GOOD LUCK TO STUDENTS FOR 7th and 8th December sessions

GOOD LUCK
                                                     
                                             NEW ADDITIONS
                          

• FM releases commemorative(in memory of ) coin of Rs. 20 and circulation coin of Rs. 5 in memory of  Maulana Abdul kalam azad ‘s 125^th anniversary .
• Coins in circulation 50 paise to 10 Rs.
• Notes in circulation Rs. 1 to 1000
• Notes currently issued by RBI  Rs. 5 to 1000
• Sushma singh to replace Deepak sandhu as Chief information commissioner. Deepak sandhu being the first , sushama singh would be second women commissioner.
• Snehlata shrivastava , appointed Chairman of NABARD. Took over from Prakash Bakshi.
• BCSBI Banking Codes and standard board of India , prescribes code of conduct of banks to customers . Soon it will give ranks to different banks on the basis of compliance of BCSBI norms.
• Nelson Mandela , noble peach price winner,  south African president , died .
• Next world cup football in 2014 in Brazil
•                                                     SOME QUICKERS FROM JAN-JUNE 13
• On January 23, 2013, the three-member Commission, headed by former Chief Justice of India, Justice J.S. Verma and comprising a former High Court Chief Justice Leila Seth and jurist Gopal Subramanium assigned to review laws for sexual crimes, submitted its report to the government.
• On January 28, 2013, India and Bangladesh signed a liberalised visa agreement and a landmark extradition treaty
• On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary, on January 12, 2013, the Salt Lake Sports Stadium, Kolkata, was renamed Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kriyangan.
• National Girl Child Day is observed on January 24.
  
  National Voters Day is observed on January 25.
• “Witness to Blunder” is a book written by Pakistani Army Colonel (retd) Ashfaq Hussain.
• Indian economy likely to grow at 6.1-6.7% in FY14. as per economic survey presented in parliament on 27^th Feb.
• India’s per capita income, a gauge for measuring living standard, is estimated to have gone up 11.7 per cent to be Rs. 68,747 (Rs 5728 per month), as compared to Rs. 61,564 during 2011-12, as per the Advance Estimate of National Income.
• Pandit Ravi Shankar received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award,
• One Billion Rising’ was a campaign held on February 14, 2013, to protest violence against women.
• The Test of My Life”, co-authored by Nishant Arora and Sharda Ugra, is an account of cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s battle with cancer and his return to international cricket.
• The fifth Summit of the BRICS (Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa) countries was held in eThekwini, the South African name for Durban, on March 26, 2013.
• Chitra Ramkrishna has taken over as managing director and CEO of National Stock Exchange (NSE), joining the select group of women leaders at the helm of affairs of leading stock exchanges of the world.
• World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. The theme for 2013 is “High Blood Pressure”.
• World Bank would lend between $3 billion to $5 billion annually to India under a new four-year plan that focuses development projects on the country’s poorest States.
• The Supreme Court has allowed translocation of some Asiatic lions from Gir National Park and Sanctuary and surrounding areas to Palpur Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, saying the species is under threat of extinction and needs a second home.
• Earth Day is celebrated on 22 April. The first Earth Day was celebrated on in 1970. The United Nations, in 2009, had officially designated 22 April as the international Earth Day. The day is celebrated annually to highlight green issues, with events organised across the world to extend support for environmental protection.
• On 23 April 2013, Chris Gayle shattered the record for the fastest 100 in the IPL and the fastest 100 in T20 history . in just 30 balls, having smashed 11 sixes.
• Raja Harishchandra, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, was India’s first silent and full-length feature film. It was released on May 3, 1913.
• World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31.
• PRISM is an electronic surveillance program classified as top secret that has been run by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) since 2007.
• Tianhe-2, a China-based supercomputer, has leapfrogged rivals to be named the world's most powerful system.
• Tata Communications Payment Solutions has launched India’s first ever network of white label ATMs called “Indicash”. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Communications, set up the first ATM at Chandrapada in Thane district of Maharashtra. White label ATMs are those ATMs that are operated by non-banking entities.

Banking cocept series - I

                                                                 BANKING CONCEPTS   series -1

• Banks in India   SBI and its 5 associates  (6) Nationalised banks (19) Other Public sector banks like IDBI and Bhartiya Mahila bank (2) Private sector banks (20) Foreign banks (43)  These constitute  All Scheduled commercial banks (6+19+2+20+43=90) . Then there are, scheduled RRBs (61) and  Scheduled  cooperative banks (51).  All other cooperative banks (around 1500) are Unscheduled or Non scheduled banks.
• A scheduled Banks in India constitute those banks which have been included in the Second Schedule of Reserve Bank of India(RBI) Act, 1934. RBI in turn includes only those banks in this schedule which satisfy the criteria laid down vide section 42 (6) (a) of the Act. The banks included in this schedule list should fulfil two conditions. 1. The paid capital and collected funds of bank shouldnot be less than Rs. 5 lac. 2.Any activity of the bank will not adversely affect the interests of depositors. Every Scheduled bank enjoys the following facilitiess. 1. Such bank becomes eligible for debts/loans on bank rate from the RBI 2. Such bank automatically acquire the membership of clearing house.
• Development financial institutions are those which are created for technical and financial support of a particular sector of economy like agriculture, small industries, housing, etc. Such institutions are SIDBI, IDBI, EXIM bank , NABARD,NHB.
• DICGC and ECGC Deposit insurance and credit guarantee corporation and Export credit guarantee corporation are created by RBI to provide insurance to deposits , loans and exim finances of banks. Fees or insurance charges are borne by banks.
• DICGC guarantees to return maximum up to Rs. 100000/- one lac per depositor , in case of banks failure.
• Foreign investments (both FII+FDI) limit for public sector bank is 20% and 74% for Private sector banks.

Banked Centre is a centre, which has at least one branch or office of commercial or co-operative bank. Unbanked Centre is a centre in which no branch of any commercial/ co-operative bank is functioning.

For free branching policy criterion of tier wise and population group wise centres is given below.

Details of tier-wise classification of centres based on population

i) Classification of centres (tier-wise) Population (as per 2001 Census)

Tier 1 - 1,00,000 and above

Tier 2 - 50,000 to 99,999

Tier 3 - 20,000 to 49,999

Tier 4 - 10,000 to 19,999

Tier 5 - 5,000 to 9,999

Tier 6 - Less than 5000

ii) Population-group wise classification of centres

Rural Centre - Population upto 9,999

Semi-urban centre - 10,000 to 99,999

Urban centre - 1,00,000 to 9,99,999

Metropolitan centre - 10,00,000 and above

Current RBI rates  effective from 29/10/2013 second quarter review of monetary policy.

·        POLICY RATES - REPO  7.75   REVERSE REPO 6.75  MSF AND BANK RATE 8.75

·        RESERVE RATIOS – SLR 23% CRR 4%

·        Treasury bills are govt. securities issued for less than a year up to 364 days and treated as money market insruments. Other instruments of money market are call/notice money, certificate of deposits, commercial papers , repo , term repo (recently introduced by RBI for 7 and 14 days term) , commercial bills.

·        Money market instruments give businesses, financial institutions and governments a means to finance their short-term cash requirements.

·        Govt. securities are sold and purchased throuth Open market operations to control liquidity.

·         Participants in call/notice money market currently include scheduled commercial banks (excluding RRBs), co-operative banks (other than Land Development Banks) and Primary Dealers (PDs), both as borrowers and lenders.

·         But Money market as whole comprises all financial institutions , government, banks, RBI and large business houses.

·         CDs Certificate of deposits issued by banks whereas Commercial papers are issued by private business houses / companies.

·         CDs can be issued by all scheduled commercial banks(excluding RRBs and local area banks) and any other Financial institution authorized by RBI. Minimum issue 1 lac or multiple no maximum limit. Maturity 7 days to 1 year.

·         Commercial papers are unsecured money market instruments, issued by corporates, Financial institution ,primary dealers. May be issued 5 lacs or its multiple , period same to CDs.

RBI regulates     

• Banks , foreign exchange transactions, NBFCs Non banking financial companies, chit fund companies .Primary dealers in Govt. securities,, money market

RBI Functions

• Monetary control , monetary and credit policy making , interest rate signaling.
• Supervision of banking system,
• Sole authority for note issue. Minimum reserve system 200 crore out of which 115 crore should be Gold security. Coins issued by Govt. of India Finance ministry.
• Management of Govt. debts, bonds,t-bills etc. through open market operation.
• Banker to the Govt.
• Banker’s bank
• Lender of last resort to banks.
• Payment and settlement system ( Since formed NPCI National payment corporation of India).
• Development and research in banking and credit development.
• Creation and supervision of development financial institutions.

Regulator of credit rating agencies -  SEBI

·        Indian credit rating agencies- CRISIL, ICRA,CARE, Fitch India pvt.ltd.

·        International credit rating agencies- Standard and Poor’s Moody’s, Fitch

Regulator of Credit information bureaus- RBI through The Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005

·        Indian credit information companies---CIBIL( Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd, ), Equifax Credit Information Services Pvt. Ltd, Experian Credit Information Co. of India Pvt. Ltd, and Highmark CreditInformation Services Pvt. Ltd.

Banking Ombudsman

·        The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is introduced under Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 by RBI with effect from 1995.

·        The Banking Ombudsman is a senior official appointed by the Reserve Bank of India to redress customer complaints against deficiency in certain banking services.As on date, fifteen Banking Ombudsmen have been appointed with their offices located mostly in state capitals.

·        Complainant has to first submit his complaint to the concerned bank , if he doesn’t get a reply or not satisfied with reply , he can go to ombudsman.

·        Banking ombudsman have the powers to award financial punishments up to 10 lacs.

·        If not satisfied with ombudsman’s decision, one can appeal to CGM Reserve bank of India or file an appeal in court.

No frills accounts with zero balance is replaced with BSBDA by RBI

Purpose of such account is to facilitate financial inclusion.

·        BSBDA , Basic savings bank deposit accounts , free services ATM Cards, maximum four withdrawals in a month(all types cash,atm, electronic means) , credits through electronic and cheques and cash, no initial balance requirement,  No concession in KYC norms .

• BSBDA – Small account.  Simiplified  KYC self attested photograph , no ID proof required, maximum balance Rs.50,000/- withdrawal not more than 10,000 per month, total deposits 100,000 Rs. In a year. Foreign credit not allowed, account valid for 12 months thereafter KYC ID proof and address proof required. The validity can be extended for further 12 months.

Base rate and Bank rate

• Base rate is the minimum lending rate declared by individual banks, below which they can not finance .
• Base rate is replacement for BPLR OR PLR Benchmark Prime lending rate . Old loan accounts will be continued on BPLR until they are closed/renewed or shifted to base rate with due consent of borrower.
• Bank rate is bill discounting rate charged by RBI from banks it is normally one percent above repo rate. . currently it is 8.75.

Kisan credit card

• Kisan credit card is a single point credit facility card issued to Farmers , covering  crop loan and allied activites requirements for a year. Limit is fixed on the basis of operational land holding, cropping pattern and scale of finance. Farmer can withdraw at his convenience  to purchase agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, etc. and also draw cash for their production needs. One time assessment and documentation. Validity 3-5 years. Every withdrawal of money should be repaid within 12 months.
• Electronic kisan credit cards have now been introduced , which will replace passbook format in due course.

IFSC

• Indian Finacial system code is 11 digit unique code allotted to each branch of the bank. This facilitates inter bank fund transfer like RTGS, NEFT , ECS etc. It is to be compulsorily mentioned on the cheque book.

RTGS

• Real Time Gross Settlement-  a real time , fast  inter bank fund transfer scheme. Amount 200000/- two lacs and above can be sent from one bank’s branch to other bank’s branch. Fund settlement between banks is on gross basis means settlement is done for every transaction instantly. Possible only in banks working hours.
•  Charges ---Outward transactions – ` 2 lakh to ` 5 lakh - not exceeding ` 30 per transaction;
  Above ` 5 lakh – not exceeding ` 55 per transaction., inward free

NEFT

• National electronic fund transfer – Another interbank fund transfer scheme where transactions are settled in batches. Presently, NEFT operates in hourly batches - there are twelve settlements from 8 am to 7 pm on week days (Monday through Friday) and six settlements from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. No minimum or maximum amount limit for NEFT remittance.

charges applicable for the remitter
-  For transactions up to Rs  10,000 : not exceeding Rs 2.50 (+ Service Tax)
- For transactions above Rs 10,000 up to Rs  1 lakh: not exceeding Rs 5 (+ Service Tax)
-  For transactions above Rs 1 lakh and up to Rs 2 lakhs: not exceeding Rs 15 (+ Service Tax)
-  For transactions above Rs 2 lakhs: not exceeding Rs 25 (+ Service Tax)

• Remitter don’t need to have account with the bank but receiver should have a bank account. Remitter can deposit cash  up to 50000 /- for sending through NEFT.

Cheque truncation scheme CTS-2010

• Cheque truncation means stopping the flow of physical cheque at the branch where customer has deposited the cheque and sending a electronic scanned image of the cheque to payment branch. Clearance of the cheque will be fast and movement of cheque will not be required.
• CTS standards for new cheques - certain benchmarks towards achieving standardisation of cheques issued by banks across the country have been prescribed like – quality of paper, watermark, bank’s logo in invisible ink, void pantograph, etc., and standardisation of field placements on cheques.
• Void pantograph is a blank strip which on scanning will display a  word “void” on it,  as a security feature.
• Country has been divided in three grids – south, west and north (including NE) for implementation.
• Under the new CTS system,  alteration , corrections on the cheques will not be allowed even if issuer of the cheque confirms it under his signature.  

 

The CASA (current and savings account) ratio is the ratio of deposits in the current and savings accounts of a bank to its total deposits.

·        A high CASA ratio indicates that a higher portion of the banks deposits come from current and savings accounts. This means that the bank is getting money at low cost, since no interest is paid on the current accounts and the interest paid on savings account is usually low.

NDTL , Net demand and time liabilities –

·        For banks it represents deposits from public. CASA current and savings accounts are demand deposit or demand liablilities and term deposits are time liabilities.

·        SLR and CRR percentage are calculated of this NDTL figure.

Priority sector :

• Reserve Bank of India in August 2011 set up a Committee to re-examine the existing classification and suggest revised guidelines with regard to Priority Sector lending classification and related issues (Chairman: M V Nair). The revised guidelines are operational with effect from July 20, 2012.

 Categories under priority sector

(i) Agriculture and allied activities like dairy, poultry, Fisheries , sericulture etc.

(ii) Micro and Small Enterprises . Manufacturing units micro (below 25 lacs) small (25 to less than 5 crores). Service sector enterprises Micro <10 lacs and small 10 to <two crore.

(iii) Education loans up to 10 lacs for studies in india and 20 lacs for studies abroad.

(iv) Housing loans up to 25 lacs in Metro and 15 in other places .

(v) Export Credit provided to agriculture and MSE produce only.

(vi) Others – small loans not > 50000 to weaker section of society, financing to Micro finance institutions for onward lending,  Self Help Groups

• Priority sector finance targets.

           

Sector	Domestic commercial banks and foreign banks >= 20 branches	Foreign banks below 20 branches
Total priority sector	40% of total loans	32% of total loans
Agriculture	18% of total loans (counted as part of 40% as above)	No separate target

Retail Banking  is doing banking business with individual customers and Micro and small enterprises. Retail products are Savings bank, current account, Recurring deposits, term deposits , Home loans to individual, education loand, consumer, personal ,auto loans (vehicle loan,car loan) Agriculture crop loans, credit cards,  safe deposit lockers, selling insurance , mutual funds etc.

Cross selling and Mis-selling :   Cross selling means selling a different product or service to an existing customer.

Misselling is the deliberate, reckless or negligent sale of products or services in circumstances where the contract is either misrepresented, or the product/service is unsuitable for the customer's needs. For example, selling life insurance to someone with no dependents is regarded as misselling. A type of sales practice whereby the sales person misrepresents or misleads an investor with regard to the features of a particular product or service

Dematerialisation  means converting Physical securities in to electronic form for storing , negotiating and transferring it .

ABSA means Application supported by blocked amount. Amount in the current / savings bank account of customer is blocked during share allotment process. If allotted this amount is transferred to the company , if not block is released .

DMAT account. This is the share account opened in the banks where an investor can hold his shares in electronic or dmat form and make regular trading in them.
Nomination facility is provided in most of the financial products like bank deposits, provident fund, mutual fund, insurance proceeds etc. to facilitate payment of such products to nominee , in the event of death of  investor.  Nomination does not require nominee to sign or remain physically present at the time of  nomination process. No Identification proof or KYC for nominee is needed. Nominee can be any person , a close relative or friend. Consent of nominee is not required.

KYC -  These guidelines are issued by RBI under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Rule 7 of Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005.

Banks should frame their KYC policies incorporating the following four key elements:

·        Customer Acceptance Policy;

·        Customer Identification Procedures;

·        Monitoring of Transactions; and

·        Risk Management.

Any fund transfer , remittance of money by draft or other means , of amount 50000/- fifty thousand or above should not  accepted in cash from the customer having account with that bank. In case a walk in customer (not having an account with your bank) wants to send remittance in cash of 50,000/- or more , his identity and residential proof should be verified .

STR and FIU-India – banks are required to submit Suspicious Transaction report  to Financial Intelligence unit –India.

with effect from April 1, 2012, banks should not make payment of cheques/drafts/pay orders/banker’s cheques bearing that date or any subsequent date, if they are presented beyond the period of three months from the date of such instrument.

FAST REVISION : LAST THREE MONTHS GA SUMMARISED.

ONE FEEDBACK AVAILABLE AS COMMENT: OTHER STUDENTS ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO GIVE THEIR FEEDBACK

                              

                                   GOOD LUCK TO ALL STUDENTS

PLEASE GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK (AS COMMENTS TO THIS POST)  AFTER EXAMINATION , SO THAT OTHERS CAN BE BENEFITED OUT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE.

                                                                

• Sachin tendulkar apponted brand ambassador of UNICEF for south asia. United nations children’s fund , originally United nations international children emergency fund.
• Sachin’s profile

Name Sachin Ramesh tendulkar  Born  24^th april 1973, Mumbai , Played from 16 yr to 40 yrs of age.

Test debut (cap 187)
Last Test
ODI debut (cap 74)
Last ODI
ODI shirt no.
Only T20I (cap 11)
Competition	Test		ODI
Matches	200		463
Runs scored	15,921		18,426
Batting average	53.79		44.83
100s/50s	51/68		49/96
Top score	248*		200*
Balls bowled	4,240		8,054
Wickets	46		154
Bowling average	54.17		44.48
5 wickets in innings	0		2
10 wickets in match	0		n/a
Best bowling	3/10		5/32

• In third test match against England in August 2002,Sachin scored his 30th test century to surpass Bradman's record (29 centuries in test matches), in his 99th test match.
• Tendulkar scored his much awaited 100th international hundred on 16 March 2012, at Mirpur against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.^[137] He became the first person in history to achieve this feat.
• He also owns the highest number of Man-of-the-Match (62) and Man-of-the-Series awards (26).
• Scores maiden Test century against England at Old Trafford in 1990.

HONOURS

1997/98: India's highest sporting honour - Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
1999: Padma Shri - India's fourth highest civilian award
2008: Padma Vibhushan - India's second highest civilian award
2010: ICC Cricketer of the year - Highest award in the ICC listings
2010: LG People's Choice Award
2013 :  BHARAT RATNA

• From February to April, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka hosted the 2011 World Cup. Amassing 482 runs at an average of 53.55 including two centuries, Tendulkar was India's lead run-scorer for the tournament; India defeated Sri Lanka in the final.^[124] Shortly after the victory, Tendulkar commented that "Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life. ... I couldn't control my tears of joy.
• Tata sons have withdrawn their application for new bank licenses. Videocon has already withdrawn. Now 24 applicants left.
• BSBDA , Basic savings bank deposit accounts , free services ATM Cards, maximum four withdrawals in a month(all types cash,atm, electronic means) , credits through electronic and cheques and cash, no initial balance requirement,  No concession in KYC norms .

·        BSBDA – Small account.  Simiplified  KYC self attested photograph , no ID proof required, maximum balance Rs.50,000/- withdrawal not more than 10,000 per month, total deposits 100,000 Rs. In a year. Foreign credit not allowed, account valid for 12 months thereafter KYC ID proof and address proof required. The validity can be

·        Dhanush missile successfully tested from a naval ship in bay of Bengal. It is nuclear capable ballistic surface to surface missile and a naval variant of Prithvi missile..

·        RBI asks banks to use adhhar based biometric authentication or EVM chip and pin system to secure card payments. EVM (Euro pay, Master card Visa).

·        Rs. 150/- and Rs.5/- coins to be released in memory of  Shri Motilal Nehru

• Norway’s  Magnus Carlsen is now new world chess champion defeating vishwanathan anand of india.
• National food security scheme gets conflicted with WTO international agreements. Under the WTO agreement on agriculture food subsidy support should not exceed 10% , which is going to be breached when our food security scheme is implemented. India is persuading WTO to have a peace clause for four years so as to avoid penalty on this ground.  WTO nations are going to meet in Bali, Indonesia next month.     

• RBI to introduce concept of TCF “Treat Customers Fairly” for sale of third party products like insurance, mutual funds and capital market products. RBI is receiving complaints of mis-selling by banks. Mis-selling of products means hiding or mis representing some of the features of product, which can affect  the decision of prospective buyer.

• Prithvi Shaw , 15 years old budding cricketer made history and created a record  by making individual score of 546 in an under 16 inter school tournament in Mumbai . The tournament is known by the name of Harris Shield cricket tournament. The earlier record was in the name of arman jaffar (498) in 2010.

• Bhartiya mahila bank inaugurated in Mumbai on the birth anniversary of  Late Mrs Indira Gandhi.  Headquartered at Delhi. First women focused bank , 75% of women in India are not having bank account. The bank was opened with 7 branches and will have 25 branches by the end of this financial year. It will have preference to women staffers but not essentially be a women only bank. It will be a full fledged bank providing all banking and financial services similar to other commercial banks but will offer special banking products for women clientele. It will be a universal bank with a balanced presence in rural, urban and metro centers. Initial capital is 1000 crore.  May open branches abroad . It is a Public sector bank.
• RBI directs Public sector banks to give loans to women self help groups at 7 % . The difference between the base rate and 7 % so offered will be compensated as interest subvention under Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar yojana SGSY by ministry of rural development.

• German formula 1 player Sebastian vettel wins US grand Prix , sets a record of winning 8 consecutive wins in one year , just ahead of schumacker who had won 7 in a year.

• Axis bank to be foreign owned. FIPB Foreign investment promotion board has approved its proposed increase in foreign share holding to 62% resulting in an inflow of  Rs.6200 crore. The proposal will now go to Cabinet committee on Economic affairs as anything above 1200 crore needs its approval.

• India wins second test match (200^th for Sachin) against West Indies by and innings and 126 runs on the third day itself. Last score of sachin is 74 in the first innings of 200^th match.
• Govt. has also responded in the same tone and announced Bharat Ratna title to be conferred on him. He was the first sportsperson to receive this award and at 40 years of age ,also the youngest ever .
• Bharat ratna title was also conferred on  Shri C.N.R. Rao (79) , a world renowned Scientist and present chairman of PM’s Science advisory council. He is an authority on solid state  and materials chemistry and has a significant contribution to India’s space odyssey MOM Mangal.
• Bharat ratna was instituted in 1954 and so far given to 43 persons. Last time it was given four years ago to PT. Bhimsen Joshi in 2008.

• China tops in no. of internet users (300 million) followed by US (207 M) and India just crossed  200 m mark.
• INS Vikramaditya  to be inducted in Indian navy as the latest Aircraft carrier after INS VIRAT, which is 55 years old now.  made by Russia as “ Admiral Gorshkov” is renamed by India as INS Vikramaditya. It can handle 34 aircrafts on board.
•  Usha Anantsubramaniam  appointed as Chairman and CEO  of Bhartiya Mahila bank.
• Aziz premji , Wipro chief and IT tycoon , tops the list of Indian philanthropist (donor for social cause ) with donations worth 8000 crore.

• A 1969 painting by British artist Francis Bacon set a world record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction at $142.4 million . Name of the painting was “Three studies of Lucian freud”.
• The reconstructed world trade centre in NewYork has been recognized as America’s tallest building with 1776 feet height,.
• SBI  second quarter July to Sept 2013 profit down by 35% compared to last year’s same quarter on account of provision for NPA , staff wages hike, pensions etc.
• The rising bad loans (Gross NPA)of banking industry have risen to a peak of 1.83 lakh crore  at the end of June 2013.
• PFRDA chief Yogesh agrawal quits chairman’s post . Govt. apponts Anup wadhwan as new chief.

• The Eight Core sector industries are Crude oil, petroleum and refinery products , coal, power , steel , natural gas, fertilizer and  cement
• Both Consumer Price indices  for rural and urban areas have hit the double digit inflation at 10.11 and 10.2 respectively in Oct.2013.
• In India Macro economic policies are framed around Wholesale Price Index  and not on Consumer Price Index. CPI is also called retail inflation.
• ATP world tour Tennis , London won by Serbian player Novak Jokovic defeating Rafael Nadal.

• Times of India newspaper completes 175 years. Vice President Hamid Ansari launches a book “Momentous Times”.
•  Indira Nooyi  an Indian chairman and CEO of Pepsico Inc unveiled the plans of investing over $5 billion in india..

·        Govt. to dissolve 10% stake in Indian Oil Corporation under its disinvestment drive , with current year 2013-14 ‘s target as 40,000 crore.

• CHOGM Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting to be held in Shri Lanka next week. It is held once in every two years in different member countries. Commonwealth nations are group of countries which were part of British rule at any part of time.

·        CBI was declared Unconstitutional by Guwahati high court.

·        World chess championship being held in Chennai. Two initial matches between Vishwanathan anand  and  Magnus Carlsen  have ended in a draw. Magnus carlsen is a Norvegian chess player with current world no.. 1 ranking .

·        Standard and poor’s  international credit rating agency has maintained the status quo about India’s rating at BBB – Minus retaining its negative outlook.  BBB- is the lowest grade investment rating . Any down grade will reduce Indian rating to Junk status i.e., not favourable for investment. Next review will be done after Lok sabha elections , when the new government will take charge. Moody’s current rating on India is Baa3 – stable and Fitch’s rating is BBB-Stable.

·        MNAIS Modified national agricultural insurance , requiring compulsory insurance of crops by the Farmers taking bank loans, which was tried on pilot basis in 50 selected districts has now been extended to the entire country from 1^st Nov. 2013 as part of the Five year plan. Govt. will provide 40 to 75% subsidy on the premium.

·        SBI raises lending rates by 0.20% . The new base rate is 10.00% and Prime lending rate to 14.75%

·        RBI new norms on foreign banks released. Highlights 1) Foreign banks may expand their operations in India after floating a WOS wholly owned subsidiary registered in India. 2) Initial capital for opening a Banking subsidiary is 500 crore. 3) Wos will be treated at par (Near national treatment)  with Indian domestic banks. They will have the liberty of opening branches without seeking individual branch opening permission however they need to follow all regulations like financial inclusion, priority sector financing,  branch spread policy etc. like other Indian banks. 4) Some foreign banks which have  a complex structure , or have a preferential policy for their domestic depositors (US, UK and Germany) will be compulsorily migrated to WOS structure. Others will have the option not to migrate to WOS , if they so want.5) Half of their board of directors should be persons of Indian origin and one third should be current Indian nationals. 6) foreign banks will be allowed to buy local Indian private banks.

·         

·        Nearly 1.34 lakh Indian workers already returning to their homeland as the Saudi Arabia’s Govt . is deporting all illegal migrant labour in their country  under its new labour policy Nitaqat .

• 152 soldiers in Bangla desh have been sentenced to death penalty for their role in 2009 mutiny and massacre of 74 people including army officials. This was biggest ever mass trial in the world.

5^th November 2013

·       Mars Mission India            

·       Comparision Mars with earth

	Mars	Earth
Atmosphere	95% CO2, 3% nitrogen, 0.13% oxygen	Nitrogen 77%,Oxygen 21%
No. of satellite	2  Phobos and Deimos	1 Moon
Average surface temperature	-63 degree Celsius	14 degree Celsius
Length of year	687 earth days	365 days

• Designated as Mars Orbiter Mission MOM . Mars also called red planet.
• ISRO director K. Radhakrishnan and Mission director P Kunhi Krishnan.
• PSLV25 , Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’s 25^th flight.
• GSLV Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle uses indigenously developed cryogenic engine has capacity to launch heavier loads in to distant geosynchronous orbits (higher orbits ) of earth. So far we have carried out  7 operations on GSLV  Of which only two were successful. The 8^th operation scheduled in Dec 2013 has been postponed .
• Men are from Mars and women are from venus written by American author John gray.
• So far five different nations(US, Soviet union ,EU,China and Japan) have tried this expedition and two of them have failed (Japan and China).
• Launched from Shriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) Satish dhawan space center.

• Rohit sharma became third batsman to have scored double century(209) in ODI cricket after virender sehwag(219) and Sachin Tendulkar (200). He also created a world record of hitting 16 sixes in an ODI innings.
• India won this series 3-2 against Australia. Virat Kohli declared man of the series.
• Dr Bimal Jalan headed panel held its first meeting on bank license allotment on 1^st nov. 2013. Other members of high level advisory committee are Usha Thorat, CB Bhave, and Nachiket Mor.
• Traditional samwat year (diwali to diwali) 2069 ended at Bombay stock exchange on a high note with sensex closing at 21197 points.
• MCX-SX  the third full fledged stock exchange has appointed Shri Gopal Krishna Pillai , former Union home secretary as Chairman and Thaomas Mathew , a former top official of LIC as Vice Chairman.
• Ease of doing business report released by world bank and International Finance corporation placed India at 134th place among 189 countries, down from 131^st position last year.  Singapore ranked first making it best place to do business in the world. Singapore was adjudged the best place to do business.

·        Expressing full confidence in the American economy and asserting there are low chances of US default, Rajan ruled out selling out the Indian assets in the United States.The Indian investment in the US treasury bills is estimated to the tune of $59.1 billion.

·        Five pillars of Raghuram rajan           

Pillar 1: Monetary policy framework. Review its objective, strengthen its effectivness, making it more credible and transparent.
Pillar 2: Reform India’s banking system. 1) Free branching (no need to take RBI permission for opening branches. 2) New bank licenses on a regular basis. 3) New rules for foreign banks with WOS wholly owned subsidiary structure. Such banks be at par with domestic banks and will get near national treatment.
Pillar 3: Liberalizing Indian markets like money market, Govt. debt market , Corporate debt market etc.
Pillar 4: Financial inclusion.Mr. Rajan said that India would look to use technology increasingly to bring financial services to millions of unbanked people in smaller towns and rural areas.
Pillar 5: Dealing with financial distress.“Whether it be corporate distress, or financial institution distress: we need to improve our mechanisms to make it simpler, cleaner, and less value-reducing,” said Mr. Rajan. India needs to accelerate the working of Debt Recovery Tribunals and Asset Reconstruction companies, so that bad loans sitting on the books of Indian banks are processed quickly. That will free up banks to lend more to financially healthy companies that need money.

·        RBI raises repo rate on 29 Oct. 2013  from 7.5 to 7.75 in its quarterly policy review. MSF cut by 0.25% from 9 to 8.75  to bring it to normal levels of one percent higher than repo rate. Bank rate also matches MSF rate at 8.75%. Reverse repo rate is now 6.75%.

·        Term repo facility for 7 and 14 days continued in the policy review. Quantum of term repo increased from 0.25% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities is increased to 0.5 %..

·        Liquidity up to 0.5 per cent of bank-wise NDTL is available through overnight LAF repos.

·        Action on the monetary policy framework will follow the submission of the Dr. Urjit Patel Committee report and the strategy to expand financial inclusion will be informed by the Dr. Nachiket Mor Committee report.

·        As per extant instructions, banks are required to pay interest on savings deposits and term deposits at quarterly or longer intervals. As all commercial banks are now on core banking platforms, it has been decided to give banks the option to pay interest on savings deposits and term deposits at intervals shorter than quarterly intervals.

·        Pune warriors dismissed from IPL  by BCCI.

·        25^th Oct. is RTI day  Right to information day.

• Capital infusion in Public sector banks approved by Finance ministry. This years budget allocation is 14000 crore as against 12517 crore last year. SBI gets 2000 crore followed by IDBI and Central Bank of India with Rs. 1800 crore.
• China visit of Prime minister  Manmohan singh . MOU On dams among nine agreement signed. Chinese primeminister  Le Keqiang  and president Xi Jinping.
• Renowned playback singer Mannaday died at the age of 94 . His full name is Prabodh Chandra dey. First film Tammana.
• Banking licence , Four Public sector units applied  – Deparment of posts, IFCI, LIC housing rms of finance and Tourism Finance corporation.
• RBI Mid quarter monetary policy review on 20 sept. 2013  Repo rate increased to 7.5 % Reverse repo 6.5,  MSF and Bank rate down to 9.5 from 10.25 in july . RBI also reduced daily CRR balance limit of banks form 99 to 95%. But CRR unchaged at 4% and SLR at 23% .
• RBI again reduced MSF and Bank Rate fom 9.5 to 9 % on 7^th Oct. 2013.
• RBI introduces Term repos  to provide additional liquidity. Term repos  of 7-day and 14-day tenor for a notified amount equivalent to 0.25 percent of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) .
• Lalu Prasad convicted in fodder scam by a CBI court , loses his parliamentary membership. Prasad and 44 others were charged with fraudulent withdrawal to the tune of Rs. 37.7 crore on fake fodder bills from Chaibasa treasury..
• Supreme court gives Indian voters a right to reject all the candidates. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India P. Sathasivam asked the Election Commission to make changes in voting machines and ballot papers, giving voters a “none of the above”NOTA choice, and publicise this change widely.
• Visit of President of Liberia
  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia came on an official visit to India on 11 September 2013. She also happens to be Africa’s first female President.
  
  During the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a $ 144 million line of credit for Liberia. India also signed four agreements for cooperation in various fields, including the critical oil and gas sector.
• Arundhati Bhattacharya has been appointed as the first woman managing director of State Bank of India.
• Microsoft Corp has decided to buy Nokia’s mobile phone business for 5.44 billion euros, and the Finnish firm said its CEO, Stephen Elop, would join Microsoft when the transaction is closed. Finland’s Nokia, once the undisputed leader in mobile phones, has been struggling to respond to the challenge from smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung.
• German chancellor  Anjela markel reelected in a recent election for 4 more years.
• BRICS to set up a $100 billion fund to stabilize  currency markets.
• US Fed  decides to continue with the stimulus
  On 18 September 2013, the US Federal Reserve decided to leave its $85 billion a month stimulus programme in place, against broad expectations that it would reduce it as the economy grows.
• The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was observed on 16 September, with the theme “A Healthy Atmosphere, the Future We Want”.
• China has opened the world’s highest civilian airport in a restive and remote Tibetan region of south-western Sichuan province..
• International Day of Elderly Persons is observed on 30 September.
  World Heart Day is observed on 29 September.
• Robert Mugabe sworn-in as Zimbabwe President for a new five-year term Capital – Harrare
• August 13 is celebrated as international left-handers’ day.
• India has bypassed Japan to become the world’s third largest Internet user after China and the United States,
• July 12 has been heralded as Malala Day, to remember the contributions of Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai
• July 11 is observed as UN World Population Day.
• The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has regained its position as the world’s largest bourse in terms of volumes in equity trades, according to the latest data by World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).         

                                                    US SHUTDOWN

• US Govt. shutdown 30 sept. to 16 Oct. 2013 : Whenever the financial proposals or budgets presented by the governments are not passed by American congress(their Parliament) by the due dates, the constitutional permission to use the state funds  expires and no expenses can be incurred by the Government. In such circumstances Government  functions with minimum security and essential services. Most of the Government offices remain closed and employees are not paid their salaries.

Fortunatly India has never come across such situation , but America has experienced such deadlocks  in around 18 times in its democratic history. The longest shutdown was for 21 days between 15 dec  1995 to Jan 6 ,1996 during Clinton regime.

This time the dispute was about  sanctioning funds for Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly known as Obamacare, which was part of budget proposal. In US Financial year is from October to September every year and yearly budget approval deadline was 30 th sept. 

Apart from this, Loan limit of the country was also required to be raised to avoid default in payment of  the Government securities maturing on 16^th Oct. Incidentally a last minute pact between Obama administration and Republicans saved US from becoming defaulter. At the same time Budget was also passed and shutdown ended.

·        4 Indian in Fortune Business women leaders list. ICICI Bank’s CEO Mrs. Chanda kochhar (4^th position), National Stock Exchange Chief Chitra Ramkrishna (17^th position), Axis Bank’s Shikha Sharma(32^nd position) , and HSBC’s Naila lal Kidwai.(42^nd position.).

·        cyclone and not Super cyclone which requires wind speed of more than 220 kmp.

·        Five states to go to polls in November.  MP, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Chhatisgarh and Delhi . Chief election commissioner VS Sampat.

• Lata Mangeshkar Received First National Yash Chopra Memorial Award

·        Dondia kheda (Unnav) UP is the place where ASI Archeological  Survey of India is excavating the suspected precious metal.

·        RBI bans 0 % interest rate loan schemes offered  by banks for purchase of consumer products.

·        Eleanor Catton became the youngest receiver of Man booker prize at the age of 28 years for her lengthiest novel The Luminaries. Indian American Jhumpa lahiri was also in the race with her novel The Lowland.

• Man Booker Prize 2013 – Eleanor catton for her novel “The Lumanaris” . The novel is the lengthiest (852 pages)  ever and she is (28 years) youngest ever to win this prize.
• Man booker prize has so far been confined to authors from commonwealth nations, but from next year 2014, the award will be opened for writers from all over the world, provided the book is in English language.
• Indira Gandhi award for national integration 2012 is given Dr. M.S.Swaminathan , eminent scientist and is considered as the father of Green revolution.
•  Malala Yosufzai gets European Union’s Sakharov human rights award 2013.
• Megan Young of Philippines becomes Miss world 2013.
• Deutsche bank prize for Financial Economics 2013  given to Raghuram rajan , Governor,RBI.
• Shanti swaroop Bhatnagar awards announced . Given in the field of Sciencce and technology in India. Dr. bhatnagar was eminent scientist and founder director of CSIR. Centre of Scientific and Indurstrial Research.
• Ajit Agarkar retires from all forms of cricket.
• Govt. of Canada announced honorary citizenship to Malala yusufzai. Earlier beneficiaries were Nelson Mandela and Aung San suu kyi of Myanmaar.
• Ministry of Health and family welfare has appointed Rahul Dravid as the brand ambassador for its National tobacco control campaign.
• Historian and author Ramchandra Guha wrote a book on the early years of Mahatma Gandhi titled “ Gandhi before India”. His other books are India after Indira, Patriots and partisans and makers of modern India.
• Virat Kohli appointed brand ambassador of BSF.
• Five new non-permanent members were elected by United nations security council. They are Chad, Chile, Lithuania, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, of which Saudi Arabia has refused to accept the membership in protest against UN’s failure to resolve many issues like Syria , philistine and Nuclear non proliferation.
• Prime minister of Hungary, Victor orban  visited India. Capital Budapest, MOU signed for sharing traditional Indian medicine system.
• Bangla desh signed an extradition treaty with India to enable the handing over of suspects and convicted prisoners between the two countries.
• Prime ministers 4 day visit to Brunei and Indonesia , to attend 11^th ASEAN- India summit and 8^th East asia summit. Highlights -1) Separate mission for ASEAN with a full time ambassador. 2)Free trade agreement with a target of 100 billion dollar trade by 2015. ASEAN HQ is Indonesia Jakarta.
• Geo-Scientific research vessel RV Samudra Ratnakar (not a defence vehicle) dedicated to the nation.
• Supreme court clarifies that reservation ceiling of 50% does not apply to 3% quota for disabled persons, hence is mandatory in all govt. jobs.
• General election in five states. Chhatisgarh 11^th and 19^th Nov., MP 25 Nov., Rajasthan 1^st Dec, Delhi 4^th Dec, Mizoram 4^th Dec. , results on 8^th Dec.
• Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan RUSA is a centrally sponsored scheme for reforming higher education system in states. 1) During 12^th plan period 80 new universities, 100 new colleges and 54 model degree colleges will be created. 2)Infrastructure grants would be given to 150 universities and 3500 colleges to improve facilities. 3) centre : state funding would be 90:10 for NE states, JK, Himachal Pradesh and uttarakhand and 65:35 for other states.
• Telangana would be 29^th state with 10 districts and a common capital Hyderabad for 10 years.
• Supreme court bench headed by Chief justice P. sadashivam held that right to reject is part of fundamental rights given by the constitution under  article 19.
• Special pincode allotted by department of posts to  Supreme court  110 201.
• Union ministry of tourism launched “777 days of incredible Himalayas” campaign to attract tourist  and to promote mountaineering in Himalayan region.
• Ministry of Minority affairs launched a program JIYO PARSI  to reverse  the declining trend of Parsi population in India. It also launched another skill development program learn and earn for all minorities.
• The Good Road, a Gujrati film by Gyan Correa nominated as official entry to OSCAR in the best foreign film category.
• RBI banned zero % interest rate scheme for purchase of consumer goods to protect consumer interest and to bring transparency in interest rate structure. RBI observed that  interest component is often passed on to the consumers in the form of processing fees and other charges.
• RBI relaxed trade credit norms to raise funds from abroad , allowing all type of companies to avail trade credit facility from overseas for import of capital goods, not exceeding 20 millionUS dollars  for next 5 years. Earlier only infrastructure sector was allowed.
• Financial inclusion committee announced under chairman ship of Dr. Nachiket Mor. 15 member committee to frame a clear and detailed vision for financial inclusion in India .
• LPG portability scheme launched in 24 cities of India. Consumer can switch between the three companies operating in India.
• Government appointed Arvind mayaram committee to define FDI and FII.
• Government notified GAAR General anti avoidance rules to be effective from 1^st April 2016 to check tax avoidance by investors routing their funds through foreign countries as FII.
• India is largest recipient of foreign remittances. World bank report “Migration and remittance flows “ revealed India emerging as the largest recipient of among developing economies.
• Raghuram rajan panel submitted report on new criterion for measuring backwardness of the status and basis to identify them in special category . Odisha followed by Bihar are most backward states and Goa tops the list on the positive side.
• Tata and Singapore airlines new venture named as Tata SIA airlines ltd. It will offer  full fledged services in domestic and international arena, not be a low cost airline. Tata 51% and SIA 49%.
• Wallmart and Bharat enterprises ended up their business ties.
• Indian railways to set up country’s biggest forged wheel plant in Raibareli.
• Macau open squash title 2013 won by deepika pallikal. First squash player to get Arjun award.
• Aditya Mehta is snooker player , stood runner up in Indian open snooker title.
• China open tennis 2013 Novac DJokovic defeats Rafael Nadal ,Sania mirza with Cara black wins doubles women title.
• Duleep trophy cricket India won jointly by north and south zone.
• Mumbai Indians wins the championship 20-20 defeating Rajasthan Royals.
• ICC Cricket world cup 2015 , Canberra , Australia. Afganistan qualified to become 20 th team .
• 8^th Asia cup women’s Hockey tournament 2013 played in Kualalumpur Malayasia . Indian team settled for bronze. It lost to South Korea in semifinals
• Global competitive report by WEF World economic forum 2013-14 , india’s rank slipped by one rank to 60^th . Switzerland tops.
• World bank report on ease of doing business 2014 . India slipped  to 134 from 131 in 2013 report.
• Hollywood film based on the life of Julian Assange- The Fifth state    
• Recent Cyclone and typhoons     India –Phailin Philippines –Haiyan  China – Usagi , Andhra Pradesh India – Helen , Japan –Wipha, Andhra Pradesh - LEHAR
• China  is taking 3 million arable land on lease in UKRAINE.
• World tourism day – 27^th sep.    
• World rabies day – 28^th sept.
• World heart day – 29^th Sept.
• International day of older person – 1^st OCT.
• World post day  -8^th oct
• World mental health day – 10^th oct
• International day of girl child- 11^th Oct.  
• International day for disaster reduction.  -13 oct
• World osteoporosis  day- 20 oct
• United Nations day 24^th Oct.
• Next NATO summit 2014 in England.
• India won the sultan of johor cup hockey under 21 in Malaysia.  
• Gambia decided to leave group of commonwealth nations.
• The first Tamil chief minister of srilankan province is C V Wighneshwaran.
• Two days summit of APEC Asia pacific economic cooperation held in Indonesia.
• The person nominated by US president Barrack Obama to head the American central bank, Federal Reserve, in place of Ben S barnanke is Janet Yellen.
• The retail chain run by Bharti group , which has recently separated from wallmart is Easyday.
•  HEAL is the name of  Government campaign for Leprosy awareness. Full form is Hire, Educate, Accept, Leprosy-affected.
• Indian badminton player facing the threat of lifetime ban from IBA- Jwala Gutta.
• China issues staple visas to Indians living in arunachal Pradesh as china claims it as a part of his country.
• The world biggest oil producer country is now US surpassing Saudi Arabia.
• The first country in the world to have introduced Tobin tax is ITALY. It is a tax levied on foreign investments to avoid overheating of domestic economy.
• New debt ceiling approved by US senate after a long period of shutdown is 17 trillion $.
• Mahatma Gandhi pravasi suraksha yojana is a pension scheme launched by govt. of India for Indians workers in UAE. LIC and Bank of India appointed main service providers. Indians in the age group of 18 to 50 are eligible. Govt. will make a contribution for first 5 years
• Finance ministry distributed the capital inclusion fund to public sector banks. Out of a total allocation of 14000 crores SBI gets 2000 crore and 1800 crore each to IDBI  and Central Bank. After this banks can raise further capital from the market through QIP Qualified institutional placement , FOP Follow on Public offer .
• In a first ever Term repo offer RBI infuses 19000 crore liquidity in the banking system. Under term repo of 7 or 14 days banks can borrow .25 % of net DTL in each tenor 7days and 14 days.
• RBI dy.governor Shri KC Chakravorty revealed that only 40000 of 600000 villages are having bank braches in India.
• Supreme court says that lower courts can not impose more than double the amount of bounced cheque, in lieu of imprisonment. There is a provision of 2years imprisonment or double the amount of cheque or both punishments.
• Instllments under reverse mortgage scheme will be tax free. Scheme is for senior citizens having no other income and mortgages their houses to banks to get a installment loan for their livelihood .
• India post ties up with UAE’s post group company Wall street exchange for international electronic money transfer service. The product  called “Instant cash”
• Justice MB Shah commission has submitted its report on illegal mining across country.
• K. Kasturirangan report on preservation of western ghats suggests prohibition of developmental activities in the area.
• Railway introduces a concessional MST monthly season ticket “IZZAT” for workers of unorganized sector earning up to 1500/- per month and traveling up to 100 km daily to earn their livelihood.
• India marginally improved from 65 to 63 position in Global hunger index 2013 prepared by IFPRI International Food Policy Research institute.
• India –china signed Border defence cooperation agreement. Both PM Dr. Manmohan singh and Li Keqiang signed it.
• Indian  environmentalist Bunker Roy and Pakistan’s Malala were given this years Clinton Global Citizens awards.
• Noble prizes announced.

Peace prize -  Organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons.

Literature – Alice Munro of Canada

Physics    -    Peter Higgs and Francois Englert

Medicine -  Rothman , Schekman and Sudhof

Chemistry – Karplus, levitt and Warshel

Economics – Fama, Hansen and shiller 

• I am malala : A girl who stood up for education and was shut by the Taliban book written by malala.
• “One two eight  three :1283”  Book by PELE , the footballer.

• Australia’s new prime minister Tony Abott (Conservative party) sworn in on 18 sept. 2013, Defeating former PM Kevin Rudd (Labour party), who took over from Ms. Julia Gilard  early this year.
• Thomas batch (Germany)  elected ninth president of International Olympic Committee, who replaced Jacques Rogge (Belgium).
• Deepak Sandhu , first women Chief information commissioner in place of Satyanand Mishra.
• Nishi vasudev will be first woman chief of  any PSU - HPCL from Feb. 2014..
• National Sports award includes 1) Rajeev Gandhi Khel ratna award 2) Arjun awards 3) Dronacharya award 4) Dhyanchand award 5) Tenzing norgay national adventure award 6) Rahtriya khel protsahan puruskar 7) Maulana Abdul kalam azad trophy.
• Nina Davulury- First Indian origin American to win Miss America award.
• Bank of Beijing opened china’s first direct bank. Direct banking is kind of branch less banking , which provides all its products through internet, telephones and ATMs. By eliminating the costs associated with bank branches, direct banks can make significant savings which they may pass on to clients via higher interest rates or lower service charges. One of the world's first fully functional direct banks was First Direct, which launched in the United Kingdom on October 1, 1989. The initial success of internet banking services provided by traditional banks led to the development of internet-only banks or "virtual banks". Many such banks are functioning in US and  European countries.
• ASEAN defence ministers meet in Brunei on 29th august 2013. India is not a member of ASEAN. Association of South east asian  nations. Members Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,  Brunei Darussalam, Viet Nam , Lao PDR , Myanmar and Cambodia making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN. Headquarter Indonesia Jakarta
• G-20 summit 2013 held in Russia on 5-6 sept. Next summit in Brisbane in Nov. 2014. There is no headquarter of this summit. Every year chair moves to one of its member countries. It was decided to create a common database on tax related information  of multinational companies, so that tax evasion can be controlled.
• DTAA Double taxation avoidance agreement signed between India and Latvia.
• India japan agreements – 1) Joint research initiatives in the field of Applied science. 2) cooperation in film and animation techniques 3) Currency SWAP agreement increased from 15 billion to 50 billion $ till Dec 2015. ( Signed during G-20 summit). Currency swap is an arrangement between two countries to accept each others currency  for trading goods and services. This relieves them of their dependencies on dollar as mediating currency and help stabilize their own currencies.
• Food security bill (not the ordinance, which had already been approved by the president and promulgated on 4^th July) now passed by Lok sabha(26 aug) and rajya sabha (2 sept) and finally signed by president on 10 sept.  For details refer news diary dated 4^th (July).      
• Ahinsa Messenger program  initiative of Ministry of women and child development to create awareness about  violence against women and to assist the victimized women in getting justice. Amhinsa messengers will be appointed across country . program will be implemented through all anganwadi Kendra, all panchayati raj institution , sabla girls and poorna shakti kendras. National mission for empowerment of women will train these Ahinsa messengers.
• Land acquisition , rehabilitation and resettlement bill 2011 Passed. HIGHLIGHTS     

1)      Minimum 70% of the landowners consent for PPP projects and 80 % for Private sector projects will be required for land acquisition.

2)      Compensation of around 4 times of market value in rural area and 2 times of the market value in Urban areas will be given to farmers/landowners.

3)      Several other benefits like land for employment and residential purpose apart from compensation.

4)      Wakf land will not be acquired.

5)      In case the land acquired is not utilized for the stated purpose within time frame , it would be returned to owner  or state land bank.

• Maharashtra has passed  Anti black magic and superstition bill after the murder of a social activist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune , who was fighting against superstitions and black magic practices.
• India’s first quarter GDP dropped to 4.4% April to June 2013 because of poor performance of manufacturing and mining sector. Last year in the same period it was 5.4% .
• RBI liberalized norms for banks to open new branches, Banks can open branches in tier 1 centre (population above one lacs) without obtaining permission from RBI , if 25% branches are correspondingly opened in tier 5 and 6 centres in a particular year. At the same time tier 1 branches number should not exceed total branches opened in tier 2 to 6 areas.
• TARC Tax Administration reform commission constituted on 26 august 2013 under the chairman ship of tax expert Parthsarathi Shome to review tax laws and suggest ways for a stable non adversarial tax administration. Seven member commission with a tenure of 18 months.
• RBI introduced forex swap window to oil companies. Decided to meet entire daily dollar demand of  oil companies like IOC, BPCL, HPCL to reduce pressure on foreign exchange market . This will substantially support the falling rupee against dollar.
• RBI offered a concessional currency swap to banks for their FCNR foreign currency non resident deposits at  3% . Normally swaps available in open market charge around 7 % , which discourage the banks to take foreign currency deposits. This again is an step to boost inward flow of dollar in view of  falling rupee. This facility will remain available till 30 november 2013.
• PFRDA BILL 2011 passed.  Highlights 1) 26% FDI allowed in pension fund management  2) PFRD Authority provided statutory status and powers. 3) The subscribers can choose fund manager as well as scheme packages to suit their needs. 4) Funds managers can partly  invest in shares if pension beneficiary approves the risk plan.
• Economic outlook 2013-14 . released by PMEAC Prime minister economic advisory council (Headed by C rangarajan) has lowered the growth forecase to 5.3% from 6.4 projected earlier.
• Jubin Mehta , western classical composer , awarded Tagore prize for cultural harmony. Last year it was Late Ravi shankar who got this award.
• Shri Raghuram rajan appointed Governor of RBI .

• RBI Governor is appointed for 3 year term. D subbarao term was extended for 2 more year thereby allowing him to serve for 5 years.
• Raguram rajan  RBI Governor  is 23^rd incumbent to this office. He was Chief Economic Advisor to Finance ministry before this appointment. He also served IMF as Chief Economist.
• Four Deputy Governors are Dr. Urjit Patel, K.C.Chakravorty, H.R.Khan and Anand Sinha. A deputy governor in RBI can be appointed for a maximum of 5 years or till the age of 62, which ever is earlier.
• Arundhati Bhattacharya, First Women MD & CFO of SBI. 
• Hasan Rohani – New President of Iran
• Robert Mugabe elected as president of Zimbabwe for seventh time since 1980 when Zimbabwe got its independence from Britain.
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel ratna puraskar  for 2013 to Ronjan Sodhi , sports shooting.
• Arjun puraskar 2013 to Virat kohli, P.V.Sindhu, Kavita chahal(boxing),Gaganjit Bhullar –Golf Rajkumari rathore –shooting and others.
• Saraswati samman 2013 for literature instituted by kk birla foundation
• APJ Abdul Kalam autobiography – My journey: transforming dreams into action.
• Russia granted asylum to Edward Snowden for one year.
• US vice president Joe Biden visited India in July 2013
• Registration of births and deaths (amemdment ) bill 2012 passed . makes it compulsory to register all marriages irrespective of religion.
• Company bill 2012 replaces 57 year old companies act 1956 . 2 % of profit of companies to be allotted to CSR activities. Clarifies criminal liability of auditors.
• NGT National Green tribunal banned illegal sand mining activities across India.
• Handwoven Pashmina shawls is spaciality of Kashmir.
• INS Sindhurakshak an strategic defence submarine vessel badly damaged in a fire incident.
• India launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
• India signed 100 million dollar agreement with world bank for low income housing project  to be managed by National Housing bank.
• Import duty on gold and jewellery raised to 15 %.
• Rajeev Gandhi grammen vidhutikaran yojana (RGGVY) continued in 12^th year plan . launched in april 2005  90% contributed by Central Government and 10% by REC, which is the nodal agency. To be implemented by state government. Aims are – electrifying all villages , electricity to all rural households, free connection to BPL families.
• SEBI’s deadline for meeting 25% public shareholding norm in private listed companies by jun 13  and 10 % for public sector undertaking by august 13 is over.
• Interest subvention of 3% on crop loans continued by Central Govermnet.
• FDI in print media to increase from 26 to 49%
• P V Sindhu won bronze medal in world  Badminton championship 2013.
• 14^th World championship in athletics were held in Moscow, Russia from 10-18 August 2013. Russia topped the tally with 7 gold. Jamaica’s Ussain Bolt  became most successful athlete with eight gold and two silver in various world championships.
• India beats Zimbabwe 5-0 in cricket ODI series on foreign soil.
• Indian Badminton league . 14 aug to 31^st august 2013. No. of teams 6 , organizer Badminton association of India. Winner Hyderabad hotshot having Saina Nehwal on its side.
• Ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation proposed to launch National Urban Livelihoods mission  in 12^th plan period , which will replace Swarn Jayanti shahari Rojgar yojana.
• Jet Etihad deal – 24% stake purchased by Etihad airlines.
• Tears you apart campaign is launched by Ministry of health and family welfare against the use of Tobacco , specially smokeless eatable forms of  it.
• Islamic banking norms approved by RBI . Kerala state was permitted to open Non Banking financial institution on the principles of Islamic finance. ( Interest giving and taking on funds is not allowed in Islam). Cheraman Financial Services Limited (CFSL) will be floated by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation to function as a non-banking finance company (NBFC).
• RBI measures to control Gold imports. 1) Authorised Gold importers like banks and gold trading agencies to ensure that 20% of imported lot should be made available for export in the form of jwellery .  jewellery exports last year stood at around 70 tonnes. Authorised importers should sell their gold to only those entities , which are engaged in jewellery or other products. Govt has increased the import duty to 15% on gold and jewellery.
• Govt. to provide a internet enabled mobile to every person of rural area who has completed 100 work days in MGNREGA.
• Relaxation in Multibrand retail FDI norms. 1) 10 lacs population norms relaxed, stores can be opened in cities having population less than 10 lacs. 2) For local purchase of  stocks limit for small industries increased from 5 crore to 10 crore. 3) 50% backend infrastructure compulsion will be only for one time investment up to 100 m $, further investments will be free from this norm. 4) 30% local sourcing norms will continue.
• Tourism department new campaign 1) Clean India campaign at Tajmahal AGRA 2) Hunar se Rojgar tak , skill development program.
• Ksheera Bhagya is scheme by Karnatak Govt. to provide school children 150 ml of milk three times a week.
• Kumar mangalam Birla resigned from board of directors of RBI  to avoid conflict of interest as Birla group has applied for opening a new bank.
• Amjad ali Khan famous sarod player chosen for Rajiv Gandhi national sadbhavana award.
• First cricketer to hit 400 sixes in international cricket – shahid afridi.
• Aditya Mehta Indian snooker palyer won gold medal in the world games..

• Hemant Soren sworn in as ninth Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
• Sujata Singh is next Foreign Secretary of India in place of Ranjan Matthai.
• P sadashivam , new Chief Justice of India replacing Justice Altmas kabir.
• IIFA awards- Best film – Barfi , Best actor Ranbir kapoor, best Actress Vidhya balan (Kahani).
• Kerala chief minister gets UN public service award for his mass contact program .
• Vandana Gandhi first Indian woman to receive Dubai Govt.’s Emirates woman award for her ISO certified British Orchard Nursery Chain in middle east.
• Veteran actor Pran , winner of 2012 Dada sahib falke award , passed away.
• Douglas anglebart , inventor of computer mouse .
• Croatia joins European Union as 28^th member.
• European Union signed a deal for 7 year budget 2014-20.
• Iran agreed to take all oil payments from India in rupees, after US and western countries  blocked all other payment routes.  Rupee transactions to Iran are routed through UCo Bank in  Kolkata , where Iranian oil companies have opened their accounts. India has not bought a single barrel of oil from Iran since April 2013 as insurance firms had refused to provide insurance cover to refiners processing Iranian oil.
• India Srilanka and Maldives sign tripartite maritime security pact. India was represented by our National security advisor Shri Shivshankar menon.
• Indian and Nepal agreed for making joint publicity of their tourist destinations and offering joint tour package to the tourists of other countries.
• India Albania signed double taxation avoidance agreement.
• Visit of Britain prime minister David Cameron to India on 30 june 2013. UK will assist in development of  Bangluru- Mumbai Economic Corridor.
• Kundanklam Nuclear power plant commenced operations on 13 th July. Presently it started producing 400 mw power. Full capacity 1000 MW. In joint collaboration with Russia.
• Airport authority of India will set up 51  low cost airports in tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India.
• Bhiwani , mahendragarh (Hryana) and Bharatpur (Rajasthan) districts are included in NCR Delhi . National Capital Region.
• Govt. lauched National Cyber Security Policy 2013. aimed to protect information and build capabilities to prevent cyber attacks.
• Two new national universities decided to be setup  in Raibareli (UP). 1.) Indira Gandhi National university for Women. And  Rajeev Gandhi  National Aviation University. In 2006 the Kaw committee had recommended setting up of National Aviation University
• UNESCO (United nations education , scientific and cultural organization) grants  world heritage status to Six forts of Rajastahan  and mount fuji of japan  in its World heritage committee metting at Phnom penh in Cambodia.
• Rail link extended to Kashmir, Banihal (Jammu) to Qazigund (Kashmir) link inaugurated by Prime minister.
• Himachal Pradesh became first smoke free state of the country. It achieved 85.42 % compliance under section 4 of Cigarettes and other Tobacco products act (COTPA)2003. The state had increased state taxes on bidi and cigarettes from 11 and 18 to 22 and 36 % to discourage this habit.

• Latest warship with guided missile technology  “ INS TRIKAND” was inducted in the Indian Navy. This one is the last of the 6 warships ordered from Russia . Earlier ones are Talwar, Trishul, Tabar, Teg, and Tarkash.

• SEBI act was amended for providing powers to the market regulator to crack down on Ponzi Scheme.

• What are Ponzi schemes - A fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors, rather than from any actual profit earned.

• RBI announced measures to control Rupee fall with tightening of liquidity and increasing the cost of funds . 1) Increased Marginal Standing facility rates and Bank Rates from 8.25 to 10.25. 2) Planned  a total sale of 12000 crore Govt. bonds. 3) The overall allocation of funds under the LAF will be limited to 1.0% of the Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) of the banking system, reckoned as Rs. 75,000 crore for this purpose.

• RBI tightens control on  foreign currency outflow  from India.

1) Overseas investment limit of companies under automatic route brought down from 400% of net worth to 100% of net worth. Investment beyond this ceiling will require RBI permission.

2) For individuals , limit under Liberalised remittance scheme is brought down from 200000 $ to 75000 $.

3) Foreign currency  inward deposits coming to Indian banks made exempt from CRR/SLR requirement.

3) Banks may offer higher interest rates to foreign currency deposits by one percent. It allowed banks to offer 400 basis point (4%) above LIBOR (London Inter bank offered rate) in place of 300 basis point ceiling earlier.

• RBI imposed fines (penalty) on 22 private and public sector banks including SBI for violating KYC norms and their alleged involvement in Money laundering practices , exposed by a private web site magazine Cobrapost in a sting operation.

• DGCA Director General of Civil Aviation office will be replaced with CAA Civil Aviation Authority.  It will have full operational and financial autonomy and will meet the standards set by  UN’s ICAO International civil aviation authority.

• District Rural Development Agency DRDA dissolved. These were setup as independent societies in 1980 to oversee implementation of  Rural Development ministry’s programs at district levels. V. Ramchandran committee recommended their dissolution.

• India successfully launched its first navigational Satellite IRNSS-1A, Equivalent to US’s GPS system.

          FDI  allowed in various sectors in India : Updated up to Sept 2013 from Ministry’s website

SECTOR	TOTAL	AUTOMATIC	Govt. APPROVAL
Defence	26		26
Telecom	100	49	Above 49
Single brand retail	100	49	Above 49
Multi brand retail	51		51
Banking Private sector	74	49	Above 49
Public sector	20		20
NBFC	100	100
Aviation	49	49

•  
• Wimbledon 2013

1)      Andy Murray (England) Defeated Novak Djokovic  to become first Briton in 77 years to win wimbledon . Fred perry was last britishman to win wimbledon in 1936.

2)      Marion Bartoli of France won women’s single category defeating Sabine Lisicki of Germany.

• Brazil won FIFA Confederation cup defeating SPAIN .
• India to host 2016 T-20 and 2023 World cup in cricket.

·        S.K.Roy new Chairman of LIC  to replace Shri T.S.Vijayan , who will be new IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and development Authority) Chairman in place of  J. Harinarayan.

·        Mallikarjun Kharge became Union minister of Railways. Prior to this he was Minister of Labour and Employment. Besides him 4 cabinet level and 4 state level minister also inducted . Sisram Ola (Labour and Emp), Oscar Fernandes (Road transport and highways), Girija vyas (Housing and Urban poverty) Dr. S.K.Rao (Textiles)

·        New CAG – ShashiKant Sharma , Comptroller and auditor general of India, succeeded Vinod Rai.

Indian Bank Association , re elected Shri K.R.Kamath as cha