monitoring

Additional financing of this project is scheduled to be implemented till 31 March 2016.

CCEA APPROVED 9.5 PERCENT STAKE DISINVESTMENT IN NTPC

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the disinvestment of 9.5 percent
Government Stake in the Maharatna PSU-National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) on 22
November 2012 from its holding of 84.50 percent. The disinvestment would be done through
the stock exchanges following the SEBI Rules, via an offer for sales of the shares. The equity
disinvestment of NTPC would bring back a sum of about 13000 crore rupees. With this
disinvestment the governments holding on NTPC would fall down from present 84.5 percent to
75 percent, which will adhere to the minimum public shareholding norms that was stipulated
by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulators. To Read More

UNION CABINET CLEARED SETTING UP OF 21 TEXTILE PARKS
The Union Government on 8 November 2012 approved the release of funds for the
establishment of 21 integrated textile parks which was sanctioned in the 11th Five Year Plan.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), in a
meeting held in New Delhi also had committed the
government to provide for liability beyond 200 crore Rupees.
It was in October 2010 that the CCEA had approved a
proposal for setting up additional 21 integrated textile parks
utilising the Rs.200 crore left in the 11th plan. The parks were
to be implemented during the 11th Five Year plan (2007-
2012) under the Scheme of Integrated Textile Parks (SITP)
aims at providing private sector investment, generating
employment and a create a need-based and product-based world class infrastructure for the
industry. Now the establishment will extend up to 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) and envisages
a total investment of 819 crore rupees.

UNION GOVERNMENT APPROVED AN ANTI-PIRACY SCHEME

The Union Government of India on 27 November 2012 approved a scheme under the 12th Five
Year Plan for carrying out an anti-piracy initiative in the audio-visual sector with an allocation of
two crore rupees. The new scheme of Information and Broadcasting Ministry aims to put
special focus on piracy on the internet. Under the scheme, the campaign on piracy through
audio-visual, internet and print media will be launched. The piracy continues to be a key
challenge for the Indian film sector and has been a prime reason for the decline of the home
video market in the country. The emerging threat to legitimate exhibition of films is illegal
download of films available on websites.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL BECAM E YOUNGEST TRIPLE CH AMPION
Sebastian Vettel of Germany, the Red Bull driver became youngest triple champion in the
history of Formula One on 25 November 2012 by finishing 6th behind Jenson Button in the
Brazilian Grand Prix. Vettel, 25 got himself involved in opening lap collision and made very little
damage to his Red Bull car in the run in rain-swept conditions at Interlagos circuit. The only title
rival of Vettel was two-time champion Spaniard Fernnando Alonso who finished in the second

Page 22


position in his Ferrari. However he had pre-race 13 points deficit while Vettel won the title by
merely three points.

Vettel was the third driver in the history of Formula One to win three consecutive titles. Others
who have done this before are Michael Schumacher and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio. The
Red Bull team of Vettel took the third constructors' championship in the sequence on 18
November 2012 in Texas and finished with 281 points while Alonso with 278 points.

BOLT AND FELIX NAMED IAAF WORLD ATHLETES OF THE YEAR 2012
Usain Bolt won the IAAF World Athlete of the Year Award 2012 for the fourth time and United
States sprinter Allyson Felix won women's World Athlete of the Year Award 2012 on 24
November 2012 during the IAAF's 100th Anniversary Celebration. The Jamaican sprinter Bolt
had won for defending his gold medals in the 100 and 200 meter races of the summers’
Olympic Games, he also won the same award previously in 2008, 2009 and 2011. Bolt managed
to be ahead of United States hurdler Aries Merritt and Kenyan runner David Rudisha to win the
award. To Read More

GREENHOUSE GASES LEVEL REACHED RECORD HIGH IN 2011
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 20 November 2012 in the annual Greenhouse
Gas Bulletin revealed that the atmospheric volume of the greenhouse gases, which are often
blamed for the change in atmosphere, had hit the record in 2011. The volume of the main
greenhouse gas- carbon dioxide grew at almost identical rate in previous 10 years and it
touched 390.9 parts per million (ppm) or 40 percent above the pre-industrial level, as per the
survey. There had been an increase on an average by 2 ppm for last decade. To Read More

TONGARIRO VOLCANO ERUPTED IN NEW ZEALAND
The Tongariro Volcano in Mount Tongariro at Tongariro National Park, New Zealand erupted on
21 November 2012. This volcano left behind massive plume of ash billows up to 3 kilometers in
the skies of Tongariro National Park in the North Island of New Zealand. The volcano erupted
with a grumble at 1:25 pm about 300 kilometers away from Wellington City of New Zealand.
The volcano was used as the backdrop in many scenes and sequences of the Hollywood movie,
Lord of the Rings film Trilogy. To Read More

NASA LAUNCHED SPACE STATION ALERT SERVICE

The US Space Agency, NASA on 2 November 2012 launched a new service in which people can
receive text messages on their phones, whenever the International Space Station would come
over their house. The service was launched during the celebration of 12th anniversary of
astronauts living and working on the orbiting lab. The message would make people aware in
finding out the International Space Station (ISS) as people yet are unaware about the location of
ISS in the sky also about the fact that after sun and moon, it is the third brightest object present

Page 23


in the sky. The Spot the Station facility would be available across the world as the trajectory of
the station carries more than 90 percent population on earth. To Read More

Page 24


Page 25


INTERNATIONAL
PAKISTAN CABINET RATIFIED THE LANDMARK VISA PACT WITH INDIA
Pakistan’s Cabinet on 31 October 2012 ratified four recent agreements with India. The major of
which is landmark visa pact aimed at facilitating restrictions on several categories of travellers,
including senior citizens and businessmen. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister of
Pakistan M Raja Pervez Ashraf who also ratified three other agreements that is going to
promote trade between the Pakistan and India. The visa agreement was signed by then
external affairs minister S.M. Krishna and Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik in
Islamabad on 8 September 2012. To Read More

INDIA-JAPAN-US TRILATERAL DIALOGUE HELD IN NEW DELHI
Senior officials of the India, Japan and USA held their third trilateral dialogue in New Delhi on 29
October 2012 to enhance cooperation on combating maritime security, combating piracy and
leveraging their strengths to shape the Asia-Pacific architecture. The trilateral meeting was the
third of its kind. The first round of talks was held in Washington in 2011 and the second round
was held in Tokyo.

INDIA-CANADA FINALISED A MECHANISM FOR SHIPPING URANIUM
India and Canada on 6 November 2012 succeeded in creating a mechanism for shipping
Canadian Uranium to India clearing the mistrust generated on the Canadian side after the
nuclear explosion from India in 1974. Both the sides were successful in inking the agreement on
the mechanism of shipment of the Canadian Uranium to India for the first time after 1974. The
nuclear trade relations between the two nations were affected, when India used the plutonium
that was allegedly abstracted from the Canadian test reactor to carry on a nuclear explosion in
the year 1974. To Read More

UK LIFTED TRAVEL ADVISORY ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR
The United Kingdom on 6 November 2012 lifted its around twenty years old travel advisory for
its nationals against travel to Srinagar, Jammu and Ladakh, referring improvements of the
security situation in the State. The lifting of travel advisory came to testimony the fact that
security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is improved. The UK Foreign office declared on their
website that they no longer advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir or against travel on the
Jammu to Srinagar highway. To Read More

NOOR INAYAT KHAN’S BUST UNVEILED AT LONDON BY PRINCESS ANNE

Page 26


Britain's Princess Anne unveiled the Bronze Bust
of Noor Inayat Khan in London, reckoned to be a
heroine of the World War II on 8 November 2012 Rights of a film on Noor Inayat
for the role that she played as a secret agent in Khan
the secret mission against the Nazis. The Bronze
Zafar Hai and Tabrez Noorani, the
Bust was unveiled at Gordon Square the place,
two producers have obtained rights
where Noor Inayat lived at the time. Noor Inayat
of the book Spy Princess: The Life of
Khan was world’s first lady radio operator, who
Noor Inayat Khan by Shrabani Basu
was infiltrated in the then occupied France and
in September 2012, in order to
pass on the information of the allies. She was
create a film.
caught at Dachau Concentration Camp and
killed. To Read More

INDIA AND BRITAIN DECIDED TO ENHANCE COOPERATION
India and Britain on 8 November 2012 decided to step-up cooperation in Cyber Security during
the Foreign Minister level talks of both the nations. Before, this during the Foreign Secretary
level talks, the issues discussed was nuclear energy and counter-terrorism. The representatives
of both the nations, William Hague the British Foreign Secretary and Salman Khurshid India's
External Affairs Minister after agreeing on the issues of cooperation on cyber crimes, which
included cooperation in defining the ways of tackling the cyber crime, bilaterally issued a joint
statement on the issues discussed. To Read More

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DIRECTOR DAVID PETRAEUS RESIGNED
CIA Director David Petraeus on 9 November 2012 resigned as head of the leading US spy agency
shocking the intelligence community. His resignation came on his personal choice after he had
engaged in an extramarital affair and acknowledged that he showed extremely poor judgment.
In his letter to the CIA workforce, David Petraeus had asserted that he met with President
Barack Obama at the White House on 8 November 2012 and asked, he to be allowed for
resignation for some personal reason. To Read More

THE REVIEW MEETING OF THE E-9 COUNTRIES CONCLUDED
The three-day review meeting of Ministers of Education and heads of delegation of the E-9
countries comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria and
Mexico ended in New Delhi on 10 November 2012 with the adoption of the New Delhi
Commitment. E-9 nations decided to expand their cooperation in Inclusive, Relevant Quality
Education for All. It took stock of the progress towards the Education for All goals and to renew
cooperation in consolidating the gains and addressing remaining challenges. To Read More

NEPAL ELECTED AS A BOARD MEMBER OF THE ECOSOC

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Nepal was elected on 8 November 2012 as a board member of the United Nations Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three year term starting from January 2013. Nepal along with
seventeen other countries was elected as board members. Nepal was elected with 131 votes
out of the total 194 in the UN General Assembly. The fifty-four member ESOSOC is one of the
principal organs of the UN which coordinates the economic, social and related work of the UN
and its specialized agencies and institutions.

IEA: US WOULD BECOME WORLD’S LARGEST OIL PRODUCER BY 2017
The International Energy Agency (IEA) in the second week of November 2012 announced that
United States would takeover Saudi Arabia as world’s biggest oil producing nation by 2017. The
forecast came up by the Paris based energy agency because U.S. has been drilling more crude
oil by using the technology based on hydraulic fracturing of underground shale formations. This
drilling activity would make U.S. in times to come as an economy that is self-sufficient in terms
of energy within next five years but down the line by 2023, North America would became a net
oil exporter in the world. This forecast from the International Energy Agency is a change on its
previous prediction in which the agency stated that Saudi’s would be the world’s leader in oil
production up to 2035. At present U.S. imports about 20 percent of oil to meet its energy
needs.

FRANCE RECOGNISED THE NEW SYRIAN OPPOSITION COALITION
France recognized the new Syrian Opposition coalition on 13 November 2012. France has
become the first major nation to recognise the newly formed Syrian National Coalition of
opposition and Revolutionaries as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Arab
League has granted Observer status to the bloc while the six nation Gulf Co-operation Council
has already recognized it. Britain and European Union have stopped short of recognizing the
bloc. Britain stated that it wants to see more evidence that the opposition grouping has strong
support inside Syria. Meanwhile, Syrian opposition activist groups reported that 31 people were
killed across Syria as airstrikes continued along the country's northeastern border with Turkey.

JAPAN’S LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT, DISSOLVED
The Japanese Lower House of Parliament-the House of Representatives was dissolved on 16
November 2012, and paved the way ahead to general elections scheduled on 16 December
2012. Takahiro Yokomichi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives read out the imperial
decree signed by Emperor Akihito to parliament, which proclaimed the dissolution of the
government. Campaigns of the election scheduled for 16 December 2012 would start from 4
December 2012 and in case the ruling Noda’s Center-left Party Looses the election, Japan would
get its seventh Prime Minister after many years. To Read More

INDIA AND JAPAN SIGNED EARTHS PACT ON RARE EARTH MINERALS

Page 28


India and Japan signed an Earths Pact on 16 November 2012 that will enable the latter to
import the rare Earth minerals from India. These rare minerals are very important for the Tech-
savvy industries of Japan. The pact came as a conclusion despite postponement of India-Japan
annual summit. As per the signed pact, Japan will be able to import 4000 tonnes rare Earth
minerals for a year from India. By signing the pact, Japan has branched out its supply from
China for metals which are used in their industries. To Read More

US LIFTED THE BAN IMPOSED ON IMPORTS FROM MYANMAR
The decade old ban on most of the imports from Myanmar in the third week of November was
scrapped by the United States. The step of scrapping the bans on import of most of the
products from Myanmar came ahead of the landmark visit of the U.S. President Barack Obama
scheduled on 20 November 2012 to the long isolated nation. With this visit to Myanmar,
Obama would turn-up to be the first sitting President of U.S. to visit the country. To Read More

BANGLADESH OPTED OUT OF D-8 SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN PAKISTAN
Bangladesh opted out of the key summit known as D-8 Summit in Pakistan, which is scheduled
to be held later in November, 2012. Bangladesh opted out because Pakistan refused to
apologise for the deeds committed during 1971 war which eventually led to Bangladesh’s
independence. Bangladesh’s foreign minister in an earlier visit of Hina Rabbani, Pakistan’s
foreign minister demanded a formal apology to the Bangladesh’s populace. This apology was
demanded for the carnage committed by Pakistan Army and also for putting the former
political as well as military personalities on trial in then-East Pakistan. Since then, Pakistan has
not paid heed to the demand. Now, Bangladesh claims more clarity on this issue.

DEATH OF SAVITA HALAPPANAVAR AND IRISH ABORTION LAW
Indian origin dentist Savita Halappanavar died in Ireland on 28 October 2012 at the University
College Hospital Galway after the doctors refused her abortion despite hers body being sick and
weak due to 17 weeks of pregnancy. The doctors had refused her abortion on the basis of
catholic tenets. Eventually it led to septicemia or blood poisoning that led to her death. Savita
suffered miscarriage and when she went to University College Hospital Galway, she was refused
abortion saying that there was still the fetal heartbeat. To Read More

CHINA STATE BROADCASTER AUCTIONED PRIME TIME SLOT
China’s main state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV) in the month of November
raised a record 15.88 billion Yuan (US$2.5 billion) by selling prime-time advertising spots for
year 2013. As per News paper Global times, Revenue from the closely-watched auction by
China Central Television (CCTV) grew more than 11 per cent from a similar auction for year
2012.Analysts is describing the results as encouraging amid a slowdown in China’s overall
economy. To Read More

Page 29


RBI AND THE STATE BANK OF VIETNAM SIGNED A MOU
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 November 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) for promoting greater co-operation and sharing
supervisory information, between the two supervisors. The MoU between the two banks was
signed at Hanoi, Vietnam in the Headquarters of State Bank of Vietnam and by the Chief
General Manager-In-Charge, Department of Banking Supervision, RBI- G. Jaganmohan Rao and
Chief Inspector, Banking Supervision Agency, SBV- Nguyen Huu Nghia. The Deputy Governor,
SBV- Dang Thanh Binh, and Indian Ambassador to Hanoi- Ranjit Rae graced this occasion of
signing the MoU.

INDIA VOTED AGAINST RESOLUTION TO BAN DEATH PENALTIES
India was one among the 39 other countries that voted on 20 November 2012 against the non-
binding draft resolution of UN General Assembly that proposed for putting an end to death
penalty. India voted on the grounds that each and every nation has its own sovereign right in
order to determine the legal system. 110 nations voted in the favour, while 36 members
withdrew. The non-binding UN resolution called for suspension on the capital punishment with
a view to put an end to the death penalty. To Read More

INDIA ADDED NEW ITEMS TO PROMOTE INDO-MYANMAR TRADE
Indian Government in the month of November added 22 commodities such as agricultural
tools, bicycle, coal and garments in the list of items for border trade with Myanmar to boost the
two-way commerce between the neighbours. The new items added and revised in the list of 40
tradable items was confirmed in a public notice by Director General of Foreign Trade which now
make the list of 62 Consolidated items. To Read More

TWENTY FIRST ASEAN SUMMIT CONCLUDED IN CAMBODIA
The 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh was held on 18 November 2012 at Peace Palace, Phnom
Penh in Cambodia. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena
Padei Techo Hun Sen was the Chairperson for the 21st ASEAN Summit Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The head of states of the ASEAN members and the Secretary-General of ASEAN participated in
the 21st ASEAN Summit and discussed about things like progress of the Implementation of
ASEAN Charter and Roadmap for an ASEAN community. To Read More

TENTH ASEAN-INDIA SUMMIT CONCLUDED AT CAMBODIA
The tenth ASEAN-India Summit that was held at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
concluded on 19 November 2012. The summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of the
Kingdom of Cambodia- Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN Sen and attended by the
leaders of the ten Member states of ASEAN and the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
During the summit the discussions were held on identifying the future course of action on the

Page 30


ASEAN-India relations. Success was achieved in deciding the convening of the ASEAN-India
Commemorative Summit scheduled to be held on 20 December to 21 December 2012 at New
Delhi, India, the summit will be held to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN-India
Dialogue Relations. To Read More

THE 2ND INDIA-CHINA STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

The 2nd India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 26 November, 2012.
During the 2nd meeting of the Dialogue, India and China discussed a wide range of topics
including greater cooperation at the global level, strengthening communication on macro-
economic policies, deepening and expanding trade and investment and promoting bilateral
cooperation in the financial and infrastructure sectors. The proposals and recommendations
made by the five Working Groups were considered during the 2nd Dialogue and directions
given for their future activities. To Read More

THE 8TH MEETING OF THE INDIA-UK JWG ON COUNTER TERRORISM
The 8th meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism was held on
November 20, 2012 in New Delhi. The discussions of the JWG were held in an atmosphere of
trust and mutual understanding. The two countries shared their respective threat assessments
and informed each other of the measures taken by their governments to strengthen counter
terrorism policies and structures. They also discussed the follow up on the Mumbai terror
attacks of 26/11. The two countries also exchanged views on international developments,
coordination in international forum and their bilateral cooperation in the area. The first
meeting of the India-UK Joint Working Group (JWG) took place in 2004. The next and the 9th
meeting of the JWG will be held in the UK in 2013 on mutually convenient dates.

US MILITARY’S BAN ON WOMEN AT COMBAT POSITIONS CHALLENGED
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a constitutional challenge in a federal court in San
Francisco to the US military's ban on women in most combat positions. The Union argued that
women were still barred from more than two hundred thousand frontline roles despite recent
relaxations. Approximately, 14500 combat positions had been opened to women under the
current defence secretary. The possibility of opening additional roles for women in the US
military is being explored. Women have served in the United States Army since 1775. They
nursed the ill and wounded, laundered and mended clothing, and cooked for the troops in
camp on campaign; services that did not exist among the uniformed personnel within the Army
until the 20th Century. Women are an integral part of the US Army. At present, women serve in
91 percent of all Army occupations and make up about 14 percent of the Active Army. Women
continue to play a crucial role in current operations and their sacrifices in this noble effort
underscore their dedication and willingness to share great sacrifices.

INTERNATIONAL QUIZZES

Page 31


1. India-Japan-US Trilateral Dialogue was held in New Delhi in to enhance cooperation on
combating maritime security, combating piracy and leveraging their strengths to shape
the Asia-Pacific architecture and was the third trilateral meeting of its type. What was
the place, where the first round of these talks took place?

a) Tokyo

b) New Delhi

c) New Jersey

d) Washington

Answer. (d) Washington

2. India and Canada in November 2012 succeeded in creating a mechanism for shipping
Canadian Uranium to India clearing the mistrust generated on the Canadian side after
the nuclear explosion from India. When did the explosion done and what was the main
issue.

a) In 1976, the Uranium that India was exporting to Canada, which was never sent by the
Indian side to Canada

b) In 1974 when India used the plutonium that was allegedly abstracted from the Canadian
test reactor to carry on a nuclear explosion

c) In 1990, when Canada tried to exploit the resources from India for explosion purposes
instead of using it for generation of power

d) None of these

Answer. (b) In 1974 when India used the plutonium that was allegedly abstracted from the
Canadian test reactor to carry on a nuclear explosion

3. Which of the following statements in relation to India-Canada finalised a Mechanism for
Shipping of Canadian Uranium to India is false?

a) Both the sides were successful in inking the agreement on the mechanism of shipment
of the Canadian Uranium to India for the first time after 1974.

b) The nuclear trade relations between the two nations were affected, when India used
the plutonium that was allegedly abstracted from the Canadian test reactor to carry on
a nuclear explosion in the year 1974

c) India and Canada on 6 November 2012 succeeded in creating a mechanism for shipping
Canadian Uranium to India

d) India and Canada signed a treaty that states that India can also use the Uranium if
required for generation of Nuclear missiles

Page 32


i. Statements a and d are false

ii. Statements a, b and c are false

iii. Statement d is false

iv. Statement a is false

Answer. (iii) Statement d is false

4. United Kingdom recently in November 2012 lifted its travel advisory from an Indian
State-name the state?

a) Chattishgarh

b) Mizoram

c) Jammu and Kashmir

d) Assam

Answer. (c) Jammu and Kashmir

5. Name the lady reckoned to be a heroine of the World War II and was the world’s first
lady radio operator, who was infiltrated in the then occupied France

a) Noor Inayat Khan

b) Phyllis Diller

c) Makeda, Queen of Sheba

d) Catherine II the Great Empress of All Russia

Answer. (a) Noor Inayat Khan

For More Quizzes

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WORLD DAIRY
1 November 2012

 Pakistan Cabinet Ratified the Landmark Visa Pact with India

5 November 2012

 India-Japan-US Trilateral Dialogue held in New Delhi

6 November 2012

 India-Canada finalised a Mechanism for Shipping of Canadian Uranium to India

 UK Lifted Travel Advisory on Jammu and Kashmir

 Barack Obama won the U.S. Presidential Elections 2012

8 November 2012

 Noor Inayat Khan’s Bust to be Unveiled at London by Princess Anne

 India, Britain decided to enhance Cooperation in Cyber Security

 Nepal Elected as a Board Member of the ECOSOC

9 November 2012

 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director David Petraeus Resigned

10 November 2012

 The Review Meeting of the E-9 Countries concluded in New Delhi

11 November 2012

 IEA: US would become world’s largest oil producer by 2017

12 November 2012

 India and Afghanistan Signed Four Cooperation Pacts

13 November 2012

 France recognized the New Syrian Opposition Coalition

16 November 2012

 Japan’s Lower House of Parliament the House of Representatives, dissolved

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 India and Japan Signed Earths Pact on Rare Earth Minerals

 RBI and the State Bank of Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding

 India and Japan Signed Two Agreements in Tokyo

17 November 2012

 US Lifted the Ban Imposed on Imports from Myanmar, before President Obama’s Visit to
the Nati

 Death of Savita Halappanavar Ignited Strong Reactions for Change in Irish Abortion Law

18 November 2012

 Bangladesh Opted out of D-8 Summit Scheduled to be Held in Pakistan

 China State Broadcaster Auctioned Prime Time Slot at a Record Price

19 November 2012

 India Added 22 New Items to promote Indo-Myanmar Border Trade

 The Seventh East Asia Summit concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 Twenty first ASEAN Summit concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 Tenth ASEAN-India Summit Concluded at Peace Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

20 November 2012

 India Voted Against UN General Assembly’s Resolution to Ban Death Penalties

 The 8th Meeting of the India-UK JWG on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi

26 November 2012

 The 2nd India-China Strategic economic Dialogue held in New Delhi

 India and Sweden Signed Social Security Agreement in New Delhi

27 November 2012

 US Military’s Ban on Women in most Combat Positions Challenged

 UN (United Nations) Panel passed N Korea Resolution by Consensus

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ECONOMY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ANNOUNCED MSP FOR COTTON
The Union Government on 2 November 2012 announced a revised Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for cotton and this would help in inducing
stabilisation in cotton price. Cotton has witnessed a sharp
decline in the past and remained operational round about
its minimum support price. After the review meet
conducted on 2 October 2012, by the Union Textiles
Minister, Anand Sharma the revisions were done. The
decided minimum support price of medium staple cotton
has gone up to 3600 rupees per quintal from initial rate of
2800 rupees. Similarly, the MSP for long staple cotton has
gone up to 3900 per quintal from 3300 rupees. This rate is fixed for the fiscal year 2012-13. To
Read More

GAIL AND RSPCL SIGNED AN AGREEMENT OF JOINT VENTURE
The GAIL Gas Limited and the Rajasthan State Petroleum Corporation Limited (RSPCL) signed an
agreement of Joint Venture on 5 November 2012 to lay down the natural gas supply pipeline in
the state. Both the bodies will together formulate a long-term plan on commercial, domestic as
well as industrial consumption of the gas. The agreement was signed by GAIL Gas Limited Chief
Executive Officer J. Vasan and Ajitabh Sharma Managing Director of RSPCL in presence of C.K.
Mathew, State Chief Secretary. The joint venture would help in supply of pollution free LPG,
CNG and LNG to consumers of different categories and would also be responsible for
development of the CNG stations on the road sides of the state and national highways. The
project would also supply the gas required by the industrial units that is coming up on the
Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. The transport, supply and distribution of gas would be carried
after getting approvals from the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board.

GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO DIGITIZE CABLE TV NETWORK
The Union Government of India on 6 November 2012 decided to digitise Cable TV network in
thirty eight cities, spread over 15 States, by 31 March 2013 in the second phase of digitisation.
Earlier, the digitization was completed in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata on the 31 October 2012,
while in Chennai the deadline was extended till the 9 November 2012 by the Madras High
Court.

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ROLLED OUT NELSON MANDELA NOTES
The South African Reserve Bank on 6 November 2012 rolled out new bank notes bearing the
face of the country’s first black President Nelson Mandela marking it as a tribute to him. The

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Note issued by the South African Reserve Bank, displayed the 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon’s
smiling face. Also, the earlier images of one of the five big animals featured on the old bank
notes – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant – will be retained on the reverse of the note.
Nelson Mandela is currently living out his retirement in his childhood rural village of Qunu in
the Eastern Cape Province. Nelson Mandela held office between 1994 and 1999 and he is the
first black face to appear on South African money.

CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY APPROVED NEW TRAFFIC RIGHTS
The Civil Aviation Ministry in the first week of November 2012 approved new traffic rights to
Indian carriers for the next three seasons to expand international air travel out of the country.
The new cities include Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Sydney, Melbourne, Nairobi, Al Najaf in Iraq,
Moscow, Zurich, Macau, Tashkent and Ho Chi Minh City. Air India and its subsidiary Air India
Express got their number of weekly flights enhanced. To Read More

RETAIL INFLATION IN INDIA ROSE TO 9.75 PERCENT IN OCTOBER 2012
The Data on Retail Inflation was released by the Government of India on 11 November 2012.
The retail inflation in India rose to 9.75 percent in the month of October 2012 after being
measured on the scale of Consumer Price Index (CPI). The retail inflation was marginal as it
witnessed a rise of 0.02 percent of the noted rise of 9.73 percent in the month of September
2012. The rise in rural India the Consumer Price Inflation rose to 9.98 percent from the 9.79
percent recorded in September 2012. To Read More

UNION CABINET CLEARED PROPOSAL FOR SPECTRUM SHARING
The Union Cabinet of India on 8 November 2012 approved levy of about 31000 crore rupees as
one-time spectrum charge to be implemented on all incumbent telecom operators like Bharati
Airtel, Vodafone, Idea and others. The proposed charges had been implemented to create a
level ground between the old players and the new players of the telecom sector. The Finance
Minister of India P Chidambaram declared that the recommendations of the EGoM
(Empowered Group of Ministers) was cleared and the GSM operators would have to pay for the
airwaves that they hold beyond the 4.4 Mega-Hertz, the price determined at the auction and
the operators holding more than 6.2 mega hertz airwaves would have to pay a retroactive fee
from July 2008 onwards. The CDMA operators would have to pay for the airwaves that they
hold beyond 2.5 Mega-Hertz as per the validity of the permits offered to them.

INCOME CEILING FOR L IG RAISED BY UNION GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
The Union Government of India on 15 November 2012 decided to raise cap on the annual
income which is required for qualification for the benefits under the present housing schemes
for the Low Income Groups (LIG) as well as Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This step on
the part of the government will provide benefit to 20 lakh people. The Ministry for Housing and

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Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) raised the income criterion for EWS housings from 60000
Rupees per year initially to 1 lakh Rupees now. To Read More

OMAN BANNED IMPORT OF EGGS AND CHICKEN FROM INDIA
The Sultanate of Oman on 10 November 2012 issued an official decree banning the import of
eggs and chicken from India. Oman that is the biggest egg
export market of India issued the ban following the
recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal
Health about the outbreak of bird-flu was confirmed by
the Government run Turkey Farm at Hesaraghatta,
Karnataka in the month of October. The Sultanate of
Oman banned import of eggs and chicken from India for
second time in 2012 and this ban is going to affect the
economic conditions of the poultry farmers of India as this
ban would have an impact on a third of poultry export from India. Oman resumed the import of
Poultry Products from India after a ban that lasted for five months in the last week of
September. The previous ban was made in effect of reports of bird flu witnessed in Bihar.

PETROL PRICE IN INDIA SLASHED BY 95 PAISE
Petrol Prices in Indian market on 15 November 2012
was slashed by 95 paise per litre. The decision came
up as a result of the fall in oil prices in the
International Market. The Indian market witnessed a
second slash in the rates of petrol since 9 October
2012, in October there was a cut of 56 paise per liter
in the price of petrol. This slash in the petrol prices
would bring down the prices of petrol in different
states of the country and would vary from state to
state due to the difference in the state and local taxes of different states. To Read More

RBI ASKED BANKS NOT TO PROVIDE LOANS FOR PURCHASE OF GOLD
The Reserve Bank of India, in its notification
released on 19 November 2012 directed banks not
to provide loans to its customers for purchase of
all types of gold, which includes primary gold,
jewellery, bullion, gold coins, units of Gold
Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) and units of gold
mutual funds. The order was directed for
discouraging people from getting involved in
speculative activities. The notification from the
Reserve Bank of India also directed the banks not

Page 40

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