Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTS OFFICERS (24/2007 & 23/2008) - WRITTEN EXAMINATION RESULT
APPSC conducted DIVISIONAL ACCOUNTS OFFICER (WORKS) GRADE-II in A.P. Works Accounts Service Oral Test (Interview) from 10/10/2011 to 13/10/2011.
FOR RESULT CLICK HERE
FOR RESULT CLICK HERE
63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
The 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was organised on 18 September 2011 at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The awards ceremony to honour the best in primetime television programming from 1 June 2010 to 31 May 2011 was hosted by actress Jane Lynch, who hosted the Emmys for the first time.
British shows triumphed at the annual Hollywood show, the Oscars of the small screen, with Kate Winslet leading a string of British performers.
Mad Men took the best drama Emmy. Mad Men took best drama for the fourth year in a row and Modern Family won the best comedy prize for the second year. Mad Men is an American dramatic television series created and produced by Matthew Weiner. It completed its fourth season on 17 October 17 2010. Each season has consisted of 13 episodes.
Winslet won the Best Actress in a mini-series Emmy for her role in period drama Mildred Pierce.
The list of awardess for the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are as follows:
Best drama: Mad Men
Best comedy: Modern Family
Best miniseries: Downton Abbey
Best variety or comedy show: The Daily Show
Best actress, drama: Julianne Margulies, The Good Wife
Best actor, drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Best actress, miniseries: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
Best actor, miniseries: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys
Best lead actress in a comedy: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Best lead actor comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Supporting actress in a comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Supporting actor in a comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family.
Best direction in a comedy: Michael Spiller, Modern Family.
Best reality competition: The Amazing Race
British shows triumphed at the annual Hollywood show, the Oscars of the small screen, with Kate Winslet leading a string of British performers.
Mad Men took the best drama Emmy. Mad Men took best drama for the fourth year in a row and Modern Family won the best comedy prize for the second year. Mad Men is an American dramatic television series created and produced by Matthew Weiner. It completed its fourth season on 17 October 17 2010. Each season has consisted of 13 episodes.
Winslet won the Best Actress in a mini-series Emmy for her role in period drama Mildred Pierce.
The list of awardess for the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are as follows:
Best drama: Mad Men
Best comedy: Modern Family
Best miniseries: Downton Abbey
Best variety or comedy show: The Daily Show
Best actress, drama: Julianne Margulies, The Good Wife
Best actor, drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Best actress, miniseries: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
Best actor, miniseries: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys
Best lead actress in a comedy: Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Best lead actor comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Supporting actress in a comedy: Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Supporting actor in a comedy: Ty Burrell, Modern Family.
Best direction in a comedy: Michael Spiller, Modern Family.
Best reality competition: The Amazing Race
Monday, September 19, 2011
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2010-11 MCQs
1. According to the Economic survey 2010-11 what percentage growth was recorded by the manufacturing sector in 2010?
a. 9.1%
b. 8.6%
c. 7.3%
d. 8%
Answer: a
2. As per the economic Survey of India 2010-11, the production of food grains is estimated at over 232 million tonnes with record production of which food crop?
a. Rice
b. Wheat
c. Bajra
d. Maize
Answer: b
3. What is the percentage growth of GDP predicted by The Economic Survey for the financial year 2010-11?
a. 8.6%
b. 8.3%
c. 8.0%
d. 9.1%
Answer: a
4. The Economic Survey estimated the Forex reserves of India at over 297 billion US dollars. The surge in Forex is attributed to growth in which of the following sector?
a. Export sector
b. Foreign Direct Investments
c. Agricultural output
d. Industrial output
Answer: a
5. Gross Fiscal Deficit stands at 4.8% of GDP. What was the percentage of Gross Fiscal Deficit in 2010?
a. 6.3%
b. 5.8%
c. 5.0%
d. 7.1%
Answer: a
6. Agriculture is expected to grow by what percentage in 2010-11 as per the Economic Survey?
a. 5.0%
b. 5.1%
c. 5.4%
d. 5.5%
Answer: c
7. What percentage of GDP growth at market prices was estimated by the Economic Survey 2010-11? a. 9.0%
b. 9.5%
c. 9.7%
d. 10.0%
Answer: c
8. Exports surged by what percentage in the period between April to December 2010?
a. 25.0%
b. 29.5%
c. 18.1%
d. 33.0%
Answer: b
9. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed to increase the Income Tax Exemption Limit for individual tax payers from 1 lakh 60 to _?
a. 1 lakh 80 thousand
b. 1 lakh 90 thousand
c. 2 lakh
d. 2 lakh 20 thousand
Answer: a
10. Which of the following was not proposed in the Union Budget 2011-12 presented by pranab Mukherjee?
1. Special vehicles were proposed to be created in the form of Infrastructure Debt Funds to attract foreign funds.
2. Rs. 300 crore expenditure was proposed to promote horticulture centres in rain fed areas for increasing crop productivity.
3. For the manufacturing sector, the budget proposed reduction of basic customs duty on raw silk from 30 to 5 per cent.
4. Concessional 10 per cent Excise Duty was also proposed for fuel cell or Hydrogen cell-technology-based vehicles.
a. 1 & 3
b. Only 2
c. Only 4
d. 3 & 4
Answer: b
11. In the Budget it was proposed to provide sum of money for implementation of vegetable initiative to set in motion a virtuous cycle of higher production and incomes for the farmers. What was the proposed amount?
a. Rs 500 crore
b. Rs 300 crore
c. Rs 10000 crore
d. Rs 650 crore
Answer: b
12. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana was proposed to be being extended to the beneficiaries of which of the following Union Government schemes?
a. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA beneficiaries
b. Beneficiaries of Swavlamban pension scheme
c. Indira Gandhi National old Age Pension scheme beneficiaries
d.Beneficiaries of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
Answer: a
13. Acknowledging the need for development of J&K and North-east, Mamata Banerjee introduced in the Railway Budget 2011 a number measures for these two regions. In which of the following North-eastern cities did the budget propose to set up a diesel locomotive centre?
a. Imphal
b. Manipur
c. Guwahati
d. Tripura
Answer: b
14. Read the two statements with regard to the passenger benefit plans proposed in the Railway Budget 2011.
1.The budget proposed extension of Train Management System to New Delhi, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Ahmedabad and Lucknow stations to provide information on running of trains.
2.Mamta Banerjee introduced a new concept of Smart Card - Go India for long distance travel by Indian railways.
Which of the two statements are true?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 & 2
d. None of the above
Answer: c
15. According to Railway Budget 2011, railway card passes would be extended to the parents of the unmarried posthumous winners of which of the following Awards?
1. Param Vir Chakra
2. Bharat Ratna
3. Ashok Chakra gallantry award
4. Padma Shri
a. 1 & 2
b. 2 & 3
c. 1, 2 & 3
d. 1 & 3
Answer: d
16. Which of the following schemes proposed in the Railway Budget 2011 is/are not meant for Railway Employees?
1. Expansion of Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment
2. Railway Vidyalaya Prabandhan Board
3. Sukhi Griha Scheme
4. Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana
a. 1 & 3
b. 3 & 4
c. 2 & 4
d. 1 & 4
Answer: b
17. The electrical energy requirement of railways is growing rapidly with the expansion of the rail infrastructure and traffic. Considering the rising demand the Ministry of Railways proposed to set up 700 MW power plant at Thakurli in Maharashtra. The power plant is proposed to be based on what form of energy?
a. gas-based
b. coal-based
c. solar power
d. nuclear energy based
Answer: a
18. Ministry of Railways proposed to extend Anti Collision Device (ACD) to which of the following Railway zones in India?
1. Eastern zone
2. East Central
3. North Eastern
4. South Central
a. 1 & 4
b. 2 & 4
c. 1 & 2
d. 1 & 3
Answer: c
19. With regard to the infrastructure development of Railways as proposed in Railway Budget 2011 which statement/statements is/are false?
1. The budget proposed to lay 40 new lines, covering 1075 km.
2. The Ministry has allocated Rs 5406 crore for doubling of 867 km of lines
3. A greater thrust was given to the expansion of the rail network with a larger allocation of Rs 9583 cr for new lines.
4. for gauge conversion over 1017 km. Rs 13820 crore was proposed
a. Only 1
b. 1 & 2
c. Only 4
d. 2 & 4
Answer: c
20. Read the two statements mentioned with regard to the budgetary allocations for addressing environmental concerns.
1. The budget proposed that the solar lantern used in far-flung villages will attract no duty from 10 per cent charged earlier.
2. To provide green and clean transportation for the masses, National Mission for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles will be launched in the year 2011 in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Which of them is true?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 & 2
d. None of the above
Answer: b
21. To enhance credit worthiness of economically weaker sections and LIG households, a Mortgage Risk Guarantee Fund was announced to be created under which of the following scheme or Yojana?
a. Rajiv Awas Yojana
b. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
c. Indira Awas Yojana
d. Mahatama Gandhi NREGA
Answer: a
22. Read the following statements with regard to the allocation in the Educational sector as proposed by Union Budget 2011-12.
1. For Sarva Siksha Abhiyan the allocation was increased by 40 percent to 21000 crore rupees.
2. All institutions of higher learning will be connected through optical fibers by March 2012.
3. 500 crore rupees was proposed to be provided for national skill development fund.
4. For the needy scheduled castes ad scheduled tribe candidates studying in class-IX and Xth pre-matric scholarship scheme was proposed to be introduced.
Which of the above mentioned statements is not true?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3 & 4
d. 4
Answer: b
23. The Basic Customs Duty exemption was proposed to be extended to which of the following sectors?
a. art and antiquities for exhibition or display in private art galleries
b. Cinematographic film, factory-built ambulances
c. syringes and needles
d. agricultural machinery
Answer: a
24. What amount of money was allocated for Bharat Nirman?
a. 1000 crore
b. 58000 crore
c. 55438 crore
d. 14362 crore
Answer: b
25. Which of the following statement/statements is/are true with reference to the Railway Budget 2011?
1. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Annual Plan for the year 2011-12 at Rs 57630 cr which is the highest ever plan investment by the railways in a single year.
2. Under the proposed Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana the pending socially desirable lines would be completed and other similar new line projects would also be taken up.
3. Mamata Banerjee declared 2010-11 as the Year of Green Energy.
4. 2 AC Double Decker Trains in the Jaipur-Delhi and Delhi-Ahmedabad routes were proposed.
Choose Answers:
a. 1,2 & 3
b. 1 & 4
c. 2 & 3
d. 1 & 2
Answer: d
a. 9.1%
b. 8.6%
c. 7.3%
d. 8%
Answer: a
2. As per the economic Survey of India 2010-11, the production of food grains is estimated at over 232 million tonnes with record production of which food crop?
a. Rice
b. Wheat
c. Bajra
d. Maize
Answer: b
3. What is the percentage growth of GDP predicted by The Economic Survey for the financial year 2010-11?
a. 8.6%
b. 8.3%
c. 8.0%
d. 9.1%
Answer: a
4. The Economic Survey estimated the Forex reserves of India at over 297 billion US dollars. The surge in Forex is attributed to growth in which of the following sector?
a. Export sector
b. Foreign Direct Investments
c. Agricultural output
d. Industrial output
Answer: a
5. Gross Fiscal Deficit stands at 4.8% of GDP. What was the percentage of Gross Fiscal Deficit in 2010?
a. 6.3%
b. 5.8%
c. 5.0%
d. 7.1%
Answer: a
6. Agriculture is expected to grow by what percentage in 2010-11 as per the Economic Survey?
a. 5.0%
b. 5.1%
c. 5.4%
d. 5.5%
Answer: c
7. What percentage of GDP growth at market prices was estimated by the Economic Survey 2010-11? a. 9.0%
b. 9.5%
c. 9.7%
d. 10.0%
Answer: c
8. Exports surged by what percentage in the period between April to December 2010?
a. 25.0%
b. 29.5%
c. 18.1%
d. 33.0%
Answer: b
9. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed to increase the Income Tax Exemption Limit for individual tax payers from 1 lakh 60 to _?
a. 1 lakh 80 thousand
b. 1 lakh 90 thousand
c. 2 lakh
d. 2 lakh 20 thousand
Answer: a
10. Which of the following was not proposed in the Union Budget 2011-12 presented by pranab Mukherjee?
1. Special vehicles were proposed to be created in the form of Infrastructure Debt Funds to attract foreign funds.
2. Rs. 300 crore expenditure was proposed to promote horticulture centres in rain fed areas for increasing crop productivity.
3. For the manufacturing sector, the budget proposed reduction of basic customs duty on raw silk from 30 to 5 per cent.
4. Concessional 10 per cent Excise Duty was also proposed for fuel cell or Hydrogen cell-technology-based vehicles.
a. 1 & 3
b. Only 2
c. Only 4
d. 3 & 4
Answer: b
11. In the Budget it was proposed to provide sum of money for implementation of vegetable initiative to set in motion a virtuous cycle of higher production and incomes for the farmers. What was the proposed amount?
a. Rs 500 crore
b. Rs 300 crore
c. Rs 10000 crore
d. Rs 650 crore
Answer: b
12. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana was proposed to be being extended to the beneficiaries of which of the following Union Government schemes?
a. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA beneficiaries
b. Beneficiaries of Swavlamban pension scheme
c. Indira Gandhi National old Age Pension scheme beneficiaries
d.Beneficiaries of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
Answer: a
13. Acknowledging the need for development of J&K and North-east, Mamata Banerjee introduced in the Railway Budget 2011 a number measures for these two regions. In which of the following North-eastern cities did the budget propose to set up a diesel locomotive centre?
a. Imphal
b. Manipur
c. Guwahati
d. Tripura
Answer: b
14. Read the two statements with regard to the passenger benefit plans proposed in the Railway Budget 2011.
1.The budget proposed extension of Train Management System to New Delhi, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Ahmedabad and Lucknow stations to provide information on running of trains.
2.Mamta Banerjee introduced a new concept of Smart Card - Go India for long distance travel by Indian railways.
Which of the two statements are true?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 & 2
d. None of the above
Answer: c
15. According to Railway Budget 2011, railway card passes would be extended to the parents of the unmarried posthumous winners of which of the following Awards?
1. Param Vir Chakra
2. Bharat Ratna
3. Ashok Chakra gallantry award
4. Padma Shri
a. 1 & 2
b. 2 & 3
c. 1, 2 & 3
d. 1 & 3
Answer: d
16. Which of the following schemes proposed in the Railway Budget 2011 is/are not meant for Railway Employees?
1. Expansion of Liberalized Active Retirement Scheme for Guaranteed Employment
2. Railway Vidyalaya Prabandhan Board
3. Sukhi Griha Scheme
4. Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana
a. 1 & 3
b. 3 & 4
c. 2 & 4
d. 1 & 4
Answer: b
17. The electrical energy requirement of railways is growing rapidly with the expansion of the rail infrastructure and traffic. Considering the rising demand the Ministry of Railways proposed to set up 700 MW power plant at Thakurli in Maharashtra. The power plant is proposed to be based on what form of energy?
a. gas-based
b. coal-based
c. solar power
d. nuclear energy based
Answer: a
18. Ministry of Railways proposed to extend Anti Collision Device (ACD) to which of the following Railway zones in India?
1. Eastern zone
2. East Central
3. North Eastern
4. South Central
a. 1 & 4
b. 2 & 4
c. 1 & 2
d. 1 & 3
Answer: c
19. With regard to the infrastructure development of Railways as proposed in Railway Budget 2011 which statement/statements is/are false?
1. The budget proposed to lay 40 new lines, covering 1075 km.
2. The Ministry has allocated Rs 5406 crore for doubling of 867 km of lines
3. A greater thrust was given to the expansion of the rail network with a larger allocation of Rs 9583 cr for new lines.
4. for gauge conversion over 1017 km. Rs 13820 crore was proposed
a. Only 1
b. 1 & 2
c. Only 4
d. 2 & 4
Answer: c
20. Read the two statements mentioned with regard to the budgetary allocations for addressing environmental concerns.
1. The budget proposed that the solar lantern used in far-flung villages will attract no duty from 10 per cent charged earlier.
2. To provide green and clean transportation for the masses, National Mission for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles will be launched in the year 2011 in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Which of them is true?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 & 2
d. None of the above
Answer: b
21. To enhance credit worthiness of economically weaker sections and LIG households, a Mortgage Risk Guarantee Fund was announced to be created under which of the following scheme or Yojana?
a. Rajiv Awas Yojana
b. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
c. Indira Awas Yojana
d. Mahatama Gandhi NREGA
Answer: a
22. Read the following statements with regard to the allocation in the Educational sector as proposed by Union Budget 2011-12.
1. For Sarva Siksha Abhiyan the allocation was increased by 40 percent to 21000 crore rupees.
2. All institutions of higher learning will be connected through optical fibers by March 2012.
3. 500 crore rupees was proposed to be provided for national skill development fund.
4. For the needy scheduled castes ad scheduled tribe candidates studying in class-IX and Xth pre-matric scholarship scheme was proposed to be introduced.
Which of the above mentioned statements is not true?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3 & 4
d. 4
Answer: b
23. The Basic Customs Duty exemption was proposed to be extended to which of the following sectors?
a. art and antiquities for exhibition or display in private art galleries
b. Cinematographic film, factory-built ambulances
c. syringes and needles
d. agricultural machinery
Answer: a
24. What amount of money was allocated for Bharat Nirman?
a. 1000 crore
b. 58000 crore
c. 55438 crore
d. 14362 crore
Answer: b
25. Which of the following statement/statements is/are true with reference to the Railway Budget 2011?
1. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Annual Plan for the year 2011-12 at Rs 57630 cr which is the highest ever plan investment by the railways in a single year.
2. Under the proposed Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana the pending socially desirable lines would be completed and other similar new line projects would also be taken up.
3. Mamata Banerjee declared 2010-11 as the Year of Green Energy.
4. 2 AC Double Decker Trains in the Jaipur-Delhi and Delhi-Ahmedabad routes were proposed.
Choose Answers:
a. 1,2 & 3
b. 1 & 4
c. 2 & 3
d. 1 & 2
Answer: d
Saturday, September 17, 2011
APPSC GROUP-II EXAM CURRENT AFFAIRS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. ‘Verna’ is the new model of the following car makers—
(A) Suzuki
(B) BMW
(C) Hyundai
(D) Honda
Answer: Hyundai
2. Which position did Sachin Tendulkar achieve in the ICC ranking in August 2011 ?
(A) First
(B) Sixth
(C) Third
(D) Eighth
Answer: Third
3. How many seats did the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) bag on its own in the Uttar Pradesh state general assembly election in April-May 2007 ?
(A) 145
(B) 138
(C) 207
(D) 187
Answer: 207
4. Who among the following has been honoured with Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2009 ?
(A) Mohd. El Baradei
(B) Dalai Lama
(C) Sheikh Hasina Wajed
(D) Barack Obama
Answer: Sheikh Hasina Wajed
5. The Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the year 2009 was conferred on—
(A) Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
(B) Thomas A. Steitz
(C) Ada E. Yonuth
(D) All the above
Answer: All the above
6. Who among the following is heading the SEBI’s Committee on Corporate governance?
(A) Ratan Tata
(B) G. N. Bajpai
(C) Narayan Murthy
(D) J. S. Verma
Answer: Narayan Murthy
7. In which of the following states has the Tata Tele-service (TTSL) started its first operation under the new name Tata Indicom?
(A) Goa
(B) Kerala
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Maharashtra
Answer: Tamil Nadu
8. Who among the following has been honoured with Bharat Ratna for the year 2008 ?
(A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(B) G. Madhavan Nair
(C) None of these
(D) Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
Answer: Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
9. Which Hindi author has been selected for the K. K. Birla Vyas Samman 2010 for his poetry collection “Phir Bhi Kuch Rah Jayega” ?
(A) Sri Lal Shukla
(B) Gopal Das Neeraj
(C) Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari
(D) None of these
Answer: Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari
10. Who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in the year 2010 ?
(A) Ehud Barak
(B) Liu Xiaobo
(C) Linda Buck
(D) Both (B) & (C)
Answer: Liu Xiaobo
11. Which of the following companies is the world’s number one car maker ?
(A) Honda Motor
(B) Volvo Motor
(C) Suzuki Motor
(D) General Motor
Answer: General Motor
12. With what game is the name of Cara Black associated ?
(A) Lawn Tennis
(B) Badminton
(C) Table Tennis
(D) Chess
Answer: Lawn Tennis
13. The multinational company which has launched ‘Bio Colour Television’ in Indian market?
(A) L.G.
(B) Samsung
(C) BPL
(D) Philips
Answer: Samsung
14. Who was awarded the 83rd Oscar Award for the Best Director on 27th February, 2011?
(A) Jamie Foxx
(B) Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
(C) Morgan Freeman
(D) None of these
Answer: Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
15. Which one of the following countries of the world is worst affected by the economic meltdown currently plaguing the world ?
(A) China
(B) India
(C) The U.K.
(D) The U.S.A.
Answer: The U.S.A.
16. Name the magazine which has been circulated on the board of Indian Airlines after replacing ‘Swagat.’
(A) Cosmopolitan
(B) Darpan
(C) Welcome
(D) Flying World
Answer: Darpan
17. Government of India formed a new South-Western Command of the Indian land army. With this the number of commands will be raised to—
(A) 6
(B) 8
(C) 7
(D) 5
Answer: 7
18. How many states in the country have been chosen for a pilot project to introduce a new multipurpose national Identity Card ?
(A) 16
(B) 15
(C) 14
(D) 13
Answer: 13
19. With the admission of two new members into the European Union on January 1, 2007, the membership of the organisation has now risen to—
(A) 25
(B) 19
(C) 27
(D) 15
Answer: 27
20. The famous Akshardham Temple is situated in the city of—
(A) Madurai
(B) Gandhi Nagar
(C) Jammu
(D) Srinagar
Answer: Gandhi Nagar
21. Which of the following parties does not form part of the United Progressive Alliance government formed following the elections to the 14th Lok Sabha ?
(A) DMK
(B) RJD
(C) JD (U)
(D) NCP
Answer: JD (U)
22. ‘India’s Gateway to the World’ the famous slogan is of—
(A) Air India
(B) BSNL
(C) VSNL
(D) Wipro
Answer: VSNL
23. ‘Vision India 2020’ is a book written by—
(A) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(B) I. K. Gujral
(C) Narendra Modi
(D) Shushil Kumar Shinde
Answer: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
24. The company which sponsored the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the century is—
(A) Birla
(B) Onida
(C) Electrolux
(D) Sony
Answer: Electrolux
25. Who among the following won the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2010 ?
(A) Elizabeth H. Blackburn
(B) Carol W. Greider
(C) Jack W. Szostak
(D) Robert G. Edwards
Answer: Robert G. Edwards
26. Which Indian Scientist has had the distinction of receiving not only the Nobel Prize, but also Bharat Ratna ?
(A) Dr. Homi Bhabha
(B) Dr. J. C. Bose
(C) Dr. C. V. Raman
(D) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: Dr. C. V. Raman
27. Who among the following was awarded Nobel Prize for Literature-2010 ?
(A) Mario Vergas Llosa
(B) Bill Clinton
(C) Paul Lauterbur
(D) Shirin Ebadi
Answer: Mario Vergas Llosa
28. Who got the Best Actor Award in the 58th National Film Awards announced on May 19, 2011 ?
(A) Amitabh Bachchan
(B) Shahrukh Khan
(C) Dhanush and Salim Kumar
(D) Nana Patekar
See Answer:
29. Who was awarded the UNESCO—Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Award for 2011 ?
(A) K.C. Vashishtha
(B) Ahmad Zeidabadi
(C) Mai Chidiac
(D) N. Swaminathan
Answer: Ahmad Zeidabadi
30. The Nuclear Security Summit was held between 12-13 April, 2010 at—
(A) Bucharest
(B) Dhaka
(C) Washington
(D) Islamabad
Answer: Washington
31. Who among the following is the USA’s new Foreign Secretary or Secretary of State in place of Condolezza Rice, following Presidential elections in Nov. 2008?
(A) James Rumsfeld
(B) Hillary Clinton
(C) Armitage
(D) None of these
Answer: Hillary Clinton
32. Which company recently hit the business headlines for striking a historic natural gas discovery near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh ?
(A) Gas Authority of India Ltd.
(B) ONGC
(C) Oil India Ltd.
(D) Reliance Industries
Answer: Reliance Industries
33. Who became the first Indian women to cross Gobi Desert in July 2011 ?
(A) Amrita Singh
(B) Ankita Singh
(C) Sucheta Kadethanker
(D) None of these
Answer: Sucheta Kadethanker
34. Which of the following is a recipient of Dhyan Chand Award, 2010 announced in August 2010 ?
(A) Hukam Singh
(B) Satish Pillai
(C) Mukh Bain Singh
(D) Gyan Singh
Answer: Satish Pillai
35. G-15 Summit concluded on 17 May, 2010 in—
(A) Kualalumpur
(B) Tehran
(C) Beijing
(D) Hanoi
Answer: Tehran
36. Where was the World Economic Forum meeting held in January, 2009 ?
(A) Jakarta
(B) Manila
(C) Kualalumpur
(D) Davos
Answer: Davos
37. India’s newly built and tested missile ‘Astra’ is meant for—
(A) Surface to air strike
(B) Air to air strike
(C) Ship to ship strike
(D) Surface to surface strike
Answer: Air to air strike
38. Who has been appointed the first woman Prime Minister of Tobago ?
(A) Kamla Das
(B) Kamla Devi
(C) Kamla Prasad Bissessar
(D) Kamla K. Singh
Answer: Kamla Prasad Bissessar
39. ‘Power’ a new variety of petrol has been introduced in the market by—
(A) BPCL
(B) ONGC
(C) IOC
(D) HPCL
Answer: HPCL
40. Who is the new President of the European Council ?
(A) Leszek Miller
(B) Marek Belka
(C) Gerhard Schroeder
(D) Herman Van Rompuy
Answer: Herman Van Rompuy
41. Identify Mullaithivu—
(A) It is the name of the town which was one of the strong holds of the LTTE in Sri Lanka
(B) It is a terrorist organisation in Sri Lanka
(C) It is a place of pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu
(D) None of these
Answer: It is the name of the town which was one of the strong holds of the LTTE in Sri Lanka
42. Which of the following is not a member of G-20 developing nations ?
(A) Argentina
(B) India
(C) Pakistan
(D) USA
Answer: USA
43. Which of the following was crowned Miss India worldwide 2010 ?
(A) Niharica Raizada
(B) Kajal Lutchminarain
(C) Cher Merchand
(D) None of these
Answer: Kajal Lutchminarain
44. Where did the 16th SAARC Summit take place in April 2010 ?
(A) Vientiane
(B) Kualalumpur
(C) Thimpu
(D) Hanoi
Answer: Thimpu
45. Which scientist received Shantiswarup Bhatanagar Award 2009 for Mathematical Sciences ?
(A) Dr. Probal Chaudhuri
(B) Dr. Kapil Hare Paranjape
(C) Dr. Mitali Mukherjee
(D) Dr. Atul Chawksi
Answer: Dr. Mitali Mukherjee
46. Which of the following has been not selected for Padma Bhushan Award for 2011 ?
(A) Satyadev Dubey
(B) Shashi Kapoor
(C) Waheeda Rehman
(D) Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra
Answer: Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra
47. The first Indian to win Nobel Prize was—
(A) C.V. Raman
(B) Rabindra Nath Tagore
(C) Hargovind Khurana
(D) Amartya Sen
Answer: Rabindra Nath Tagore
48. Who was awarded the UNESCO Peace Prize 2008 ?
(A) Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
(B) Atal Bihari Vajpai
(C) Tony Blair
(D) George W. Bush
Answer: Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
49. Julictte Binoche has begged best actress award in 63rd International Film Festival of Cannes for the film—
(A) A Screaming Man
(B) Of Gods and Men
(C) Certified Copy
(D) Ano Bisiesto
Answer: Certified Copy
50. Who has been awarded the Best Younger Player Award in FIFA World Cup Football 2010 ?
(A) Diego Forlan
(B) Thomas Muller
(C) Andres Iniesta
(D) Iker Casillas
Answer: Andres Iniesta
(A) Suzuki
(B) BMW
(C) Hyundai
(D) Honda
Answer: Hyundai
2. Which position did Sachin Tendulkar achieve in the ICC ranking in August 2011 ?
(A) First
(B) Sixth
(C) Third
(D) Eighth
Answer: Third
3. How many seats did the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) bag on its own in the Uttar Pradesh state general assembly election in April-May 2007 ?
(A) 145
(B) 138
(C) 207
(D) 187
Answer: 207
4. Who among the following has been honoured with Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2009 ?
(A) Mohd. El Baradei
(B) Dalai Lama
(C) Sheikh Hasina Wajed
(D) Barack Obama
Answer: Sheikh Hasina Wajed
5. The Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the year 2009 was conferred on—
(A) Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
(B) Thomas A. Steitz
(C) Ada E. Yonuth
(D) All the above
Answer: All the above
6. Who among the following is heading the SEBI’s Committee on Corporate governance?
(A) Ratan Tata
(B) G. N. Bajpai
(C) Narayan Murthy
(D) J. S. Verma
Answer: Narayan Murthy
7. In which of the following states has the Tata Tele-service (TTSL) started its first operation under the new name Tata Indicom?
(A) Goa
(B) Kerala
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Maharashtra
Answer: Tamil Nadu
8. Who among the following has been honoured with Bharat Ratna for the year 2008 ?
(A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(B) G. Madhavan Nair
(C) None of these
(D) Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
Answer: Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
9. Which Hindi author has been selected for the K. K. Birla Vyas Samman 2010 for his poetry collection “Phir Bhi Kuch Rah Jayega” ?
(A) Sri Lal Shukla
(B) Gopal Das Neeraj
(C) Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari
(D) None of these
Answer: Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari
10. Who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in the year 2010 ?
(A) Ehud Barak
(B) Liu Xiaobo
(C) Linda Buck
(D) Both (B) & (C)
Answer: Liu Xiaobo
11. Which of the following companies is the world’s number one car maker ?
(A) Honda Motor
(B) Volvo Motor
(C) Suzuki Motor
(D) General Motor
Answer: General Motor
12. With what game is the name of Cara Black associated ?
(A) Lawn Tennis
(B) Badminton
(C) Table Tennis
(D) Chess
Answer: Lawn Tennis
13. The multinational company which has launched ‘Bio Colour Television’ in Indian market?
(A) L.G.
(B) Samsung
(C) BPL
(D) Philips
Answer: Samsung
14. Who was awarded the 83rd Oscar Award for the Best Director on 27th February, 2011?
(A) Jamie Foxx
(B) Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
(C) Morgan Freeman
(D) None of these
Answer: Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
15. Which one of the following countries of the world is worst affected by the economic meltdown currently plaguing the world ?
(A) China
(B) India
(C) The U.K.
(D) The U.S.A.
Answer: The U.S.A.
16. Name the magazine which has been circulated on the board of Indian Airlines after replacing ‘Swagat.’
(A) Cosmopolitan
(B) Darpan
(C) Welcome
(D) Flying World
Answer: Darpan
17. Government of India formed a new South-Western Command of the Indian land army. With this the number of commands will be raised to—
(A) 6
(B) 8
(C) 7
(D) 5
Answer: 7
18. How many states in the country have been chosen for a pilot project to introduce a new multipurpose national Identity Card ?
(A) 16
(B) 15
(C) 14
(D) 13
Answer: 13
19. With the admission of two new members into the European Union on January 1, 2007, the membership of the organisation has now risen to—
(A) 25
(B) 19
(C) 27
(D) 15
Answer: 27
20. The famous Akshardham Temple is situated in the city of—
(A) Madurai
(B) Gandhi Nagar
(C) Jammu
(D) Srinagar
Answer: Gandhi Nagar
21. Which of the following parties does not form part of the United Progressive Alliance government formed following the elections to the 14th Lok Sabha ?
(A) DMK
(B) RJD
(C) JD (U)
(D) NCP
Answer: JD (U)
22. ‘India’s Gateway to the World’ the famous slogan is of—
(A) Air India
(B) BSNL
(C) VSNL
(D) Wipro
Answer: VSNL
23. ‘Vision India 2020’ is a book written by—
(A) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(B) I. K. Gujral
(C) Narendra Modi
(D) Shushil Kumar Shinde
Answer: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
24. The company which sponsored the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the century is—
(A) Birla
(B) Onida
(C) Electrolux
(D) Sony
Answer: Electrolux
25. Who among the following won the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2010 ?
(A) Elizabeth H. Blackburn
(B) Carol W. Greider
(C) Jack W. Szostak
(D) Robert G. Edwards
Answer: Robert G. Edwards
26. Which Indian Scientist has had the distinction of receiving not only the Nobel Prize, but also Bharat Ratna ?
(A) Dr. Homi Bhabha
(B) Dr. J. C. Bose
(C) Dr. C. V. Raman
(D) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Answer: Dr. C. V. Raman
27. Who among the following was awarded Nobel Prize for Literature-2010 ?
(A) Mario Vergas Llosa
(B) Bill Clinton
(C) Paul Lauterbur
(D) Shirin Ebadi
Answer: Mario Vergas Llosa
28. Who got the Best Actor Award in the 58th National Film Awards announced on May 19, 2011 ?
(A) Amitabh Bachchan
(B) Shahrukh Khan
(C) Dhanush and Salim Kumar
(D) Nana Patekar
See Answer:
29. Who was awarded the UNESCO—Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Award for 2011 ?
(A) K.C. Vashishtha
(B) Ahmad Zeidabadi
(C) Mai Chidiac
(D) N. Swaminathan
Answer: Ahmad Zeidabadi
30. The Nuclear Security Summit was held between 12-13 April, 2010 at—
(A) Bucharest
(B) Dhaka
(C) Washington
(D) Islamabad
Answer: Washington
31. Who among the following is the USA’s new Foreign Secretary or Secretary of State in place of Condolezza Rice, following Presidential elections in Nov. 2008?
(A) James Rumsfeld
(B) Hillary Clinton
(C) Armitage
(D) None of these
Answer: Hillary Clinton
32. Which company recently hit the business headlines for striking a historic natural gas discovery near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh ?
(A) Gas Authority of India Ltd.
(B) ONGC
(C) Oil India Ltd.
(D) Reliance Industries
Answer: Reliance Industries
33. Who became the first Indian women to cross Gobi Desert in July 2011 ?
(A) Amrita Singh
(B) Ankita Singh
(C) Sucheta Kadethanker
(D) None of these
Answer: Sucheta Kadethanker
34. Which of the following is a recipient of Dhyan Chand Award, 2010 announced in August 2010 ?
(A) Hukam Singh
(B) Satish Pillai
(C) Mukh Bain Singh
(D) Gyan Singh
Answer: Satish Pillai
35. G-15 Summit concluded on 17 May, 2010 in—
(A) Kualalumpur
(B) Tehran
(C) Beijing
(D) Hanoi
Answer: Tehran
36. Where was the World Economic Forum meeting held in January, 2009 ?
(A) Jakarta
(B) Manila
(C) Kualalumpur
(D) Davos
Answer: Davos
37. India’s newly built and tested missile ‘Astra’ is meant for—
(A) Surface to air strike
(B) Air to air strike
(C) Ship to ship strike
(D) Surface to surface strike
Answer: Air to air strike
38. Who has been appointed the first woman Prime Minister of Tobago ?
(A) Kamla Das
(B) Kamla Devi
(C) Kamla Prasad Bissessar
(D) Kamla K. Singh
Answer: Kamla Prasad Bissessar
39. ‘Power’ a new variety of petrol has been introduced in the market by—
(A) BPCL
(B) ONGC
(C) IOC
(D) HPCL
Answer: HPCL
40. Who is the new President of the European Council ?
(A) Leszek Miller
(B) Marek Belka
(C) Gerhard Schroeder
(D) Herman Van Rompuy
Answer: Herman Van Rompuy
41. Identify Mullaithivu—
(A) It is the name of the town which was one of the strong holds of the LTTE in Sri Lanka
(B) It is a terrorist organisation in Sri Lanka
(C) It is a place of pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu
(D) None of these
Answer: It is the name of the town which was one of the strong holds of the LTTE in Sri Lanka
42. Which of the following is not a member of G-20 developing nations ?
(A) Argentina
(B) India
(C) Pakistan
(D) USA
Answer: USA
43. Which of the following was crowned Miss India worldwide 2010 ?
(A) Niharica Raizada
(B) Kajal Lutchminarain
(C) Cher Merchand
(D) None of these
Answer: Kajal Lutchminarain
44. Where did the 16th SAARC Summit take place in April 2010 ?
(A) Vientiane
(B) Kualalumpur
(C) Thimpu
(D) Hanoi
Answer: Thimpu
45. Which scientist received Shantiswarup Bhatanagar Award 2009 for Mathematical Sciences ?
(A) Dr. Probal Chaudhuri
(B) Dr. Kapil Hare Paranjape
(C) Dr. Mitali Mukherjee
(D) Dr. Atul Chawksi
Answer: Dr. Mitali Mukherjee
46. Which of the following has been not selected for Padma Bhushan Award for 2011 ?
(A) Satyadev Dubey
(B) Shashi Kapoor
(C) Waheeda Rehman
(D) Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra
Answer: Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra
47. The first Indian to win Nobel Prize was—
(A) C.V. Raman
(B) Rabindra Nath Tagore
(C) Hargovind Khurana
(D) Amartya Sen
Answer: Rabindra Nath Tagore
48. Who was awarded the UNESCO Peace Prize 2008 ?
(A) Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
(B) Atal Bihari Vajpai
(C) Tony Blair
(D) George W. Bush
Answer: Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
49. Julictte Binoche has begged best actress award in 63rd International Film Festival of Cannes for the film—
(A) A Screaming Man
(B) Of Gods and Men
(C) Certified Copy
(D) Ano Bisiesto
Answer: Certified Copy
50. Who has been awarded the Best Younger Player Award in FIFA World Cup Football 2010 ?
(A) Diego Forlan
(B) Thomas Muller
(C) Andres Iniesta
(D) Iker Casillas
Answer: Andres Iniesta
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ozone Day
Every year September 16th is celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Since 1995, this date has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This commemoration around the world offers an opportunity to focus attention and action at the global, regional and national levels on the protection of the ozone layer. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “HCFC phase out- a unique opportunity.”
What is Ozone Layer?
The Ozone Layer describes the protective layer of naturally occurring gas, comprised of three atoms of oxygen found about 10-50 km above the earth’s surface that protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation or UV-B rays of sun. Scientist in the 1970’s discovered that the layer was thinning as a result of the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), consequently, the Ozone Hole developed. In 1985, nations around the world convened at Vienna in an attempt to develop a framework for co-operative activities to protect the Ozone layer. This signed agreement became known as the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
The UNEP is monitoring compliance with the programmes of the international treaties aimed at eliminating the projection and use of ozone-depleting substances, including (CFCs), used as industrial refrigerants and in aerosols, and the pesticide methyl bromide.
Specifically, developing countries need to focus on eliminating the use of methyl bromide as an agricultural pesticide and they must halt illegal trade in CFCs.More than 130,000 new cases of melanoma are reported around the world and some 66,000 people die from skin cancer every year.
Montreal Protocol
In 1987, representatives from 24 countries met in Montreal and announced to the world that it was time to stop destroying the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognized as the most successful international environment treaty in history. Another testimony to its remarkable accomplishments, the Montreal Protocol has received universal ratification; all countries in the world have now ratified this landmark agreement. This brings together the whole international community to protect the ozone layer.
The Protocol was the culmination of decades of research, which established that chemicals containing chlorine and bromine released in the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer. A depleted ozone layer in the stratosphere allows the ultraviolet rays of the sun to reach the earth exposing mankind, flora and fauna to its harmful effects. According to the World Health Organization, each year between 12 to 15 million people become blind from cataracts worldwide, of which up to 20% may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure.
Initially on the basis of very definite empirical findings, the Protocol enjoined upon all the signatory nations to completely phase out the major Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and carbon-tetrachloride (CTC) in a given time schedule. Later, other studies have brought more ODSs such as hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide under the ambit of the Protocol for phasing out within the given deadlines.
The Montreal Protocol which is in operation for more than twenty years had an extraordinary international cooperation and has led to complete phase-out of production and consumption of several ODSs. As of 1st January, 2010, the production and consumption of major ODSs like CFCs, CTC and halons have already been phased out globally. This has not only protected the stratospheric ozone but it has also immensely benefited the climate system.
India Shares Concern
India, being a Party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, have been sharing the global concern for protecting the ozone layer and phase out of ODSs like CFCs, halons, CTC, methylchloroform, methylbromide and HCFCs. These chemicals are used in industrial and pharmaceutical aerosols, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipments, foam manufacturing, fire extinguishing equipment, metal-cleaning, garment cleaning, soil fumigation and quarantine and pre-shipment applications etc.
Since 1993 with the continued efforts made by stakeholders responsible for implementation of the Montreal Protocol activities, India has successfully phased-out completely the production and consumption of CFCs, CTC and halons except the use of pharmaceutical grade CFCs in manufacturing of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for treatment of Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory ailments under the Essential Use Nomination (EUN) provisions of the Montreal Protocol.
India- Ahead of Schedule
India also proactively ceased the production and consumption of CFCs from 1st August, 2008, 17 months ahead of schedule of the Montreal Protocol. However, adequate steps were taken to ensure the supply of pharmaceutical grade CFCs for the critical sector, manufacturing of MDIs continue to serve millions of Asthma and COPD patients in our country through EUN provisions of the Protocol especially during the transition period. India got it approved of 343.6 MT of pharmaceutical grade CFCs for 2010 for manufacturing of MDIs in the country. The Indian MDI manufacturers have made an excellent progress in developing CFC-free formulations for most of the MDIs and placed CFC-free MDIs in the market. As a result, India did not seek any amount of CFC during 2011.
Recognizing the success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out the ODSs like CTC, CFC and halons, the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP) held in September, 2007 had taken a decision to advance the phase-out of HCFCs by 10 years. The baseline for production and consumption of HCFCs will be determined on the average of the years 2009 and 2010 for production and consumption respectively. The freeze will be from 2013 and 10% reduction from the baseline in 2015 for stage–I reduction as per the accelerated phase-out schedule. The HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) is being prepared in close cooperation with the industry, concerned industry associations, research institutions, institutional user organizations, NGOs etc. The Sectoral Working Groups Meeting was organized in September 2009. Based on the outcome of the meeting, a Roadmap to Phase-out HCFCs in India was launched in October, 2009. The finalization of HPMP for Stage-I is in progress in consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.
Early Adoption of New Technologies
The Government has also taken a number of policy measures, both fiscal and regulatory, to encourage early adoption of new technologies by existing and new enterprises. The Customs and Excise duty exemption is granted on capital goods required to implement ODS phase out projects funded by the MLF and these physical incentives are also extended for new industrial establishments and expansion of existing capacities using non-ODS technologies. The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 regulating ODS production, consumption and trade have also been put in place. These Rules are being enforced under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 with effect from 19th July, 2000. These Rules have been, further, amended from time to time to facilitate execution of national phase-out plans so as to meet the reduction targets as specified in the Protocol.
Indian Continental Shelf Programme
Under Part VI of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), coastal states have sovereign and economic rights over the resources of their continental shelf out to a idstance of 200 nautical miles (M) from thier territorial sea baselines. However, as per the provision of Article 76 of UNCLOS, these rights can be extended beyond 200 M it it can be demonstrated that the shelf extends beyond this distance throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory (See Figure below).Determining the extent of this continental prolongation from the landmass, and hence defining the outer limit of the continental shelf, forms the basis of the Indian Continental Shelf Programme.
The Indian Continental Shelf Project which commenced during November 1999, is a multi-institutional and multicrore national mission that seeks to gather , analyse and document the requisite scientific and technical information that would help define the country’s extended shelf boundaries beyond 200 M as per the UNCLOS provisions. The Indian endeavours towards this ultimate goal are being spearheaded by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR). Underpinning our efforts has been a comprehensive multi-institutional marine geophysical survey and data analysis programme comprising state-of –the –art multi-channel seismic reflection, refraction, gravity and magnetic data profiling.
The data acquisition work was initiated through a contractual agreement on the 17th July 2002 and was completed on the 7th of February 2004. Spread over 385 days of fair-weather period, around 31,000 km of seismic reflection, gravity and magnetic data were collected in and off the EEZ of India. In addition, for the first time in the country, 90 state-of-the-art Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) were successfully deployed along several seismic transects to constrain the velocities from the reflection data as well as to develop a crustal model of the area.
Considering the scope of the work, the post – processing and interpretation of the geophysical data was undertaken by three of the leading National Institutes, viz., NCAOR, NGRI and NIO. The National Hydrographic Office (NHO) was the load agency for the acquisition , processing, interpretation delineation of the 2500-m isobaths as well as the foot of the continental slope. Other Indian Agencies involved in the Project during the data acquisition phase were the ONGC, GSI and the DGH. All the policy aspects related to the delineation exercise are being handled by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the External Affairs.
On the 11th May 2009, India submitted to the UN Commission on the limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), the country’s first partial submission for an extended continental shelf under the provisions of article 76: technical documentation for a second partial submission under the provisions of the Statement of Understanding has also been provided to the Ministry of External Affairs for submission to the CLCS.
On the 16 August 2010, a six-member delegation led by Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, MoES made a formal presentation of India’s submission before the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf at the UN Headquarters, New York.
Marine Geophysical Database
During the course of Indian continental shelf Programme as well as other geophysical cruises in the Indian Ocean region, a huge volume of marine geophysical date has been gathered and archived at NCAOR. Considering the immense volume of data and its intrinsic value, a state-of-the-art archival and retrieval facilities of data in a structured database has been established at NCAOR. This Centre was formally commissioned on 11th December 2009 by Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, MoES. The web based database facilitates customized GIS-based interface for easy retrieval of data from a NAS, queries based on different scientific inputs, and web based input/output interface to facilitate the application to run on internet/intranet with login authentication. The database format is also flexible enough to allow for both vertical and lateral growth.
While the scientific and technical information gathered would admirably serve its primary purpose of delineating the outer limits of India’s continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, the surveys have also furnished invaluable data that could form the cornerstone of the country’s planned endeavours in the oceanic realm. Further detailed studies on the data collected are expected to provide the scientific community with answers to some of the long-debated questions as the origin and evolution of such enigmatic features as the 85o East Ridge in the Bay of Bengal, the Laxmi and Laccadive Ridges in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar, the offshore extent of the Deccan volcanic, the reasons for the association of gravity lows in the Bay of Bengal with structural highs , the development of the fans vis-a-vis the origin and growth of the Himalayas etc. The studies also open a new vista in the exploration for hydrocarbons in the offshore areas of the continental shelf beyond 200 M. With two of the world’s thickest accumulations of sediments on the seabed (the “Indus Fan” in the Arabian Sea and the “Bengal Fan” in the Bay of 44Bengal) derived from the Himalayas, the data gathered is expected to provide specific insights related to such areas as marine ecosystems, unconventional energy, and offshore mineral resources . An increased understanding of the history and processes of the continental margin around us will also improve the assessment of hazards resulting landslides and tsunamis.
India Convenes meeting of BRICS Finance Ministers in Washington DC on September 22, 2011
The Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that India is convening a meeting of BRICS Finance Ministers in Washington DC on September 22, 2011 on the sidelines of the Fund-Bank and G-20 Meetings. The Finance Minister said that we would explore the manner in which BRICS could coordinate in addressing the evolving economic and financial situation in the various countries of the world. The Finance Minister Shri Mukherjee said that the objective of the meeting is to discuss our concerns regarding the current state of the Global Economy and our Policy Response. Shri Mukherjee said that we will discuss the progress on the report commissioned by India on the role that BRICS can play in the global economy going forward, and also our role in the international financial institutions such as IMF and the World Bank.
5th India-EU Seminar on Employment and Social Policy - Occupational Safety & Health’
The 5th India-EU seminar on Employment and Social Policy - Occupational Safety & Health is commencing on Monday 19th,2011 at Symposia Hall, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Agriculture Science Centre (NASC)Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, New Delhi. The two day seminar will be inaugurated and chaired by Union Minister for Labour & Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and be attended by senior officials from the European Commission and from the member countries of European Union. Ministers from some countries are also likely to attend the seminar. The senior representatives from Workers’ organizations, Employers’ Organisation and senior officers from of various State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments of Govt. of India will also be participating in the seminar.
The seminar will have four sessions spread over two days in which deliberations on the following issues will be made :
“Overview of OSH Institutional Framework in India and the European Union”; “Effective and "Topical Issues in Occupational Health Management"
The seminar is in the sequence of a Joint Action Plan entered in between India and European Union (EU) to have a policy dialogue and cooperation in the fields of employment and social policy. Accordingly, the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the European Commission to strengthen dialogue and exchange of views and information on issues of common interests within the area of employment and social policy such as: skills, training and employment, social security, occupational health and safety; workers’ participation in management; and other relevant issues jointly identified. The structured dialogue consists of exchanges of experience, best practice, views and information on topics of common interest, trends and policy developments related to the above areas. As a part of this structured dialogue, it has been agreed upon to organize a joint seminar on mutually identified issues every year. These seminars will bring together EU and India government experts, social partner representatives, academic experts and other relevant stakeholders to exchange views, information, experience and best practice on topics of common interest.
As a result, the first Seminar on Skills Development and training was held on 27-28 November, 2006 at New Delhi. The second seminar on social security and social protection was held on 17-18 September, 2007 at Lisbon, Portugal. The third Seminar on “Employment Relations and Resolution of Conflicts” was organized on 22nd & 23rd September, 2008 at New Delhi. The 4th India-EU Seminar on the `Skills and Jobs’, with a particular focus on the impact of the global crisis and recovery was held in Brussels from 5th to 6th July, 2010.
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