Com. S. K. Vyas (Advisor),
Com. K. K. N. Kutty (President),
Com. M. S. Raja (Working President),
Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General),
Com. K. P. Rajagopal (Secretary),
Com. Vrighu Bhattacharjee (Finance Secretary),
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
CONFEDERATION OF 24TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE, COM. M. KRISHNAN ELECTED AS NEW SECRETARY GENERAL
CONFEDERATION OF 24TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE, COM. M. KRISHNAN ELECTED AS NEW SECRETARY GENERAL
Com. S. K. Vyas (Advisor),
Com. K. K. N. Kutty (President),
Com. M. S. Raja (Working President),
Com. M. Krishnan (Secretary General),
Com. K. P. Rajagopal (Secretary),
Com. Vrighu Bhattacharjee (Finance Secretary),
Friday, May 17, 2013
No loan against Gold coins weighing above 50 grams, proposes RBI
NEW DELHI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed that banks restrict the facility of advancing loan against gold coins to a maximum weight of 50 grams. This move, implemented would imply that a customer cannot avail loans against gold coins that weigh more than 50 grams.
As per extant instructions, banks are currently permitted to grant advances against gold ornaments and other jewellery and against specially minted gold coins sold by banks. However, no advances can be granted by banks for purchase of gold in any form, including primary gold, gold bullion, gold jewellery, gold coins, units of goldexchange traded funds and units of gold mutual funds.
"While there may not be any objection to grant of advances against specially minted gold coins sold by banks, there is a risk that some of these coins would be weighing much more, thereby circumventing the Reserve Bank's guidelines regarding restrictions on grant of advance against gold bullion," the bank said.
Accordingly the bank has proposed to restrict the facility of advances against the security of gold coins per customer to gold coins weighing up to 50 grams.
The detailed guidelines for the same will be issued by end-May 2013.
Source : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com
No LPG to houses with multiple-connections from June 1
NEW DELHI: Cooking gas or LPG supplies to households having unverified multiple connections will stop from June 1, state-owned oil firms announced today.
The three state-owned fuel retailers have been "directed to stop supplies of LPG refills to households having multiple- connections for which no KYC (Know Your Customer) details have been received, with effect from June 1," a statement issued by Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest oil firm, said.
No transactions, including delivery of non-subsidised cylinders, will be permitted in such cases once such connections have been blocked. IOCBSE 0.63 % said all multiple LPG connection holders have been identified and intimated. All three firms, IOC, Hindustan PetroleumBSE 1.96 % ( HPCLBSE 1.96 %) and Bharat Petroleum (BPCLBSE 1.41 %) are sharing data on LPG customers.
Customers whose name figure on the list of multiple connection holders need to submit their KYC details along with proof of identity and proof of address immediately to their LPG distributors to continue receiving uninterrupted quota of subsidised cylinders, IOC said.
Other customers whose names do not appear in the list need not submit their KYC details as of now.
"The oil companies are advising all multiple-connection holders to submit their KYC details, pertaining to the LPG connection they wish to retain, immediately to their LPG distributors," the statement said adding customers have been advised to surrender excess or multiple connections.
Though the deadline for submission of KYC was December 31, 2012, KYCs are being accepted and LPG connections are being regularised for supply of subsidised cylinders till date, it added.
Source : Economictimes.com
Five tips to ensure you buy the right insurance cover
Though saving tax is not the primary purpose of insurance, it is still bought for this benefit. Find out the questions you should ask in order to buy the appropriate cover.
1) Do you understand the plan?
Before you purchase an insurance plan, be very clear about the benefits it offers. Tax deduction under Section 80C should not be the only reason for buying it because you can achieve this through other tax-saving investments as well. Go for it only if you understand the features of the plan, including the tenure, payouts, premium amount and surrender rules, and how it fits in with your needs. Don't buy if the plan is too complicated for you.
Agents usually want to push you into buying the scheme at the first meeting. Take your time and compare the product with others in the market before buying it.
2) How much is the cover?
The premium paid for a life insurance policy is eligible for deduction under Section 80C and any income accruing from the scheme is tax-free under Section 10 (10D). However, last year's Budget altered the rules significantly.
To be eligible for these tax benefits, a life insurance policy must offer a cover of at least 10 times the annual premium. If the cover is not big enough, there will be no tax deduction under Section 80C and the maturity amount will also be taxable. There is no need to panic if your existing policy does not make the cut. This applies only to regular premium policies issued after 1 April 2012.
3) What is the tenure?
The tenure of the policy is almost as important as the cover. An insurance policy will not be able to generate meaningful returns if the tenure is less than 10 years. Even if the market does well, a Ulip will barely break even in 3-4 years.
In traditional policies, a 15-year term will hardly yield 4-5% returns. If you are looking for a higher return, buy for at least 20-25 years. This will also ensure that you have an insurance coverin your middle age, when the need for life cover is at its peak. However, keep in mind that traditional insurance plans don't give adequate cover. Ideally, one should have a cover that is at least 5-6 times one's annual income.
1) Do you understand the plan?
Before you purchase an insurance plan, be very clear about the benefits it offers. Tax deduction under Section 80C should not be the only reason for buying it because you can achieve this through other tax-saving investments as well. Go for it only if you understand the features of the plan, including the tenure, payouts, premium amount and surrender rules, and how it fits in with your needs. Don't buy if the plan is too complicated for you.
2) How much is the cover?
The premium paid for a life insurance policy is eligible for deduction under Section 80C and any income accruing from the scheme is tax-free under Section 10 (10D). However, last year's Budget altered the rules significantly.
To be eligible for these tax benefits, a life insurance policy must offer a cover of at least 10 times the annual premium. If the cover is not big enough, there will be no tax deduction under Section 80C and the maturity amount will also be taxable. There is no need to panic if your existing policy does not make the cut. This applies only to regular premium policies issued after 1 April 2012.
3) What is the tenure?
The tenure of the policy is almost as important as the cover. An insurance policy will not be able to generate meaningful returns if the tenure is less than 10 years. Even if the market does well, a Ulip will barely break even in 3-4 years.
In traditional policies, a 15-year term will hardly yield 4-5% returns. If you are looking for a higher return, buy for at least 20-25 years. This will also ensure that you have an insurance coverin your middle age, when the need for life cover is at its peak. However, keep in mind that traditional insurance plans don't give adequate cover. Ideally, one should have a cover that is at least 5-6 times one's annual income.
4) What are the risks?
A Ulip is a market-linked instrument and the equity option carries the same risk as any equity mutual fund. Investing a large amount at one go through a Ulip is risky, especially if you are buying a single premium policy.
It is best to invest through monthly or quarterly premium options, but this option may not be open if you are planning to invest before 31 March. What you can do is put your money in the debt option instead of the equity fund. You can then shift small amounts to the equity option every month or so. Most insurance firms allow 10-12 switches free of charge in a year. This strategy of gradually shifting to equity can also be used if you already have a Ulip.
5) Do benefits match needs?
Insurance plans offer a wide range of benefits. Some give periodic payouts, others give a lump sum on maturity; some allow equity exposure, while others give a dual insurance cover. Not all benefits are suitable for all investors. For instance, a young person with a steady job and rising income will not benefit much from a money-back plan that gives periodic payouts.
A child plan will not be of much help if your son is already in his teens and you need money for his college education 4-5 years later. Similarly, a low-yield endowment plan that offers minimal cover may not suit a person who needs to insure himself for a sizeable amount.
A Ulip is a market-linked instrument and the equity option carries the same risk as any equity mutual fund. Investing a large amount at one go through a Ulip is risky, especially if you are buying a single premium policy.
It is best to invest through monthly or quarterly premium options, but this option may not be open if you are planning to invest before 31 March. What you can do is put your money in the debt option instead of the equity fund. You can then shift small amounts to the equity option every month or so. Most insurance firms allow 10-12 switches free of charge in a year. This strategy of gradually shifting to equity can also be used if you already have a Ulip.
5) Do benefits match needs?
Insurance plans offer a wide range of benefits. Some give periodic payouts, others give a lump sum on maturity; some allow equity exposure, while others give a dual insurance cover. Not all benefits are suitable for all investors. For instance, a young person with a steady job and rising income will not benefit much from a money-back plan that gives periodic payouts.
A child plan will not be of much help if your son is already in his teens and you need money for his college education 4-5 years later. Similarly, a low-yield endowment plan that offers minimal cover may not suit a person who needs to insure himself for a sizeable amount.
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Income limit of 'Creamy Layer' for OBCs increased to Rs. 6 lakh
Union Cabinet yesterday approved to increase the limit of 'Creamy layer' bar for OBCs from Rs.4.50 lakh to Rs.6 lakh.
Revision of Income Criterion to exclude Socially Advanced Persons/ Sections (Creamy Layer) from list of other Backward Classes (OBCs)
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum for applying the Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, for excluding Socially Advanced Persons/Sections (Creamy Layer) from the purview of reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The new income criterion will be Rs. 6 lakh per annum. The increase in the income limit to exclude the Creamy Layer is in keeping with the increase in the Consumer Price Index and would enable more persons to take advantage of reservation benefits extended to OBCs in government services and admission to central educational institutions.
This would bring about equity and greater inclusiveness in society. The Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Human Resource Development would issue necessary orders to this effect.
Source: PIB
Revision of Income Criterion to exclude Socially Advanced Persons/ Sections (Creamy Layer) from list of other Backward Classes (OBCs)
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for increase in the present income criterion of Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum for applying the Creamy Layer restriction throughout the country, for excluding Socially Advanced Persons/Sections (Creamy Layer) from the purview of reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The new income criterion will be Rs. 6 lakh per annum. The increase in the income limit to exclude the Creamy Layer is in keeping with the increase in the Consumer Price Index and would enable more persons to take advantage of reservation benefits extended to OBCs in government services and admission to central educational institutions.
This would bring about equity and greater inclusiveness in society. The Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Human Resource Development would issue necessary orders to this effect.
Source: PIB
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Guidelines for Expeditious disposal of Disciplinary Proceedings
Guidelines for Expeditious disposal of Disciplinary Proceedings
1. D.O. letter No. 134/2/83-AVD.I dated 2-4-1985 of Secretary,
Department of Personnel & Training Secretary (Personnel)
Delay in the disposal of disciplinary cases is neither in the interest of
the Government nor in that of the Government servant. Undue delay in the
disposal of the disciplinary cases also affects the morale of the Government
servant. In order to ensure that disciplinary cases are disposed of quickly,
it has been decided that the following measures should be adopted:-
(i) Wherever the allegations are investigated by the CBI and the CVC is
required to be consulted about the action to be taken on the
investigation report, the Department should furnish their comments
to the CVC within a month of the receipt of the investigation report.
In case of disagreement with the advice of the CVC, the matter should
be referred to the CVC for reconsideration of its advice only once.
(It has come to our notice that sometimes Departments make more
than one reference to CVC for reconsideration of its advice. There
should be only one such reference to CVC for reconsideration.
(ii) In cases investigated by the CBI as well as in other cases, the charge
sheet should be issued within 1 month of the receipt of the CVC’s
advice. If this time-limit and that in Item (i) are strictly adhered to, it
should be possible for the Department to issue the charge sheet
within 3 months of the receipt of an investigation report, including the
time taken in consulting the CVC.
(iii) Wherever the CVC is not required to be consulted, the charge sheet
should be issued within 2 months of the receipt of the investigation
report. Where there is no preliminary investigation report, a charge
sheet should be issued within 1 month of taking a decision in the
matter.
(iii) Whenever the CVC is not required to be consulted, the charge sheet
should be issued within 2 months of the receipt of the investigation
report. Where there is no preliminary investigation report, a charge
sheet should be issued within 1 month of taking a decision in the
matter.
(iv) A properly drafted charge sheet is the sheet – anchors of a disciplinary
case. Therefore, the charge sheet should be drafted with utmost
accuracy and precision based on the facts revealed during the
investigation or otherwise and the misconduct involved. It should be
ensured that no relevant material is left out and at the same time no
irrelevant material or witnesses are included.
(v) With a view to reducing the time taken by the Government servant
for inspection of documents before submission of his written
statement of defence in reply to the charge sheet, copies of all the
documents relied upon and the statements of witnesses cited on
behalf of the Disciplinary Authority should be supplied to the
Government servant along with the charge sheet, wherever possible.
(vi) In all cases which are presently pending for appointment of Inquiry
Officer and Presenting Officer, such appointment should be made
within 1 month. In all other cases, the Inquiry Officer and the
Presenting Officer should be appointed, wherever necessary,
immediately after the receipt of the Government servant’s written
statement of defence denying the charges.
(vii) Wherever a large number of oral inquiries are pending, the
Department should earmark some officers on a full time basis to
complete these inquiries within a specified time limit to be indicated
by the Disciplinary Authority. The time limit shall be indicated as
an administrative instructions, having regard to the nature of the
charges and the evidence involved. Similarly, where part time
inquiry officers are appointed, the Disciplinary Authority could,
having regard to the nature of the charges and the evidence involved,
specify time limits for the completion of the inquiry as an
administrative instructions.
(viii) The oral inquiry, including the submission of the Inquiry Officer’s
report, should normally be completed within a period of 6 months
from the date of appointment of the Inquiry officer. In the
preliminary inquiry, in the beginning, requiring the first appearance
of the charged Government servant and the Presenting Officer, the
Inquiry Officer should lay down a definite time bound programme for
inspection of the listed documents before the regular hearing is taken up. The regular hearing, once started, should be conducted on dayto-day basis until completed and adjournment should not be granted
on frivolous grounds.
(ix) After the receipt of the Inquiry Officer’s report and obtaining the
advice of the CVC wherever required, the final decision in the matter
should be taken by the Departments within a period of 2 months
except in cases where the UPSC is required to be consulted.
Wherever the reconsideration of the advice of the CVC is sought,
such reference should be once only at this stage. In cases in which
UPSC is to be consulted, the final decision in the matter should be
taken within 1 month of the receipt of their advice.
(x) The statutory rules lay down certain time limits or require the
Disciplinary Authority to specify time limits for some stages of the
disciplinary proceedings. These time limits should be adhered to
strictly. If ever some extension of time is granted, it should be done
keeping in view the need for expeditious conclusion of the
proceedings ann to discourage the dilatory tactics sometimes adopted
by Government servants.
Transfer to lower post under FR 15(a).
Dopt orders regarding transfer to lower post under FR 15(a)
Dopt has issued one more clarification order pertaining to that the fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) today on its official website...
Dopt has issued one more clarification order pertaining to that the fixation of pay in case of employees who seek transfer to a lower post under FR 15(a) today on its official website...
16/4/2012-Pay-I
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
New Delhi, 5th Nov, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Deparment’s OM No.16/6/2001-Estt (Pay-I) dated the 14th February, 2006, read with OM of even number dated the 4th Januanry, 2007, which clarified that on transfer to the lower post/scale under FR 15(a), the pay of a Government servant holding a post on regular basis will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay drawn by him in the higher grade. If no such stage is available, the pay will be fixed at the stage next below the pay drawn by him in the higher post and the difference may be granted as personal pay to be absorbed in future increments. If the maximum of the pay scale of the lower post is less than the pay drawn by him in the higher post, his pay may be restricted to the maximum under FR
22(1)(a)(3).
2. Further, it was clarified vide the OM No. No.13/9/2009-Estt (Pay-I) dated the 21st October, 2009 that consequent upon implementation of the revised pay structure comprising grade pays and running Pay Bands, w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in cases of appointment of Government servants to posts carrying lower Grade Pay under FR 15(a) on their own request, the pay in the pay band of the Government servant will be fixed at a stage equal to the pay in the pay band drawn by him prior to his appointment against the lower post. However, he will be granted grade pay of lower post. Further, in all cases, he will continue to draw his increments based on his pay in the pay band + grade pay (lower).
3. The above office Memorandum also provides that in case the transfer to a lower post was made subject to certain terms and conditions then the pay may be fixed according to such terms and conditions.
4. All Ministries/Departments are requested to revise the Terms/Conditions of
such transfers in line with the para 2 above
sd/-
(Mukesh Chaturvedi)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Source : www.persmin.nic.in
LPG subsidy directly in bank accounts from October 1, 2013
LPG subsidy directly in bank accounts from October 1, 2013.
Meanwhile, finance minister Chidambaram, planning commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, petroleum minister Veerappa Moily and rural development minister Jairam Ramesh would review the DBT scheme with state officials on Monday (29/4/13).
NEW DELHI: The government plans to provide subsidy to 14 crore LPG subscribers directly in their bank accounts from October 1, using the Aadhaar payment platform.
The government, official sources said, has decided to launch "direct benefit transfer (DBT) for LPG throughout the country tentatively from October 1".
"This (transfer of LPG subsidy) would require a much larger number of beneficiaries to be covered for opening of bank accounts and linked to Aadhaar and banks have been asked to get ready for the launch," said one official.
A consumer will have to get his or her bank account seeded with Aadhaar number for getting the LPG subsidy. The annual subsidy per consumer is estimated at Rs 4,000. The supply of subsidised LPG cylinder has been capped at 9 cylinders per year for a consumer.
While about 32 crore Aadhaar cards have been issued by UIDAI, only 80 lakh bank accounts have linked to the unique identity numbers so far.
Under a pilot project for LPG subsidy transfer, 20 districts in the country will be covered by May 15.
While the exact procedure to transfer the subsidy is being worked out, sources said subscribers will have to buy the LPG bottle at prevailing market price (currently Rs 901.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi) and subsequently the subsidy amount will be transfered to the bank account.
The Finance Ministry has asked the public sector banks to speed up the process of linking accounts with Aadhaar.
The government expects that the DBT will eliminate all ghost LPG connections and diversion of cylinders.
Under the DBT scheme, subsidies and other benefits are transfered directly into the Aadhaar linked bank account of the beneficiary.
Meanwhile, finance minister Chidambaram, planning commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, petroleum minister Veerappa Moily and rural development minister Jairam Ramesh would review the DBT scheme with state officials on Monday (29/4/13).
Advance Railway Reservation time limit reduced from 120 days to 60 days from 1st May, 2013
Ministry of Railways 25-April, 2013
Advance Reservation Period for Booking Reserved Train Tickets Reduced to 60 Days from Existing 120 Days from 1st May 2013
The Ministry of Railways has decided that the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking reservedtrain tickets will be reduced from existing 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey) w.e.f. 1st May 2013. The details are as below:-
I. With effect from 01.05.2013, the ARP will be of 60 days (excluding the day of journey) and booking will be done accordingly. However, all the bookings done upto 30.4.2013 under the ARP of 120 days will remain intact.
II. Cancellation of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted.
III. There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc. where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force.
IV. There will also be no change in the case of limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.
PIB
(Release ID :95064)
Glory of Indian Railway at a Glance
1831-33 : A thought to create railway development for the transportation between Madras and Bangalore cropped up.
1844 : R. S. Stephenson thought of creating East India Railway.
1845-46 : Survey work for new rail line for Calcutta–Delhi.
1848-49 : Construction of Howrah and Raniganj rail line.
1850 : Construction of Indian Peninsular Railway company for rail line between Bombay thane and Calcutta–Mirzapur rail line began.
1853 : Inauguration of Indian Railway on 16 April, 1853 by running train between Boribundar (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and Thane.
1856 : Madras Railway company opened Madras Arkonam for passenger transportation.
1857 : Northern Railway began its first train between Allahabad and Kanpur on March.
1860 : Morse Telegraph Telecommunication started by Indian Railway.
1860-68 : Immediate Guarantee System began East Indian Railway Great India Peninsula Bombay Baroda and Central India Railway and Madras states Railway participated in it.
1869-81 : Under new system state government were authorised to lay rail lines.
1890 : Indian Railway Act passed.
1905 : Formation of Railway Board.
1922 : Re organisation of Railway and more right were given.
1924 : Rail Budget was separated from General Budget.
1925 : E.I.R and GIPR were given separate place and right in railway management.
1925 : First rail electrification of Harbour branch of Bombay with 1500 volt DC.
1928 : Electrification of Bombay Suburban Section of B.B. & C.I.R.
1931 : Electrification of Madras suburban section.
1937 : India got 3200 km long rail line on separation of Burma from India.
1939-42 : Security material for world war produced in railway workshops.
1942 : War transport established.
1947 : 11,200 km long rail line to Pakistan.
1950 : First steam engine manufactured by Chitranjan locomotive.
1950 : Nationalization of Indian Railway.
1953 : Railway centenary celebrated throughout the country.
1955 : First diesel locomotive plied on metre gauge in Neville and Gandhidham section.
1955 : Coach factory established in Perambur.
1957 : Bombay Madras rail line from 25 KVAC inaugurated, Railway security Force Act passed.
1958 : Electrification of Howrah–Vardhman section.
1961 : First electric engine Lokmanya was manufactured by Chitranjan Locomotive.
1962 : First electric train ran between Bombay and Pune.
1964 : Kunjaru Committee organised to bring reforms in Rail administration.
1964 : Production started in Diesel Locomotive works Varanasi.
1970 : First combined planning of Railway (1970-85) started.
1972 : Manufacturing of steam engines stopped in Chitranjan Rail Engine Factory from 5 February, Jammu appeared on Indian railway map.
1974 : Third class in railway banished.
1976 : IRCON established in April.
1977 : Railway Time Table ‘Train At a Glance’ launched.
1979 : Central organisation for modernisation of workshop established.
1978 : Double Decker train service ‘Panchvati Express’ began between Bombay–Pune on 12 April.
1982 : Palace on Wheel started.
1984 : Metro train inaugurated in Calcutta.
1985 : Nation's first computerised reservation center began in New Delhi on 15 November, 1985, second combined planning (1985–2000) began.
1986 : Indian Railway Finance Corporation established.
1987 : Center for Railway Information Service established in New Delhi.
1988 : Indian Rail Electricity Institute established in Nasik optical fiber Communication Service started between Churchgate–Virat in 1988. India’s first Shatabdi Express New Delhi–Jhansi) launched.
1989 : Formation of Railway Time Committee and Railway Dhaba Authority.
1990 : Goods passengers train service began between India and Bangladesh.
1991 : First train service in Mizoram from Bhai Rabi station began on 6 March ‘Palace on Wheels’ started with new decore.
1992 : RFFC established. ‘Apna Wagon’ scheme began. For the first time in the world first women special Train between Churchgate–Borivallie on 5 May started.
1993 : Sleeper class began on 1st April. Formation of Ojha Committee to solve the problems of Konkan railway
1994 : Rail passengers Insurance Scheme launched. First Rail Bus service began between Medata road and Medata city of Northern Railway.
1995 : Metro rail began between Tollyganj and Damdam on 27 September. 1995 was celebrated as ‘Rail Consumer year’.
1996 : 6 new regional rails formed in Hubali, Hajipur, Jaipur, Bhuvneshwar, Allahabad and Jabalpur. Formation of Delhi Metro Rail corporation Ltd. On 4 March, the name Mumbai VT changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
1997 : Telephone service based on satellite started in August Kranti Express on 15 April.
1998 : Konkan railway fully in operation from 26 January. On 1 May Prime Minister dedicated to the nation. Walky–Talky communication between guards and drivers began. 3 phase Electric engines of 6000 HP began to be manufactured indigenously. ‘Fairy Queen’ got place in Guinness Book for having the oldest Steam engine in working condition.
1999 : At Delhi railway station, worlds, biggest route relay interlinking began. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway declared world heritage by UNESCO. Nilgiri Mountain Railway celebrated its centenary.
2000 : Online rail information system started first time at the Church gate head office on 29 April. On 17 December at Kota station of western railway first time automatic charting system inaugurated.
2001 : 22-28 January. BNR Hotel, Puri celebrated its platinum jubilee. On 24 February, at Chennai station first time Internet Trade Center was opened. On 5 November, Western railway celebrated its golden jubilee
2002 : On the beginning of 150th year of Indian Railway on 15 April, in a special programme. Mascot Bholuguard and special monogram launched.
2003 : On 5 January Western Railway celebrated golden jubilee of its Electric Rail Service. On 15 February the name of ‘Wheel and Axil factory’ changed as Rail wheel factory. On 1 May for the first time RailTel began broadband in the moving train in the world.
2004 : UNESCO declared Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus as world heritage.
2005 : Nilgiri Mountain Rail was declared world heritage by UNESCO. E-ticketing began in all the trains.
2006 : ‘Anumati Yojna’ began to run passenger train from 26 January. A.C. facility for general public at lower prices began.
2007 : Throughout the country with 139 Telephones Extensive Railway Enquiry began.
2008 : First train service started in Kashmir Valley on 11, October.
2009 : Construction of Rail Coach factory started in Raibareilly. Capital of Tripura, Agartala joined with rail line. In March 40 years of Rajhani Express completed, Non–stop Duranto ran–first train ran between Sialdah and New Delhi on 18 September. Yuva Express trains began to run between Howrah and New Delhi.
2010 : Super Luxury Maharaja Express trains plied between Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Kolkata, civil Engineering Project Award of ACECC was given to Delhi Metro Rail corporation on 13 July. On the birth centenary of Mother Teressa, an exhibition train named ‘Mother Express’ started from Sialdah station. New system of train numbers began with 5 numerals on 20 December, first ladies special train ran between Kacheguda to Mehboob Nagar on 27 September. On 29 December Calcutta Metro became 17th Rail Division.
2011 : ID became essential for ‘Tatkal’ ticket–service from 11 February. On 11 April, Indore–Jammutawi, Malva Express proudly became the first train with bio toilets. Delhi metro was given carbon credit, the first in the world. First A.C. Double Decker ran between Howrah to Dhanbad, The longest tunnel opened in Kashmir on 14 October, RealTrain information system implemented in selected trains from 19 October, country’s third Metro rail service started in Bangluru (Namma), Vivek Express the longest rail service (Dibrugarh to kanyakumari) inaugrated, Law pertaining to Tatkal ticket (to be had a day before the journey) implemented on 21 November.
2012 : Third phase of Red Ribbon express to create awareness regarding HIV and AID, started on 12 January, ID proof made compulsory in A.C. classes from 15 February. Kakodar committee formed to provide better security submitted its report to Rail Minister on 17 February. For the modernisation of railway, Sam Pitroda Committee submitted its report or 27 February. From 3 March passengers could use their laptops, tablets and smartphone, through wi–fi facility available free of cost at station itself, This facility started only in Bangluru, Electronic Token system for reservation started simultaneously in Bhopal and Habibganj stations, from 1 April, from 1 May, the passengers could know the position of vacant seats without reaching at the counter. The facility first started at New Delhi station, Double Decker train ran between Delhi and Jaipur.
Courtesy : http://allexamguru.blogspot.in
Current Affairs Jan-2013
JAN-2013
1. Scientist in the month of December revealed a planet that could support life, orbits a Sun-like star near the Earth. What is the name of the star around which this planet was found orbiting?
a) Tau Ceti b) Sirius c) 36 Ophiuchi d) Gliese 33
2. Which Country won the Junior Table Tennis Championship claiming all the titles?
(a) Germany (b) China (c) Hungary (d) Sweden
Answer: (b)
3. Which team on 15 December 2012 won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Men’s category and second consecutive time in the Women’s category?
(a) India (b) Pakistan (c) Australia (d) England
Answer: (a)
4. NASA developed new next-gen spacesuit called Z-1 Prototype Spacesuit and Portable Life Support System (PLSS) 2.0 for the sophisticated and complex space ventures, which also include Mars mission. Which of the following statement is not true in this context:
a) The spacesuit is crafted out of various hard elements on the fabric. It also becomes flexible
after being inflated.
b) There is no need of an airlock for seeking entry or getting exit in and out of this suit.
c) It makes use of the recent technique that includes sublimator which works only in hard
vacuum.
d) The spacesuit packs in itself water membrane evaporation cooler which cools the suit
through same method like sweating.
Answer: (c) It makes use of the recent technique that includes sublimator which works only in hard vacuum.
5. The gravity mapping satellites of NASA ended the successful mission to Moon by crashing on the rim of crater. What is the name of these gravity mapping satellites of NASA?
a) Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 b) Ebb and Flow c) Orion and Kepler d) Dawn and Orion
Answer: (b) Ebb and Flow
6. The Central Zoo Authority of India approved exchanging white tigress from the Delhi Zoo against an animal from the Krasnoyarks Park of flora and fauna, Roev Ruchey in Russia. Which animal was traded in exchange of white tigress?
a) South American Jaguars b) Kangaroos
c) Puma d) Leopard
Answer: (c) Puma
7. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. In which country is it located?
(A) France (B) Kazakhstan (C) Uzbekistan (D) Germany
Ans. (B) Kazakhstan
8. The International Hockey Federation has decided to allot the next Hockey World Cup in 2010 to India. In which year Hockey World Cup tournament started?
(A) 1971 (B) 1974 (C) 1976 (D) 1977
Ans. (A) 1971
9. Write short notes on the following:
a) SCO2 gene b) Space Shuttle Columbia c) Red October d) Milos Zeman
e) Shahrukh Khan f) Sreeramamurthy Janaki
10. Digital marketing company GETIT Info services on 19 January 2013 rolled out DigiGains, aname give to platform for digital marketing. What was the purpose of DigiGains?
a) To benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
b) To benefit Small, Medium and Large Enterprises
c) To benefit Small-Scale Enterprises
d) To benefit Large-Scale Enterprises
Answer: (a) to benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
11. The automobile company, Volkswagen in the third week of January 2013 unveiled its new advertising campaign. What is the name of this advertising campaign?
a) Fast Track b) Fast Speed c) Fast Start d) Fast Pace
Answer: (c) Fast Start
12. Reliance Industries shut down its eighth well on the main gas-producing field in KG-D6 block, which compelled the output to drop down to an all-time low at 20.88 million metric standard cubic metre per day (mmscmd). What is the name of eighth well of KG-D6 block?
a) B4 b) B6 c) B8 d) B2
Answer: (b) B6
13. Spice Global, the diversified company on 22 January 2013 entered into the healthcare Sector. What is the name of the hospital inaugurated by Spice Global?
a) New Delhi city Hospital b) Mehrauli City Hospital c) NFC Hospital d) Saket City Hospital
Answer: (d) Saket City Hospital
14. Which leading Dutch financial services group departed the insurance business in India by selling off 26 percent stake to the Exide Industries, its joint-venture partner?
a) ING b) Bupa health Insurance c) Oriental Insurance d) Bajaj Allianz
Answer: (a) ING
15. Name the first women chief Justice of Sri Lanka, who was removed from her office following the process of impeachment by the countries Parliament.
a) Srimavo Bandaranaike b) Vivimarie Vanderpoorten
c) Shirani Bandarnayake d) Chandrika Kumaratunga
Answer: (c) Shirani Bandarnayake
16. The FDI inflow in China dropped down by what percentage in the year 2012?
a) 3.7 percent b) 1.6 percent c) 6.3 percent d) 4 percent
Answer: (a) 3.7 percent17. US President Barrack Obama’s half-brother, Malik Obama decided to launch his political career in the third week of January 2013. Malik Obama announced that he intended running for the gubernatorial seat in the Kenyan country in elections which will be held on 4 March 2013. Malik Obama is planning to contest elections from which country?
a) Zimbabwe b) Kenya c) Algeria d) Sao Tome and Principe
Answer: (b) Kenya
18. Name the Constitutional Body that recommended setting up of the Special Court for conducting the trials of the Italian Marines accused of shooting the two fishermen in Indian Ocean.
a) Supreme Court of India b) High court of Delhi
c) Union Home Ministry d) High Court of Kerala
Answer: (a) Supreme Court of India
19. The Supreme Court of India in January 2013 banned tourists from to pass from Andaman Nicobar Trunk Road that passes through the tribal area. Name the tribe that is the local resident of the region.
a) Sentinelese Tribes b) Jarawa Tribes c) Peruvian Tribes d) Pintupi Nine Tribes
Answer: (b) Jarawa Tribes
20. The centre of excellence which specializes in reading the weather conditions of the space and helps the air traffic on their polar routes is scheduled to come up in which city and by when. The space weather reading centre in Kolkata will be first of its kind and is approved by Union HRD Ministry.
a) Kolkata by mid 2013 b) Bangalore by January 2013
c) Bhopal by end of 2013 d) Mumbai by mid 2013
Answer: (a) Kolkata by mid 2013
21. India for the continuous second year reported no fresh cases of Polio. How many more year of success with zero fresh cases of polio, would win India a status of polio free nation, in 2014.
a) Three year b) All ready won the status c) One year d) Five years
Answer: (c) One year
22. When and by which body was the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) Program was initiated in India with the aim of eradicating it completely from the country.
a) In 1987 and was a program of United Nation
b) In 2000 and was a program of World Health Organization's (WHO)
c) In 1995 and was a program of World Health Organization's (WHO)
d) In 1990 and was a program of UNESCO
Answer: (c) In 1995 and was a program of World Health Organization's (WHO)
23. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food and Consumer Affairs in January 2013 suggested the entitlement of the food under the National Food Security Act to the what percent population and left behind what percentage of people, who are tax-payers and have pucca houses of their own?
a) 60 percent population is entitled with it and 40 percent is kept out from the plan
b) 58 percent population is entitled with it and 42 percent is kept out from the plan
c) 67 percent population is entitled with it and 33 percent is kept out from the plan
d) 55 percent population is entitled with it and 45 percent is kept out from the plan
Answer: (c) 67 percent population is entitled with it and 33 percent are kept out from the plan
24. Name the identity card that has been decided and consequently advised by the Ministry of External Affairs in January 2013 to all Passport Issuing Authorities for acceptance of the same as the Proof of Address and Photo identity in conjunction with any other prescribed documents for proof of address/identity for the purpose of passport application.
a) Aadhaar Card b) Ration Card c) Educational Certificate d) Birth Certificates
Answer: (a) Aadhaar Card
25. Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on 8 January 2013 launched the first fast patrol vessel (FPV), built for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is the first in a series of 20 numbers fast patrol vessel (FPVs) contracted by CSL for the Indian Coast Guard. What is the name of the Patrol Vehicle?
a) Madhusudan b) Aadesh c) Rastrabhakt d) Vishwast
Answer: (b) Aadesh
26. A Special Bench of two Justices was constituted in the month of January 2013 to hear cases of crime against women. Name the body that was responsible behind its constitution.
a) Supreme Court of India b) Ministry of Home Affairs
c) Planning Commission of India d) Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Answer: (a) Supreme Court of India
27. The leading software services exporter of India posted a very strong, unexpected 23 percent increase in the quarterly profit for October to December 2012 quarter. What is the name of this company?
a) Wipro b) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) c) IBM d) Satyam
Answer: (b) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
28. Air India on 17 January 2013 grounded the fleet of all six Boeing 787 dreamliners after US federal agency asked its airlines to ground the Boeing 787. What was the reason for grounding the fleet?
a) Employees went on strike b) No funds for fuel
c) Safety hazard d) None of these
Answer: (c) Safety hazard
29. The Japanese automaker on 16 January 2013 launched a five-speed automatic version of the Fortuner SUV for 22.33 lakh rupees (ex-showroom New Delhi). What is the name of this Japanese automaker?
a) Toyota Kirloskar Motor b) Nissan c) General Motors d) Volkswagen
Answer: (a) Toyota Kirloskar Motor
30. Which airways company in the month of January 2013 entered into a partnership with CentrumDirect to offer Foreign Exchange Services to guests travelling abroad?
a) Spice b) Kingfisher c) Indian Airlines d) Jet Airways
Answer: (d) Jet Airways
31. Which online marketplace on 18 January 2013 tied up with Mahindra & Mahindra for selling of its two-wheelers to customers on the site?
a) E-bay.com b) Myntra.com c) Snapdeal.com d) Amazon.com
Answer: (c) Snapdeal.com
32. Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, US and Karolinska Institute in Sweden got a genetic get through into the main cause of arthritis. What, according to the scientists could be used for predicting the person who could potentially be at a risk of this disease?
a) Simple X-Ray b) Simple Blood test c) Simple Diagnosis d) None of these
Answer: (b) Simple Blood Test
33. A team at Intel, the computer hardware firm created a device, which is said to allow which renowned physicist of the world to communicate faster than before?
a) Nikola Tesla b) Antoine Henri Becquerel c) Max Planck d) Stephen Hawking
Answer: (d) Stephen Hawking
34. In which Indian zoo were the thirty one Black Bucks killed by the stray dogs on 19 January 2013?
a) Kanpur Zoo b) Lucknow Zoo c) Delhi Zoo d) Patna Zoo
Answer: (a) Kanpur Zoo
35. Where was the Vulture Population Estimation-2013 conducted by the State Government?
a) Manas Tiger Reserve b) Panna Tiger Reserve c) Palamau Tiger Reserve
d) Pench Tiger Reserve
Answer: Panna Tiger Reserve
36. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, in the third week of January 2013 developed a fresh technique that enables surgeons to find out about the reach of tumours and helps them to decide which tissues should be removed for saving the healthy cells in cancer patients. What is the name of this new technique?
a) Laser Imaging b) Molecular-Laser Imaging
c) Molecular-Targeted imaging d) Target Imaging
Answer: (c) Molecular-Targeted imaging
37. Kaspersky Lab, the Russian cyber security firm on 14 January 2013 revealed that India is one among various nations which are hit by the cyber spying which has been targeting governmental, diplomatic and scientific research organisations for around 5 years. What is the name of this cyber spying campaign?
a) Blue October b) Red December c) Blue December d) Red October
Answer: (d) Red October
38. Which space agency released surprising pictures of the remains of huge river which ran across the Red Planet, Mars at some point of time, on 17 January 2013?
a) NASA b) European Space Agency c) Australian Space Agency d) None of these
Answer: (b) European Space Agency
39. Astronomers had already discovered that the super-massive black holes which sit in the centres of various galaxies were growing faster. Professor Graham explained that every time there is a ten times increase in the stellar mass of the galaxy, it leads to around 100 times increase in the ______________. Fill in the blank with an appropriate option:
a) Mass of black hole b) Density of black hole
c) Both of these d) None of these
Answer: (a) Mass of black hole
a) Majgenta Fashions b) Levis Strauss c) Pepe Jeans d) Mango
Answer: (a) Majgenta Fashions
41. Income Tax officials surveyed the Sriperumbudur plant of which mobile company in its daylong survey on 8 January 2013 in order to find out the tax default, if it existed?
a) Motorola b) Samsung c) Nokia d) Sony Ericsson
Answer: (c) Nokia
42. With which bank did the Chamber of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CIMSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Kolkata on 4 January 2013?
a) Dena Bank b) State Bank of India c) Axis Bank d) Allahabad Bank
Answer: (d) Allahabad Bank
43. Where did PR Fonroche, the joint venture of the French company Fonroche and the Indian company PR Clean Energy, on 10 January 2013 inaugurated a 5 MW Solar Plant in India?
a) Punjab b) Rajasthan c) Haryana d) Chandigarh
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
44. Microsoft in the month of January 2013 announced plans to shut down which service?
a) MS Office 2007 b) Skype c) Windows Live Messenger d) Bing
Answer: (c) Windows Live Messenger
45. Name the International Cricket Team with which India Lost the Series by 2-1 after it won the last match by 10 runs on 6th January 2013.
(a) England (b) Australia (c) Pakistan (d) South Africa
Answer(c) Pakistan
46. Name the Argentine footballer who won FIFA Ballond’Or Award on 7 January 2013 as a reward to his 91-goal in a year for Barcelona and Argentina, in the year 2012.
(a) Lionel Messi (b) Zavier Zanetti (c) Oscar Ruggeri (d) Gabriel Batistuta
Answer (a) Lionel Messi
47. Name the Indian Women Weightlifter who on 10 January 2013 Won Maiden National Title in National Weightlifting Championship 2013.
(a) Binitha Devi (b) Amanpreet Kaur (c) Manpreet Kaur (d) Karnam Malleswar
Answer (c) Manpreet Kaur
48. Which International cricket Umpire is supposed to become the first ever umpire to deliver, the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture scheduled to be delivered on 24 July 2013?
(a) Billy Bowden (b) Steve Bucknor (c) Rod Tucker (d) Simon Taufel
Answer (d) Simon Taufel
49. Name the Olympic gold medalist who Won Athlete of the Year Award at JAAA Golden Cleats Awards Ceremony.
(a) Michael Phelps (b) Usain Bolt (c) Chris Roy (d) Carl Lewis
Answer (b) Usain Bolt
50. Which Australian pace legend was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka starting from 4 January2013 in Sydney?
(a) Glenn McGrath (b) Shane Warne (c) Brett Lee (d) Allan Border
Answer (a) Glenn McGrath
51. Name the player of Indian cricket team who 4 January 2013 was named as CEAT
International Cricketer of the Year 2012
(a) Yuvraj Singh (b) Gautam Gambhir (c) Sachin Tendulkar (d) Virat Kohli
Answer (d) Virat Kohli
52. Which tennis player duo claimed the ladies double final at the Brisbane International?
(a) Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupati (b) Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands
(c) Saian Nehwal and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (d) Sania Mirza and Serena Williams
Answer (b) Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands
53. Name the tennis player who claimed the WTA Brisbane International trophy with her first ever single Brisbane International Title?
(a) Venus Williams (b) Serena Williams (c) Anastasia Sergeyevna Pavlyuchenkova
(d) Maria Sharapova
Answer (b) Serena Williams
54. Name the third seeded Scottish tennis player who retained his Brisbane International Tennis Title after defeating the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on 6 January 2013.
(a) Jamie Murray (b) Andy Murray (c) Roger Federer (d) Ian Collins
Answer (b) Andy Murray
55. The Government of China recently launched a postage stamp to mark the year 2013. Name the animal depicted on the postage stamp?
a) Lizard b) Snake c) Dragon d) Rabbit
56. Which kind of wine can distort the results of testosterone level in body?
(a) White Wine (b) Rose Wine (c) Purple Wine (d) Red Wine
Answer: (d) Red Wine
57. Which is the largest cosmic structure in the universe that is powered by super massive black holes clump together? This structure was discovered by the astronomers in the first week of January 2013.
(a) Large Quasar Group (b) Galaxy Filaments (c) Inflationary universe
(d) None of these
Answer: (a) Large Quasar Group
58. Name the first Asian country to Order Chemical Castration of Child Rapist?
a) South Korea b) North Korea c) Afghanistan d) Russia
Answer. (a) South Korea
59. US President Barack Obama on 3 January 2013 signed into law an annual Policy Bills, authorizing 633 billion dollars to be spent for 2013. The bill was earlier threatened by the White House to be exercised as a Veto. Name the Bill?
a) Annual Defence Policy Bill b) Annual Employment Bill
c) Infrastructure Development Bill d) Education Bill
60. Where was the first wind power project commissioned by National Aluminium Co Ltd (Nalco) in the Month of January 2013?
a) Hyderabad b) Tamil Nadu c) Andhra Pradesh d) Kochin
Answer: (c) Andhra Pradesh
61. Scientists claimed that the 2-billion year old dark black rock, called Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034 or Black Beauty is actually new kind of Martian meteorite which contains 10 times excess water than the normal. Where did this rock land in 2011?
a) Mexico b) Sahara c) Antractica d) None of these
Answer: (b) Sahara
62. Astronomers studying about the newborn star observed glimpses of the planets which were forming around it. Astronomers were studying the HD 142527 which is __________ away from the Earth. Fill in the blank with an appropriate option:
a) 450 light years b) 350 light years c) 250 light years d) 150 light years
Answer: (a) 450 light years
a) Gangotri b) Janapa c) Miyar d) Siachen
Answer: (d) Siachen
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