Eleventh Meeting of India-Canada JWG on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi
The 11th meeting of the India-Canada Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 29 November 2012. The meeting took place within the framework of the enhanced interaction in bilateral relations between India and Canada, and in keeping with the desire of the governments of India and Canada towards greater cooperation in counter terrorism matters. India and Canada shared their respective threat assessments and informed each other of the measures taken by them to strengthen counter terrorism policy and structure. Both nations also discussed the follow-up of the Mumbai terror attack of 26 November 2008. India and Canada also exchanged views on international developments, coordination in international fora and their bilateral cooperation in the area.The next and the 12th meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in Canada in 2013 on mutually convenient dates. The meeting was co-chaired by Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Special Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Artur Wilczynski, Director General for International Relations, Canada.
Air India won Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament against Bharat Petroleum
Air India emerged champion against Bharat Petroleum in the 23rd Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium on 4 December 2012.This was second title of this season for Air India. Air India had already shared the MCC-Murugappa Cup with Indian Oil. Air India had an edge over Bharat Petroleum because the team was full of expereinced players. Besides, there was also an advantage because Bharat Petroleum did not give its 100 percent which was evident when it wasted a lot of opportunities. For Bharat Petroleum this was another runner-up in the second event consecutively. Air India, in the meanwhile, won the cheque worth 2 lakh Rupees along with the title of the tournament. Amir Khan, the Bharat petroleum striker was decided as the Best Player of the Tournament. V.S. Vinaya of Air India team, on the other hand won the title of Top Scorer of the Event with six goals.
Global Terrorism Index Revealed India Ranked Among Top Five Terror-Hit Nations
New index called Global Terrorism Index (GTI) prepared by Australian think tank revealed on 4 December 2012 that India, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the most terrorism-hit nations in 2011.GTI was released by Australia-based Institute for Economics & Peace and it ranked various countries based on the data collected from Global Terrorism Database, which in turn is operated by a group at University of Maryland. GTI revealed that India, Afghanistan and Pakistan accounted for 11 percent, 10 percent and 12 percent of global terrorist events respectively from time period 2002 to 2009. The figures revealed that there were 529 terrorist incidents in 2011 and they had tolled lives of 402 people, injuring 687 people. The numbers were higher in 2006 to 2010 time period when the number of casulties averaged greater than 600 people per year, rising to 735 people in 2009 and 772 in 2010. In the year 2011, India, Pakistan, Russia as well as Middle East were most affected by terrorism. Out of 159 countries that were surveyed, India ranked number 4. Iraq was at the first position followed by Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Yemen respectively.The GTI showed that terrorism in the world started escalating after an increase in Iraq war. Consequently, it was followed by increasing terrorism in Afghanistan and later in Pakistan after 18 months. The index also revealed that merely 31 countries out of surveyed 159 did not expereince a single terrorist attack since 2001.
Voyager 1, the NASA Spacecraft Drifted Into Unknown Region of the Space
The Voyager 1 spacecraft sailed into the new area of solar system which scientists were not aware about. Both Voyager 1 as well as Voyager 2 have been continuously moving away from the Sun into the interstellar space, also known as the space between the stars. During the summers, Voyager 1 entered into the space where effects are felt from the outside. Scientists at NASA jet propulsion laboratory who manage the Voyager 1 spacecraft believed that this might be the last layer between earth and interstellar space. The location of this spacecraft was presented at American Geophysical Union in San Francisco. Voyager 1 would eventually become the first manmade object that would exit the solar system. When Voyager 1 would exactly exit our solar system is still unknown, to a certain extent since there is no pattern. Scientists estimated that Voyager 1 would have around two to three years of traveling before it reaches the boundary which separates solar system from other space. In the meanwhile, scientists were very surprised to see the unexpected region in boundaries of the solar system. During 2011, team at NASA had been observing alluring clues which signal towards new environment of the space. High-energy cosmic rays were streaming in from beyond the solar system. Also, the amount of low-energy particles which originate from within our solar system dropped down briefly. The scientists were however sure that Voyager 1 did not break through because there were no changes in direction of magnetic field lines. Scientists are calling this newly discovered zone as the type of magnetic highway. These spacecrafts called the Voyagers were launched in the space around 35 years ago to take a tour on other planets. Even though Voyager 2, which is at present 9 billion miles away from sun, was first launched but Voyager 1 is closer in leaving the solar system at the back.
The 11th meeting of the India-Canada Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 29 November 2012. The meeting took place within the framework of the enhanced interaction in bilateral relations between India and Canada, and in keeping with the desire of the governments of India and Canada towards greater cooperation in counter terrorism matters. India and Canada shared their respective threat assessments and informed each other of the measures taken by them to strengthen counter terrorism policy and structure. Both nations also discussed the follow-up of the Mumbai terror attack of 26 November 2008. India and Canada also exchanged views on international developments, coordination in international fora and their bilateral cooperation in the area.The next and the 12th meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in Canada in 2013 on mutually convenient dates. The meeting was co-chaired by Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Special Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Artur Wilczynski, Director General for International Relations, Canada.
Air India won Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament against Bharat Petroleum
Air India emerged champion against Bharat Petroleum in the 23rd Lal Bahadur Shastri hockey tournament at the Shivaji Stadium on 4 December 2012.This was second title of this season for Air India. Air India had already shared the MCC-Murugappa Cup with Indian Oil. Air India had an edge over Bharat Petroleum because the team was full of expereinced players. Besides, there was also an advantage because Bharat Petroleum did not give its 100 percent which was evident when it wasted a lot of opportunities. For Bharat Petroleum this was another runner-up in the second event consecutively. Air India, in the meanwhile, won the cheque worth 2 lakh Rupees along with the title of the tournament. Amir Khan, the Bharat petroleum striker was decided as the Best Player of the Tournament. V.S. Vinaya of Air India team, on the other hand won the title of Top Scorer of the Event with six goals.
Global Terrorism Index Revealed India Ranked Among Top Five Terror-Hit Nations
New index called Global Terrorism Index (GTI) prepared by Australian think tank revealed on 4 December 2012 that India, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the most terrorism-hit nations in 2011.GTI was released by Australia-based Institute for Economics & Peace and it ranked various countries based on the data collected from Global Terrorism Database, which in turn is operated by a group at University of Maryland. GTI revealed that India, Afghanistan and Pakistan accounted for 11 percent, 10 percent and 12 percent of global terrorist events respectively from time period 2002 to 2009. The figures revealed that there were 529 terrorist incidents in 2011 and they had tolled lives of 402 people, injuring 687 people. The numbers were higher in 2006 to 2010 time period when the number of casulties averaged greater than 600 people per year, rising to 735 people in 2009 and 772 in 2010. In the year 2011, India, Pakistan, Russia as well as Middle East were most affected by terrorism. Out of 159 countries that were surveyed, India ranked number 4. Iraq was at the first position followed by Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Yemen respectively.The GTI showed that terrorism in the world started escalating after an increase in Iraq war. Consequently, it was followed by increasing terrorism in Afghanistan and later in Pakistan after 18 months. The index also revealed that merely 31 countries out of surveyed 159 did not expereince a single terrorist attack since 2001.
Voyager 1, the NASA Spacecraft Drifted Into Unknown Region of the Space
The Voyager 1 spacecraft sailed into the new area of solar system which scientists were not aware about. Both Voyager 1 as well as Voyager 2 have been continuously moving away from the Sun into the interstellar space, also known as the space between the stars. During the summers, Voyager 1 entered into the space where effects are felt from the outside. Scientists at NASA jet propulsion laboratory who manage the Voyager 1 spacecraft believed that this might be the last layer between earth and interstellar space. The location of this spacecraft was presented at American Geophysical Union in San Francisco. Voyager 1 would eventually become the first manmade object that would exit the solar system. When Voyager 1 would exactly exit our solar system is still unknown, to a certain extent since there is no pattern. Scientists estimated that Voyager 1 would have around two to three years of traveling before it reaches the boundary which separates solar system from other space. In the meanwhile, scientists were very surprised to see the unexpected region in boundaries of the solar system. During 2011, team at NASA had been observing alluring clues which signal towards new environment of the space. High-energy cosmic rays were streaming in from beyond the solar system. Also, the amount of low-energy particles which originate from within our solar system dropped down briefly. The scientists were however sure that Voyager 1 did not break through because there were no changes in direction of magnetic field lines. Scientists are calling this newly discovered zone as the type of magnetic highway. These spacecrafts called the Voyagers were launched in the space around 35 years ago to take a tour on other planets. Even though Voyager 2, which is at present 9 billion miles away from sun, was first launched but Voyager 1 is closer in leaving the solar system at the back.
Uttar Pradesh Government decided to issue Golden Cards to Industrialists
The Uttar Pradesh government on 4 December 2012 decided to issue Golden Cards to industrialists and industrial associations for easy access to its offices. The Golden Card facility is part of the larger effort of creating an industry-friendly environment in Uttar Pradesh.A Golden Card will be like an identity (ID) card with the holder's photo. It will allow entry of industrialists to the state secretariat and government departments on priority basis without hurdles. The right to visit card will be treated at par with ID cards issued by the secretariat.The outstanding fact is that, the cardholder's issues too will be taken up on priority basis and is going to be resolved in time-bound manner. The Golden card facility is supposed to be available to state presidents and general secretaries of national-level industrial associations such as the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Indian Industries Association (IIA), Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The cards will also be issued to national presidents of these associations on demand.Reputed investors, who propose to invest more 200 crore rupees in Uttar Pradesh, will also be issued the cards. Promoters of such projects or their nominated representative will be able to avail this facility.
Google India Partnered With E-Commerce Sites to Bring Cyber Monday to India
In order to develop the concept of online shopping in India, Google India decided on 4 December 2012 to partner with leading e-commerce websites to introduce the concept of Cyber Monday in the country. Titled as the Great Online Shopping Festival, it is slated for 12 December 2012. Some of the e-commerce websites that would partner with Google India include Snapdeal, Flipkart, Homeshop 18 as well as Makemytrip.India has more than 137 million Internet users. Significant growth is being observed in online activity. It is the first time that there will be an industry-wide program of such a scale. It would enable the entire country to benefit from the unbeatable deals which would be offered on the Internet. It is expected that The Great Online Shopping Festival would have participants from more than 50 partners which include e-commerce, classified as well as local, online traveling sites as well as banking, financial services and insurance companies. All such companies will offer some of the best deals to Indian customers for 24 hours. This is an initiative for encouraging the shoppers to go for online shopping. The primary focus of the festival is reaching out to the first-time buyers. The festival would allow people to shop for travel packages, jewellery, kids wear, gadgets, books, computer accessories, home decoration products, watches and also on real estate deals.
Google India declared that the industry of online shopping is already more than 1.5 billion US dollar and this initiative would help in further promotion of the online shopping.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is actually the marketing term for Monday after the Black Friday. Cyber Monday was the term which was created by certain marketing companies in order to attract people towards the concept of online shopping. The term was first debuted on 28 November 2005. In the year 2010, it was declared by comScore that the consumers spent a total of 1.028 billion US dollar on this Cyber Monday.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed Currency Swap Agreement with Bank of Japan
The Reserve Bank of India on 4 December 2012 signed a three year Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) with the Bank of Japan for swapping of the local currencies to address short-term liquidity problems. The BSA will be effective from 5 December 2012.The main idea behind the arrangement is to address short-term liquidity difficulties and supplement the existing international financial arrangements, as one of the efforts in strengthening mutual cooperation between Japan and India.The Bilateral Swap Agreement (BSA) is going to enable both the countries to swap their local currencies either Japanese yen or Indian rupee against US dollar for an amount up to 15 billion dollars.Earlier for a period of three years from June 2008 to June 2011 both the countries signed a similar agreement for an amount of 3 billion dollar.The enhancement of the BSA is going to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between the two countries and accordingly to financial market stability. The BSA is activated when an IMF-support programme already exists or is expected to be established in the near future.
IOC suspended IOA; India facing ban from Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the India Olympic Association (IOA) on 4 December 2012 and eventually this might also lead to IOA ban from Olympic movement.
IOA ban from Olympic would result in consequences such as:
• No funding from IOC
• No officials from India would be invited by IOC to any events such as Paralympics and Olympics
• No India athlete would be allowed competing under India’s flag; but could be permitted competing under IOC flag
• Commonwealth Games Federation as well as The Olympic Council of Asia might also go with the trend which would lead to similar sanctions in case of Commonwealth Games as well as the Asian games
IOC suspended IOA because India was following the Sports Code of government in the IOA elections, which is against the Olympic Charter. IOC declared that following of Sports Code of government is actually the interference of the government in the Olympic Movement.Suspension of IOA from Olympics came just before the Election Day. IOA officials declared that the elections would go as planned and scheduled. IOA has been holding the elections on direction by the Delhi high court which had asked this body to conduct its polls as per the Sports Code and its own constitution.IOA decided this after it put down the bid of IOA to send the 2-member delegation for explaining its scenario. It was already evident that the suspension was in the line because of the development in run-up to these elections. After sending various letters to IOA, asking it to follow the Olympic Charter, IOC warned for the first time regarding suspension on 23 November 2012. Then it gave the second warning of suspension to IOA on 28 November 2012. It is worth noticing that the decision of IOC was welcomed by several former as well as current sportspersons. They believed that suspension was an opportunity of cleaning the hassles in IOA.
Nokia Agreed Selling Headquarter Building for 222 Million US Dollar
Nokia, one of the giant mobile makers agreed to sell the head quarter building in Espoo, Finland for 222 million US dollar or 170 million Euros on 4 December 2012. The headquarter building is to be bought by Exilion, the Finnish real estate company. Nokia would be leasing it back on the long-term basis. Nokia is continuously trying improvisation of its finances through certain measures such as job-cuts and it declared that it planned exiting certain other non-core assets as well. In the last week of November 2012, Nokia had filed a suit against Research In Motion (RIM), the BlackBerry maker. RIM was sued for breaching the contract in Britain, Canada and Britain over the cellular patents over which Nokia and RIM had agreed nine years ago. Nokia declared that it had agreed with RIM back in the year 2003 over cross-license for standards-essential cellular patents which was amended again in 2008.Since then, RIM claimed that the license should also have included the patents for the non-essential parts. It then filed the settlement proceedings in March 2011 with the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce.Nokia, on the other hand, declared that the fillings were made in the last week of November 2012 to enforce the ruling of tribunal according to which, the Canadian company has no right for manufacturing or selling the products which are compatible with WLAN Standard in case it does not agree with Nokia on royalty which needs to be paid.
Iran Claimed Capturing US Drone; US Rejected the Claim
On 4 December 2012, Iran claimed that it had captured the small US drone which had entered its airspace on the Gulf waters. Nevertheless, American navy in that region denied this claim on the grounds that none of its unmanned spy planes went missing.The naval arm of Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that the unmanned US drone which was patrolling over the Persian Gulf waters and gathered intel was captured immediately when it entered the airspace of Iran. However it was not made clear how this drone was captured or when it was captured.
The Guards' naval force guarding the Iranian assets in the Gulf described the drone as well. It was described as Boeing-made ScanEagle, short-range, propeller-driven inspection vehicle that had a 3-metre wingspan. Such kind of a drone is launched from the ships and can fly till 100 km. On 4 December 2011, Iran had claimed that it captured a bigger and more sophisticated CIA secrecy drone which was bat-winged. Tehran had rejected the plea from US to return back this drone and cleared that the drone would be re-engineered so that it became that of Iran’s.Contrarily, the US Fifth Fleet made it clear that none of the drones of the fleet were missing or lost in the recent months.
Alarming Cushion Designed by Researchers to Warn You Against Sedentary Lifestyle
Australian researchers at the University of Queensland's human movement studies developed the alarming cushion, a unique device that enables you to get warning against the sedentary lifestyle. This cushion provides you with the warning signals against the risks which are being posed by the inactive lifestyle. The device reminds people or those workers especially who spend several hours at their desks and seldom stand up. The study conducted found out that sitting for several hours amounted to health issues such as obesity, shoulder, neck and back injuries, diabetes as well as obesity. Also, sitting for several hours continuously led to reduced life expectancy, even in case of those people who are considered physically fit and active. The alarming cushion device actually records the sitting time of the employees and the time when they get up. This is done by making use of the medical grade pressure sensor as well as custom-built micro-controller.There is a mechanism built within the sensor and it is being set in order to sound the alarm in case the person remains seated continuously for a longer duration or predetermined time period. The alarm thereafter stops when person gets up. Again the alarm would be reactivated in case a person sits down just in certain seconds.Researchers who have used the device explored that employees spent more than two-third of their time period sitting at their desks. Improvement of the health of employees could be achieved through measurement of workplace behaviour, the researchers found out.
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