1 ) Tarla Dalal, the Celebrity Cook of India, Passed Away at 77
Tarla Dalal, one of the first celebrity chefs of India as well as prolific cookbook writer died on 6 November 2013 due to heart attack in Mumbai. She was 77 years old and is survived by three children. She authored more than 100 cookbooks which sold three million copies. Her website tarladalal.com is the largest food website of Asia.
Life History of Tarla Dalal
• Tarla Dalal was born in the year 1936 in Pune, India.
• She was a renowned Indian chef, food writer, host of various cooking shows as well as best-selling cookbook author.
• Her first cookbook was entitled The Pleasures of Vegetarian Cooking, which was published in the year 1974.
• She had the largest Indian food website and also published the bi-monthly magazine called Cooking & More.
• Apart from this, she also wrote the cookbooks for pregnant women as well as children.
• Her cooking shows broadcasted across India, South East Asia, the Gulf, the USA and the UK.
• She wrote about various cuisines and healthy cooking. However, her specialty was Indian cuisine, primarily the Gujarati cuisine.
• She was honoured with the Padma Shri by Government of India in 2007.
• She also won the Women of the Year Award by Indian Merchants' Chamber in 2005.
2)RBI permitted foreign banks subsidiaries to acquire domestic private sector banks -
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 6 November 2013 permitted the Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) of the foreign banks to acquire the domestic private sector banks. RBI also permitted the banks to set up branches anywhere in the country.
As per the permission given by RBI, the foreign banks will have to seek permission of RBI to open branches in certain sensitive locations. The foreign bank subsidiaries have also been allowed to list on the local stock exchanges. Although, they will not be allowed to hold more than 74 percent in the private banks they may acquire.
The order of the RBI also stated that the foreign banks that commenced banking business in India before August 2010 will be given an opportunity to convert into a wholly owned subsidiary.
Key features of the Framework
• Banks with complex structures, also the banks which do not provide adequate disclosure in their home jurisdiction, as well as the banks which are not widely held and banks from jurisdictions having legislation giving a preferential claim to depositors of home country in a winding up proceedings, would be mandated entry into India only in the WOS mode.
• Foreign banks in whose case the above conditions do not apply can opt for a branch or WOS form of presence.
• A foreign bank opting for branch form of presence shall convert into a WOS as and when the above conditions become applicable to it or it becomes systemically important on account of its balance sheet size in India.
• Foreign banks, which commenced banking business in India before August 2010 shall have the option to continue their banking business through the branch mode. However, they will be incentivised to convert into WOS because of the attractiveness of the near national treatment afforded to WOS.
• To prevent domination by foreign banks, restrictions would be placed on further entry of new WOSs of foreign banks/ capital infusion, when the capital and reserves of the WOSs and foreign bank branches in India exceed 20 per cent of the capital and reserves of the banking system.
• The initial minimum paid-up voting equity capital for a WOS shall be ` 5 billion for new entrants. Existing branches of foreign banks desiring to convert into WOS shall have a minimum net worth of 5 billion.
• The parent of the WOS would be required to issue a letter of comfort to the RBI for meeting the liabilities of the WOS.
• Corporate Governance
(i) Not less than two-third of the directors should be non-executive directors;
(ii) A minimum of one-third of the directors should be independent of the management of the subsidiary in India, its parent or associates
(iii) Not less than fifty percent of the directors should be Indian nationals /NRIs/PIOs subject to the condition that not less than 1/3rd of the directors are Indian nationals resident in India
• The branch expansion guidelines as applicable to domestic scheduled commercial banks would generally be applicable to WOSs of foreign banks except that they will require prior approval of RBI for opening branches at certain locations that are sensitive from the perspective of national security.
• Priority Sector lending requirement would be 40 per cent for WOS like domestic scheduled commercial banks with adequate transition period for existing foreign bank branches converting into WOS.
• On arm’s length basis, WOS would be permitted to use parental guarantee/ credit rating only for the purpose of providing custodial services and for their international operations. However, WOS should not provide counter guarantee to its parent for such support.
• WOSs may, at their option, dilute their stake to 74 per cent or less in accordance with the existing FDI policy. In the event of dilution, they will have to list themselves.
3) First Ever Dual Cab Freight Diesel Locomotive Vijay Flagged Off by the Minister of Railways
The Minister of Railways Mallikarjun Kharge flagged off the first ever Dual Cab 4500 HP Freight Diesel locomotive called Vijay from Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, a production unit of Indian Railways, on 6 November 2013. At the same time, the Minister announced to stop the Swatantrata Senani Express at Bhulanpur Railway Station, Sub-way at DLW administration.
It is important to note that the DLW has not only increased its production in large but also developed latest state-of-the-art technologies. Building of this WDG4D High Horse Power freight locomotive is a breakthrough for DLW as well as for the Indian Railways.
Highlights of the Dual Cab 4500 HP Freight Diesel locomotive- Vijay
• Vijay, the dual cab freight WDG4D is a trailblazer.
• It is the first dual cab diesel electric freight locomotive to be built by Indian Railways.
• The locomotive has been designed on a 21.7 metre platform to accommodate two cabs and this is about two meters longer than the single cab version.
• The cabs have full width front view.
• Besides the obvious visibility advantages, the locomotive also has several features for crew comfort.
• Vijay has been provided with air conditioned cabs. The AC unit is designed to heat up the cab during winters while cooling it during summers, thus maintaining a comfortable ambient for efficient working.
• The loco also has TFT screen based integrated driver display. This feature which is similar to the one used in the aero planes allows the operating parameters to be displayed on a single screen.
• The system also provides alarm levels for the ease of the crew.
• The display system naturally assists the crew through fault diagnostics. The system reduces eye fatigue, improves reliability and improves crew response.
• The locomotive has been provided with an ergonomically designed control stand and seat. The seat is based on the excavator design (which needs 360 deg view and operability) has been provided with movement on three axis for operational flexibility.
• The locomotive has also been provided with airplane type task light and automotive type auto wash wipers.
• Vijay has been built around the 4500HP 710 G3B engine with inverter controlled three phase traction motor drive.
• The inverter control uses the state of the art IGBT technology. This is the technology being used worldwide by the leading manufacturers i.e. GE, ABB, Alsthom etc.
• The locomotive is provided with the latest Computerised Control Brake system which is the world standard. The brake system uses the latest in the electronics and communication to improve response times and to improve reliability.
• The locomotive has been designed to implement the Indian Railways’ efforts at increasing the speed of loaded trains to 100kmph. It can run at 105 kmph and can be used to haul passenger trains in emergencies.
• The cost of the locomotive is approximately 14.7 crore Rupees as compared to 14.38 crore Rupees for the single cab version.
4)National Conference on the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2013 Inaugurated
K Rahman Khan, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs inaugurated the National Conference on the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2013 in New Delhi on 6 November 2013. The conference was organised to update and sensitize Chairmen and CEOs of State Wakf Boards across the country.
It is important to note that various amendments were introduced in the Wakf Act in order to strengthen the Wakf Institution and stream line their functioning. Some of the important provisions incorporated in the Act and highlighted by the Minister include-
• The definition of Wakf has been modified to allow non-Muslims also to create Wakf;
• If the tenancy, lease or license has expired or been terminated, this would be considered as encroachment;
• The Survey Commissioner will be appointed within three months and survey required to be completed within a year;
• Wakf properties already surveyed and notified are not to be reviewed again in subsequent surveys except where the status of such property has been changed in accordance with the provisions of any law;
• The Central Wakf Council has been empowered to issue directive to the State Wakf Boards on their financial performance, survey, maintenance of Wakf deeds, revenue records, and encroachment of Wakf properties seeking annual report and audit report;
• Any dispute arising out of a directive issued by the Central Wakf Council to be referred to a Board of Adjudication to be constituted by the Central Government, to be presided over by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court;
• The Establishment of State Wakf Boards within 6 months from the date of commencement of this Act;
• Sale, Gift, Mortgage, Exchange and Transfer of Wakf properties have been prohibited to curb alienation of Wakf properties;
• Lease of Wakf properties is being allowed. However, Lease of Mosque, Dargah, Khanquah, Graveyard and Imambara has been prohibited;
• The Board will sanction lease when two thirds of total membership of the Board is present and cast their vote in favour of such transaction;
• The lease period has been enhanced uniformly upto 30 years for commercial activities, education or health purposes with the approval by the State Govt. because of the long gestation periods of such projects and the long periods of return on capital employed. The maximum period of lease of agricultural land is fixed for 3 years. Further, lease beyond 3 years is to be intimated to the State Government and it would become effective only after 45 days.
• The provisions of this Act shall have overriding effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force.
5)HUDCO Signed MoU with School of Planning and Architecture
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi in the last week of October 2013.
Highlights of the MoU
• The MoU was signed between VP Baligar, Chairman and Managing Director, HUDCO and Prof. Chetan Vaidya, Director, School of Planning and Architecture.
• The objective of the MoU is to help in undertaking the joint research activities, training and capacity building programmes, consultancy assignments, access to documentation centre of each other, development of new academic and training programmes and enable students to have practical exposure through internship programmes.
• The Human Settlement Management Institute (HSMI), the Research and Training Institute of HUDCO will be the Nodal Department to operationalize this MoU on behalf of HUDCO and will closely work with School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi to bring about coordination between various departments and Regional Offices of HUDCO as well as different departments and Centres at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.
6)Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reconstituted the Medical Council of India
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India reconstituted the Medical Council of India (MCI) on 6 November 2013 with 68 members. The reconstitution has been done following the provisions contained in sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2013.
The composition of the Council is as under:
| Clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 3 | 23 members (nominated by the Central Government in consultation with the States) |
| Clause (aa) of sub-section (1) of section 3 | 1 member (nominated by the Central Government representing the UT Administration of Daman & Diu) |
| Clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 3 | 29 members (representing the Universities/Health Sciences Universities) |
| Clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 3 | 7 members (representing the Registered Medical Graduates of the States) |
| Clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 3 | 8 members (nominated by the Central Government) |
As per provisions contained in section 3AA of the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2013, the powers and functions of the Board of Governors (BoG) of MCI stands withdrawn and the BoG of MCI stands dissolved with immediate effect.
7)Sunita Sharma Appointed as the MD and CEO of the LIC Housing Finance
Sunita Sharma was on 6 November 2013 appointed as the managing director and chief executive director of the LIC Housing Finance. She is the first women MD and CEO of the company since its inception in 1989.
She succeeded V K Sharma who was elevated to the post of managing director of LIC.
About Sunita Sharma
• Before being elevated to the MD and CEO of the LIC Housing Finance Sunita Sharma was executive director of investments at LIC.
• She has 30 years experience in insurance field
8)Assam Government Announced High Security Measures Against Poachers at Kaziranga National Park
The Assam government announced on 7 November 2013 the high security measures against poachers of the world heritage site Kaziranga National Park.
N V Basu , the Field Director of the park explained that in a bid to enhance security of its inhabitants including precious rhinos, eight high security towers known as Electronic Eye are being set up in the first phase.
These towers will give a clear view of the park which can be accessed at several places. The electronic tower is likely to serve its purpose particularly during night times as rampant poaching incident occurs mostly at night time.
Kaziranga National Park will be the second park in the India to take such high security measures.
About Kaziranga National Park
• Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam, India.
• Kaziranga is a title of a remarkable success story of conservation of the One Horned India Rhinoceros and other wild lives in the North East India.
• It is not only the homeland of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, but also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives.
• It is a World Heritage Site; the park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses.
9)Scientists discovered a Black Hole in Ophiuchus Star Constellation
Scientists discovered a black hole in a collection of stars in the constellation Ophiuchus, which is about 22000 light years from Earth. The globular cluster in which black hole was spotted is known as M62. The globular cluster M62 is located in the constellation Ophiuchus.
The discovery was done by the team of astronomers led by a Michigan State University professor. Black holes are stars that have died, collapsed into themselves and possess such a strong gravitational field that even light cannot escape from them.
Prior to this discovery, astronomers had assumptions that the black holes did not exist in globular clusters- some of the oldest and densest collections of stars in the universe.
There are numerous stars in such a condensed area that they often interact with one another. Massive black holes will have most violent encounters.
10)Imomali Rakhmon Reelected as the President of Tajikistan
Central Election Commission (CEC) of Tajikistan on 6 November 2013 declared that Imomali Rakhmon was re-elected as the President of Tajikistan.
Imomali Rakhmon belongs to People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan (PDPT).
The President of Tajikistan is elected by popular vote. The term of the office is 7 years.
The term of the President of Tajikistan is limited to not more than two terms. However, a constitutional amendment passed in 2003 allows President Imomali Rakhmon to run for a third term which, if he prevails, would keep him in office until 2020.
About Imomali Rakhmon
• Imomali Rakhmon was born as Imomali Sharipovich Rahmanov to a peasant family in Kulob, Kulob Oblast (present-day Khatlon province) in Tajikistan.
• He was served in the Soviet Armed Forces from 1971-74.
• He has served as Tajikistan's head of state since 1992 and as President since 1994.
11)Hawk 132 inducted into the Indian Navy
Indian Navy on 6 November 2013 inducted the fourth generation advanced jet trainer aircraft Hawk 132 at a ceremony held at the Naval Air Station INS Dega at Visakhapatnam. Hawk 132 is an aircraft operating with over 24 countries around the world. The aircraft was built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Transfer of Technology from M/s British Aerospace, UK. Hawk 132 is equipped with advanced and reliable navigation systems and it is able to deploy an impressive array of weaponry including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground rockets, bombs and guns. The HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) system on the control column enables the pilot to make weapon selections without maneuvering his hands. The Indian Air Force is also operating these aircraft for training of their pilots. The induction of the sophisticated aircraft will boost the training of combat pilots in the Navy for helping them learn advanced fighter flying.
12)Gross Direct Tax Collections during April-October in 2013-14 up by 11.58 Percent
The Gross Direct Tax of India during the April to October 2013-14 financial year in the same period in 2012-13 financial year the gross direct tax was 302844 crore rupees.
Whereas, the Gross Collection of Corporate taxes from April to October 2013-2014 financial year has increased by 8.23 percent and stood at 209622 crore rupees. But the Gross Collection of Corporate taxes was 193679 crore rupees in the same period of financial year 2012-13.
The Gross collection of Personal income tax is up by 17.89 percent and stood at 125078 crore rupees as against 106097 crore rupees in the same period last year. Net direct tax collections is up by 13.33 percent and stands at 284339 crore rupees, as compared to 250900 crore rupees in the same period in the 2012-13.
The collection of Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stands at 2645 crore rupees showing the growth of 5.67 percent as compared to collections made in the same period in the last fiscal. The Wealth Tax has posted a growth of 5.86 percent and stands at 560 crore rupees as against 529 crore rupees in the same period last year.
12)Mumbai emerged as the City with Highest Internet Penetration in India
As per the data released by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on 6 November 2013, Mumbai emerged as the city with highest internet penetration in India. Bangalore which is considered as the information technology (IT) capital of the country was the sixth in the list of internet penetration with 3.8 million internet users. Mumbai has 12 million internet users, followed by Delhi with 8.1 million users and Hyderabad with 4.7 million users. Kolkata emerged as the city with highest growth of internet users in 2013. The city registered a 47 percent rise in internet adoption. Ahmedabad registered the lowest growth rate among the top eight cities at 26 percent.
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