31st January, 2013 THE HEADLINES: Government approves 14 out of 16 amendments proposed by the Rajya Sabha select committee

e in the Lokpal bill; Setting up of Lokayukta delinked from Lokpal. Union Cabinet approves proposed amendments in the Regional Rural Banks Act to strengthen their capital base; Price for sugarcane increased by forty rupees to 210 a quintal. Information and Broadcasting Ministry to set up a committe to look into the need to amend Cinematographic Act. []<><><>[] The Union Cabinet today approved amendments to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas bill 2011., out of 16 amendments proposed by the select committee of Rajya sabha, the government has agreed to 14 of them in the anti corruption legislation. They wanted separate directorate of prosecution, Government agreed. Then the director of prosecution should be selected by CVC, we have agreed. The third they said that as far as the councils are concerned, appointment of council, the government should have a list of councils who have to appear before the Lokpal which we have agreed. Then providing budget for the Lokpal functioning, their maintenance, government has agree. []<><><>[] The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was taken up for discussion and passing in the Rajya Sabha in December, 2011 but could not see the light of the day owing to sharp differences among political parties on its certain controversial clauses . It was then referred to the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha which submitted its report last month with a string of amendments. Todays, approval of the official amendments paves the way for consideration of the bill afresh by the Rajya Sabha during the upcoming budget session. After getting a nod from the Upper House, the amended bill will go for fresh approval to Lok Sabha where it has already been passed. When the legislation is passed, it will give birth to a new national ombudsman empowered to investigate allegations of corruption. []<><><>[] Justice J.S. Verma says the country needs systemic improvement in the implementation of laws for speedy justice in the gang rape cases. In an interview to AIR Justice Verma, who headed the Committee to look into the laws relating to sex offences, said that every court should function as a fast track court to achieve this objective.

[]<><><>[] Information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari today said, he has asked the Secretary in the ministry to set up a committe to see whether there is a need to amend the Cinematographic Act relating to the certification of films for public screening by the Censor board. He was replying to questions by reporters on the controversy surrounding the release of Kamal Hasan's film, Vishwaroopam in Tamilnadu. Under our Constitutional scheme of things law and order is a state subject. The states do have the powers to exercise their constitutional remit and eventually there is a need to harmonise and reconcile the powers which are available to the Central government and the powers which are available to the state government, to see that the freedom of speech and expression is not unnecessarily or unreasonably restricted. []<><><>[] India today expressed concern over the Chinese move to construct more dams on the river Brahmaputra in Tibet. 1st February, 2013 THE HEADLINES:

Cabinet clears ordinance to effectively deal with violence against women. India suffers an early set back in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I opener in New Delhi. []<><><>[]

The Union Cabinet today recommended to the President to issue an ordinance to deal with crime against women effectively. Official sources said in New Delhi that the Cabinet has recommended an ordinance on amending the criminal law. The ordinance is based on the recommendations of the Justice Verma committee report. The report was submitted recently suggesting ways to deal with crime against women. The panel has recommended enhanced punishment of imprisonment up to 20 years for rape and life term for gang rape and murder. It has also suggested that crimes like stalking, disrobing a woman and voyeurism be treated as new offences with stringent punishment. The committee has also recommended broadening the definition of rape. []<><><>[] Information & Broadcasting Minister, Manish Tewari has said that the UPA Government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of rural sports in the

country. Addressing a large gathering at Kila Raipur on the second day of the Kila Raipur Sports Festival in District Ludhiana today, he congratulated Grewal Sports Association for holding such a grand rural sports event, which is viewed and applauded world-wide. []<><><>[] India and Mauritius have signed a number of MoUs to strengthen collaboration in the textiles sector. The MoUs include one between the Apparel Export Promotion Council and Enterprise Mauritius to establish cooperation in standards compliance and enhancing competitiveness of the apparel industry. An official release said, the MoU between the Northern India Research Association and Mauritius Standards Bureau aims to foster cooperation in standardization. quality assurance and conformity assessment activities. Clothing Manufacturers Association of India and Mauritius Exporters Association will cooperate in fashion and design promotion, education and training through an effective knowledge network of textile professionals and industry representatives of the two sides. The MoUs were signed earlier this week. []<><><>[] Wheat has been sown in about 298 lakh hectare in the current rabi sowing season. Latest reports received from states say that the coverage of wheat in this season is around one lakh hectare lower than the last season. Sowing of coarse cereals, gram, rapeseed and mustard is higher than the cropped area last year. []<><><>[] The 27th Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins in Faridabad today. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the annual fair which is among India's most significant craft melas. Sri Lanka is the biggest partner in the fair this year. []<><><>[] A Russian rocket carrying a US-made communications satellite plunged into the Pacific Ocean shortly after its launch. The Zenit-3SL rocket was launched from a floating site in the ocean today. The Intelsat-27 satellite was designed to have a working life of 15 years. Constructed by Boeing, it was supposed to serve government and media clients in the US and Europe. []<><><>[]

Information & Broadcasting Minister, Manish Tewari has said that the UPA Government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of rural sports in the country. Addressing a large gathering at Kila Raipur on the second day of the Kila Raipur Sports Festival in District Ludhiana today, he congratulated Grewal Sports Association for holding such a grand rural sports event, which is viewed and applauded world-wide. Mr. Tewari promised the organisers that the scope and infrastructure of Kila Raipur Sports will be further widened and strengthened. []<><><>[] India and Mauritius have signed a number of MoUs to strengthen collaboration in the textiles sector. The MoUs include one between the Apparel Export Promotion Council and Enterprise Mauritius to establish cooperation in standards compliance and enhancing competitiveness of the apparel industry. An official release said, the MoU between the Northern India Research Association and Mauritius Standards Bureau aims to foster cooperation in standardization, quality assurance and conformity assessment activities. Clothing Manufacturers Association of India and Mauritius Exporters Association will cooperate in fashion and design promotion, education and training through an effective knowledge network of textile professionals and industry representatives of the two sides. The MoUs were signed earlier this week. []<><><>[] Wheat has been sown in about 298 lakh hectare in the current rabi sowing season. Latest reports received from states say that the coverage of wheat in this season is around one lakh hectare lower than the last season. Sowing of coarse cereals, gram, rapeseed and mustard is higher than the cropped area last year. 02-02-2013 THE HEADLINES :

A Delhi Fast Track Court frames charges against the five accused in Delhi gang rape case; Trail to begin on Tuesday. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says, eight crore people benefitted by MGNREGA. <><><>

Union Law and Justice Minister Ashwini Kumar says, the Centre has requested the President to approve the historic Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance on crimes against women. Mr. Ashwini Kumar said the ordinance provides for tougher jail terms for crimes against women to instill a sense of security amongst women. He said it will also provide security to the children. <><><> The world's biggest rural employment scheme - MGNREGA - has brought in momentum in the financial inclusion of the rural population. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, it has benefitted over 8 crore people, nearly half of them - 47 percent - being women empowering them to have a greater say in the financial decisions of their families. "Women's participation in this scheme has been about 47 percent. Probably this has happened for the first time that women are getting equal wages compared to their male counterparts. 80 percent of the wages to the women are being paid through accounts in banks or post offices." Addressing a function to mark the 8th MGNREGA Diwas in New Delhi today, he said th Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act - MGNREGA has also benefitted people from Scheduled casts and scheduled tribes in more than 50 per cent of the works. Over four crore bank accounts have been opened under the MGNREGA and it will help in implementing the direct benefits transfer scheme to rural population. "MGNREGA has speeded up the financial inclusion of rural population. Over 4 crore accounts have been opened in the banks. Accounts opened in post offices number more than that. These accounts will also help in the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme in rural areas." The Prime Minster said the use of information technology in MGNREGA has increased accountability and transparency in governance. Dr. Singh said the Centre has taken many new initiatives related to the UPA's flagship scheme in the last one year. Thirty new works have already been added focussing mainly on providing employment through agriculture. "We often hear about widespread complaints of corruption and misuse of funds under this scheme. There is a need to check these malpractices. Timely social audit is needed as per the law."

<><><> Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come out in support of Kashmir's only all-girls rock band which faced online threats. He promised a police probe and hoped that the talented teenagers will not let themselves be silenced. The Chief Minister said it is a matter of shame that those who demand freedom of speech on social media networks, use it to threaten the girls, who are just Class X students. <><><> The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has said that states have progressed in showcasing culture, which is a part of Ancient India`s way of life. He said that Indian Handicraft Industries have added to foreign exchange of the country. "Our handicrafts and traditional arts are highly decentralized activities. Inspired by the local milieu and local tradition, using local material, these art forms provide sustainable livelihood and socio-economic development at the grassroots. Indian handicraft industry has over the years contributed significantly to our nation's foreign exchange earnings." Formally inaugurating the 27th Surajkund Crafts Mela at Faridabad, the President expressed happiness over Haryana Government's steps to showcase its handicrafts in this fair, which was followed by other states. As the fair is going international, he hoped that in the years to come artisans from all over the world will participate in the fair and the media would highlight their talents. Karnataka is the theme state of the fair, which has showcased its rich culture, cuisine and craftsmen. <><><> 03-02-2013 THE HEADLINES :

President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent for amending the criminal law to effectively check crimes against women. Land acquisition for 52,000 crore rupees Posco steel plant begins in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district. Central Board of Films Certification demands apology from Tamil Nadu Advocate General for calling film certification process a scam.

<><><> President Pranab Mukherjee today promulgated an ordinance on sexual violence against women under which rape leading to death of the victim can attract capital

punishment. A Home Ministry spokesman said Mr Mukherjee gave his assent today for amending the criminal law to effectively check crimes against women.On Friday the Union Cabinet recommended to the President to issue the ordinance providing for trial for death penalty if the rape victim dies and of imprisonment up to 20 years for rape. The Cabinet recommendations were based mostly on the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee. It had also recommended broadening the definition of rape.The ordinance proposes to replace the word rape with sexual assault to expand the definition of all types of sexual crimes against women. It also entails changes in the criminal law by amending Indian Penal Code, IPC, Code of Criminal Procedure, CrPC and the Evidence Act. <><><> The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has said that that every action taken and the procedure followed by it for certifying Vishwaroopam or any other film has been done in accordance with the Act and Rules framed by the Parliament. The CBFC in its statement also stated that the CBFC has been functioning since 1951 and there are judicial precedents upholding the legality of the certification process. <><> The 12th five year plan document has said that manufacturing sector can be a genuine engine of growth by generating 100 million work opportunities by 2022.The document stressed the need for demand-aligned skill development and stepping up of growth in employment and manufacturing so that under-employed labour force can speedily move from low-paid farm jobs to better-paid, more productive manufacturing and service sectors. <><><> The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has started a e-learning project in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. This project is being implemented in 250 government schools of rural areas of Ajmer. About 50,000 students of these schools are getting facilities of video conferencing and internet due to this project. <><><> <><><> India suffered its first home Davis Cup defeat in seven years as it lost the Asia Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against South Korea 1-4 today.India, playing the tie without 11 of its top players, needed to win both the reverse singles today to secure a win, but its hopes were dashed as both V M Ranjeet and Vijayant Malik lost their respective matches.India will next face Indonesia in the first-round play-off tie from 5th April at home. <><><> Rising Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was the highest bid player in the auction for the sixth edition of the IPL in Chennai today. Among the Indians, Abhishek

Nayar, Pankaj Singh, Jaydev Unadkat and R P Singh also invited unexpectedly high bids. <><><> The Mars rover Curiosity has used its drill system for the first time. The robot's tool bit hammered briefly, without rotation, into a flat slab of rock on the floor of Gale Crater, the huge bowl where it landed last August. Although previous rovers have scrubbed the surface of rocks, Curiosity is the first to carry the capability to drill inside them.The rover's mission is to try to determine whether Gale has ever had the environments in the past that were capable of supporting bacterial life. <><> The Indian Railways will host the 10th International Heavy Haul Association Conference in New Delhi from tomorrow. The three day conference will address recent research and best practices related to key issues involved in running heavy haul and long haul freight trains. An official release says that the central theme of the conference is Building Transport Capacity through Heavy Haul Operation.Over 120 oral papers from more than 16 countries in four parallel sessions will be presented during the three day conference in which nearly 300 foreign and 500 Indian delegates are expected to participate.The conference is organised once in every four years. The last conference was held in Shanghai, China in 2009.An exhibition to showcase new technologies is being organised for all the three days at the same venue. <><>
5th February, 2013 THE HEADLINES:

Home Ministry writes to Defence Ministry to probe the incident of IAF personnel abandoning an injured policeman after a maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. Government to sell 9.5 per cent stake in National Thermal Power Corporation on Thursday. []<><><>[]

Supreme Court today sharply criticised the Centre and several state governments for their failure to file a status report on the issue of missing children. The bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir said nobody seems to be concerned about these children. The bench gave a last opportunity to the Centre and the states which have not filed their affidavits on the matter and posted it for further hearing on February the 19th. Out of the five states whose Chief Secretaries were asked to appear, only the Chief Secretaries of Goa and Orissa were present.

[]<><><>[] The government will sell 9.5% stake in power major National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

[]<><><>[] The central team which visited the Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu to assess the crop loss will submit its report to the Supreme Court tomorrow. A Supreme Court bench yesterday issued orders to the Centre to send a team to delta districts to assess the crop loss and water requirement. []<><><>[] Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm lashed Delhi continuously for 18 hours, breaking all previous records of single day rainfall in the month of February after 1942 . []<><><>[]