Padma Awards 2014

The President of India has approved conferment of 127 Padma Awards including one duo case (counted as one) as per the list below. The list comprises two Padma Vibhushan, 24 Padma Bhushan and 101 Padma Shri Awardees. 27 of the Awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and Posthumous Awardees.

Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. The awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan sometime around March/ April.

Padma Vibhushan

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
1.	Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
2.	Shri B.K.S. Iyengar	Others-Yoga	Maharashtra

Padma Bhushan

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
	Prof. Gulam Mohammed Sheikh	Art - Painting	Gujarat
	Begum Parveen Sultana	Art - Classical Singing	Maharashtra
	Shri T.H. Vinayakram	Art - Ghatam Artist	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Kamala Haasan	Art-Cinema	Tamil Nadu
	Justice Dalveer Bhandari	Public Affairs	Delhi
	Prof. Padmanabhan Balaram	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
	Prof. Jyeshtharaj Joshi	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Dr. Madappa Mahadevappa	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
	Dr. Thirumalachari Ramasami	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Dr. Vinod Prakash Sharma	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Dr. Radhakrishnan Koppillil	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
	Dr. Mrityunjay Athreya	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Ms. Anita Desai	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Dr. Dhirubhai Thaker	Literature and Education	Gujarat
	Shri Vairamuthu Ramasamy Thevar	Literature and Education	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Ruskin Bond	Literature and Education	Uttarakhand
	Shri Pullela Gopichand	Sports - Badminton	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Leander Paes	Sports - Tennis	Maharashtra
	Shri Vijayendra Nath Kaul	Civil Service	Delhi
	Late Justice Jagdish Sharan Verma	Public Affairs	Uttar Pradesh #
	Late Dr. Anumolu Ramakrishna	Science and Engineering	Andhra Pradesh #
	Prof. Anisuzzaman	Literature and Education	Bangladesh*
	Prof. Lloyd I. Rudolph	Literature and Education	USA*$
	Prof. Susanne H. Rudolph	Literature and Education	USA*$
	Dr. (Smt.) Neelam Kler	Medicine - Neonatology	Delhi

Padma Shri

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
	Shri Mohammad Ali Baig	Art - Theatre	Andhra Pradesh
	Ms. Nayana Apte Joshi	Art -	Maharashtra
	Shri Musafir Ram Bhardwaj	Art - Instrumental Music - Pauna Manjha	Himachal Pradesh
	Ms. Sabitri Chatterjee	Art - Film	West Bengal
	Prof. Biman Bihari Das	Art - Sculptor	Delhi
	Shri Sunil Das	Art - Painting	West Bengal
	Smt. Elam Endira Devi	Art - Manipuri Dance	Manipur
	Shri Vijay Ghate	Art - Instrumental Music - Tabla	Maharashtra
	Smt Rani Karnaa	Art - Kathak	West Bengal
	Shri Bansi Kaul	Art - Theatre	Jammu & Kashmir
	Ustad Moinuddin Khan	Art - Instrumental Music-Sarangi Player	Rajasthan
	Ms. Geeta Mahalik	Art - Odishi Dance	Delhi
	Shri Paresh Maity	Art - Painting	Delhi
	Shri Ram Mohan	Art - Film Animation	Maharashtra
	Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik	Art - Sand Artist	Orissa
	Shri Paresh Rawal	Art - Cinema and Theatre	Maharashtra
	Shri Wendell Augustine Rodricks	Art - Fashion Designing	Goa
	Prof. Kalamandalam Sathyabhama	Art – Mohini Attam	Kerala
	Shri Anuj (Ramanuj) Sharma	Art - Performing Art	Chhattisgarh
	Shri Santosh Sivan	Art - Film	Tamil Nadu
	Ms. Supriya Devi	Art-Bengali Cinema	West Bengal
	Ms. Sooni Taraporevala	Art- Script Writing	Maharashtra
	Ms. Vidya Balan	Art-Cinema	Maharashtra
	Smt. Durga Jain	Social Work	Maharashtra
	Dr. Rama Rao Anumolu	Social Work	Andhra Pradesh
	Dr. Brahm Dutt	Social Work	Haryana
	Shri Mukul Chandra Goswami	Social Work	Assam
	Shri J.L. Kaul	Social Work	Delhi
	Shri Mathurbhai Madhabhai Savani	Social Work	Gujarat
	Shri Tashi Tondup	Public Affairs	Jammu and Kashmir
	Dr. Hasmukh Chamanlal Shah	Public Affairs	Gujarat
	Shri Sekhar Basu	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Shri Madhavan Chandradathan	Science and Engineering	Kerala
	Prof. Sushanta Kumar Dattagupta	Science and Engineering	West Bengal
	Dr. Ravi Bhushan Grover	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Prof. Eluvathingal Devassy Jemmis	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
	Shri Ramkrishna V. Hosur	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Dr. Ajay Kumar Parida	Science and Engineering	Tamil Nadu
	Dr. Malapaka Yajneswara Satyanarayana Prasad	Science and Engineering	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Kiran Kumar Alur Seelin	Science and Engineering	Gujarat
	Dr. Brahma Singh	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Prof. Vinod Kumar Singh	Science and Engineering	Madhya Pradesh
	Dr. Govindan Sundararajan	Science and Engineering	Andhra Pradesh
	Ramaswamy R. Iyer	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Dr. Jayanta Kumar Ghosh	Science and Engineering	West Bengal
	Shri Ravi Kumar Narra	Trade and Industry	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Rajesh Saraiya	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Ms. Mallika Srinivasan	Trade and Industry	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Pratap Govindrao Pawar	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Dr. Kiritkumar Mansukhlal Acharya	Medicine - Dermatology	Gujarat
	Dr. Balram Bhargava	Medicine - Cardiology	Uttar Pradesh
	Prof. (Dr.) Indra Chakravarty	Medicine - Health & Hygiene	West Bengal
	Dr. Ramakant Krishnaji Deshpande	Medicine - Oncology	Maharashtra
	Prof. (Dr.) Pawan Raj Goyal	Medicine - Chest Disease	Haryana
	Prof. Amod Gupta	Medicine - Opthalmology	Haryana
	Prof. (Dr.) Daya Kishore Hazra	Medicine	Uttar Pradesh
	Prof. (Dr.) Thenumgal Poulose Jacob	Medicine - Vascular Surgery	Tamil Nadu
	Prof. (Dr.) Shashank R. Joshi	Medicine - Endocrinology	Maharashtra
	Prof. Hakim Syed Khaleefathullah	Medicine - Unani Medicine	Tamil Nadu
	Dr. Milind Vasant Kirtane	Medicine - ENT Surgeory	Maharashtra
	Dr. Lalit Kumar	Medicine - oncology	Delhi
	Dr. Mohan Mishra	Medicine	Bihar
	Dr. M. Subhadra Nair	Medicine - Gyneacology	Kerala
	Dr. Ashok Panagariya	Medicine - Neurology	Rajasthan
	Dr. Narendra Kumar Pandey	Medicine - Surgery	Haryana
	Dr. Sunil Pradhan	Medicine - Neurology	Uttar Pradesh
	Dr. Ashok Rajgopal	Medicine - Orthopaedics	Delhi
	Dr. Kamini A. Rao	Medicine - Reproductive Medicine	Karnataka
	Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah	Medicine - Surgery	Andhra Pradesh
	Prof. Om Prakash Upadhyaya	Medicine -	Punjab
	Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma	Medicine - Dental Science	Delhi
	Dr. J.S. Titiyal	Medicine- Opthalmology	Delhi
	Dr. Nitish Naik	Medicine- Cardiology	Delhi
	Dr. Surbrat Kumar Acharya	Medicine- Gastroentrology	Delhi
	Dr. Rajesh Kumar Grover	Medicine-Oncology	Delhi
	Dr. Naheed Abidi	Literature and Education	Uttar Pradesh
	Prof. Ashok Chakradhar	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Shri Chhakchhuak Chhuanvawra	Literature and Education	Mizoram
	Shri Keki N. Daruwalla	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Prof. Ganesh Narayandas Devi	Literature and Education	Gujarat
	Prof. Kolakaluri Enoch	Literature and Education	Andhra Pradesh
	Prof. (Dr.) Ved Kumari Ghai	Literature and Education	Jammu and Kashmir
	Smt. Manorama Jafa	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Prof. Rehana Khatoon	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Dr. Waikhom Gojen Meeitei	Literature and Education	Manipur
	Shri Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri	Literature and Education	Kerala
	Prof. Dinesh Singh	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Dr. (Mrs.) P. Kilemsungla	Literature and Education	Nagaland
	Ms. Anjum Chopra	Sports - Cricket	Delhi
	Ms. Sunil Dabas	Sports - Kabbadi	Haryana
	Shri Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu	Sports - Mountaineering	Delhi
	Ms. Dipika Rebecca Pallikal	Sports - Squash	Tamil Nadu
	Shri H. Boniface Prabhu	Sports - Wheelchair Tennis	Karnataka
	Shri Yuvraj Singh	Sports - Cricket	Haryana
	Smt. Mamta Sodha	Sports - Mountaineering	Haryana
	Ms Parveen Talha	Civil Service	Uttar Pradesh
	Late Dr. Narendra Achyut Dabholkar	Social Work	Maharashtra#
	Shri Ashok Kumar Mago	Trade and Industry	USA*
	Dr. Siddharth Mukherjee	Medicine-Oncology	USA*
	Dr. Vamsi Mootha	Medicine - Biomedical Research	USA*
	Dr. Sengaku Mayeda	Literature and Education	Japan*

Note: * indicates awardees in the category of Foreigners / NRIs/ PIOs.

            # indicates awardees in the posthumous category.

            $ indicates one duo case. (treated as one award.)

National Communal Harmony Awards 2013 Announced

The Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai has been selected for the National Communal Harmony Award 2013 in the Organization category. Dr. Mohinder Singh of Delhi and Dr. N Radhakrishnan of Kerala have been selected for this Award in the individual category. 

Established in 1996, the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS) is a Mumbai based organization working to promote peace, secularism and communal harmony in the country. It has also been working on human rights issues and issues of the marginalized and deprived sections of the society. 

The Centre has published a number of books and literary material highlighting different facets of violence and communalism, peace, secularism and communal harmony which have a wider readership. The Centre has also been regularly publishing a quarterly journal ‘Indian Journal of Secularism’ which is popular amongst academics and the masses. 

Dr. Mohinder Singh, aged 72 is a scholar and presently member of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions. Earlier, he was also Member of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities from 2005 to 2007.In 1984, he along with other social activists, organized relief camps at Delhi and restored friendship between the Hindu and Sikh communities in the wake of anti-Sikh riots. In 1985, he set-up a Communal Harmony Forum along with Dr.Nirmala Deshpande, which worked for nearly four years and organized inter-faith meetings and visit to holy places by its members 

Dr. N Radhakrishnan, aged 69 is a well known academic, a Gandhian scholar and a peace worker. He initiated the Shanti Sena programme at the Gandhigram University and extended this work to other parts of the country. He has been actively working to restore peace in communally tense areas of Tamilnadu and Kerala. Having served as Director of Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, New Delhi for more than a decade, he was instrumental in initiating and implementing many innovative activities in educational institutions by using Gandhian values and principles. His campaign ‘Himsamukth Bharat Andolan’ motivates people to become foot soldiers in campaigning for peace and sustainable development. 

The National Communal Harmony Awards were instituted in 1996 by the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous Organization set up by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, for promoting communal harmony and national integration. The Award has been instituted with a view to demonstrating due appreciation and recognition of the efforts of individuals and Organizations for promotion of communal harmony and national integration in a sustained manner over a sufficiently long period of time. In addition to a citation in each category, the Award carries a cash award of Rupees Five Lakh for ‘Individuals’ and Rupees Ten Lakh for ‘Organizations’. 

అవార్డులు - రివార్డులు

భారతరత్న:
క్రీడాకారుడు సచిన్‌టెండ్కూలర్(40), ప్రముఖ శాస్త్రవేత్త ప్రొఫెసర్ సీఎన్‌ఆర్ రావు(79)లకు ప్రతిష్ఠాత్మక భారతరత్న అవార్డులకు ఎంపికయ్యారు. భారతరత్నను చివరిసారిగా 2009లో పండిట్ భీమ్‌సేన్ జోషికి ప్రదానం చేశారు. ఇప్పటి వరకు ఈ అవార్డును మొత్తం 41 మంది అందుకున్నారు. ఈ అత్యున్నత పురస్కారాన్ని 1954లో ఏర్పాటు చేశారు. సర్. సీవీ రామన్, మాజీ రాష్ట్రపతి ఏపీజే అబ్దుల్ కలాం తర్వాత భారతరత్నకు ఎంపికైన మూడో శాస్త్రవేత్త సీఎన్‌ఆర్ రావు. ఈ అవార్డు పొందిన తొలి క్రీడాకారుడు, అతిపిన్న వయస్కుడిగా సచిన్ గుర్తింపు పొందాడు.

కేంద్ర సాహిత్య అకాడమీ అవార్డు :
తెలుగు స్త్రీవాద సాహిత్య విమర్శకురాలు, కాకతీయ విశ్వవిద్యాలయం తెలుగు ప్రొఫెసర్ కాత్యాయని విద్మహే 2013 సంవత్సరానికి కేంద్ర సాహిత్య అకాడమీ అవార్డుకు ఎంపికయ్యారు. సాహిత్యాకాశంలో సగం- స్త్రీల అస్తిత్వ సాహిత్యం, కవిత్వం, కథ అనే సాహిత్య విమర్శ గ్రంథానికి గాను ఆమెకు ఈ అవార్డు దక్కింది.

ఆసియా నోబెల్ ఫ్రైజ్ ఏర్పాటు :
తైవాన్ వ్యాపారవేత్త సామ్యూల ఇన్ ఆసియా నోబెల్‌గా పేర్కొనే ‘ట్యాంగ్ ఫ్రైజ్’ను ఏర్పాటు చేశారు. ఇందుకోసం ఈయన 101 మిలియన్ డాలర్ల విరాళం ప్రకటించారు. 2014లో ప్రారంభమయ్యే ఈ బహుమతిని ప్రతి రెండేళ్లకోసారి ఇస్తారు. ప్రతి కేటగిరిలో విజేతకు 1.7 మిలియన్ డాలర్లు ఇస్తారు. ప్రస్తుతం నోబెల్ విజేతకు 1.2 మిలయన్ డాలర్లు ఇస్తున్నారు.

ఫిల్మ్‌ఫేర్ అవార్డులు :
2013 సంవత్సరానికి 58వ ఫిల్మ్ ఫేర్ అవార్డులను జనవరి 21న ముంబైలో ప్రదానం చేశారు.
వివరాలు :
మలాలాకు ఫ్రాన్స్ పురస్కారం :
పాకిస్థాన్ సాహస బాలిక, మానవ హక్కుల కార్యకర్త మలాలా యూసుఫ్ జాయ్(15)కు ఫ్రాన్స్ ప్రతిష్టాత్మక పురస్కారం ‘సైమన్ డీ జేవియన్’ దక్కింది.
బెనగళ్‌కు అక్కినేని అవార్డు :
ప్రముఖ దర్శకుడు శ్యామ్ బెనగళ్‌‘2012 అక్కినేని నాగేశ్వరరావు జాతీయ అవార్డు’కు ఎంపికయ్యారు. 2005లో నెలకొల్పిన ఈ అవార్డును తొలిసారి ప్రముఖ బాలీవుడ్ నటుడు దేవానంద్‌కు ప్రదానం చేశారు. 2011లో బాలీవుడ్ నటి హేమామాలినికి ఈ పురస్కారాన్ని అందజేశారు.

85వ ఆస్కార్ అవార్డులు :
85వ ఆస్కార్ అవార్డులును అమెరికాలోని లాస్ ఏంజిల్స్‌లో ఫిబ్రవరి 25న ప్రదానం చేశారు. భారతీయ కథా నేపథ్యంలో రూపొందించిన ‘లైఫ్ ఆఫ్ పై’ చిత్రం నాలుగు ఆస్కార్లను సొంతం చేసుకుంది.
ఉత్తమ చిత్రం- ఆర్గో, ఉత్తమ దర్శకుడు- ఆంగ్ లీ(‘లైఫ్ ఆఫ్ పై), ఉత్తమ నటుడు- డేనియల్ డే లూయిస్(లింకన్), ఉత్తమ నటి- జెన్నిఫర్ లారెన్స్(సిల్వర్ లైనింగ్ ప్లేబుక్), ఉత్తమ ఛాయక్షిగహకుడు- క్లాడియో మిరండా( లైఫ్ ఆఫ్ పై), ఉత్తమ ఒరిజినల్ స్కోర్- మైఖెల్ డానా (లైఫ్ ఆఫ్ పై), ఉత్తమ విజువల్ ఎఫెక్ట్- లైఫ్ ఆఫ్ పై, షార్ డైరెక్టర్ ప్రసాద్‌కు నాయుడమ్మ అవార్డు
ప్రతిష్టాత్మక నాయుడమ్మ అవార్డు 2013కు గాను షార్ డైరెక్టర్ డా. ఎం.వై.ఎస్ ప్రసాద్‌కు లభించింది.
పాల్ హన్‌సేన్‌కు వరల్డ్ ప్రెస్ ఫొటోక్షిగఫీ అవార్డు
స్వీడన్ ఫొటో జర్నలిస్ట్ పాల్ హన్‌సేన్‌కు 2012ను గాను వరల్డ్ ప్రెస్ ఫొటోక్షిగఫీ అవార్డ్ గెలుచుకున్నారు. ఇది ఫొటో జర్నలిస్టులకిచ్చే అత్యంత ప్రతిష్ఠాత్మక పురష్కారం. 2012లో గాజా నగరంపై ఇజ్రాయెల్ జరిపిన క్షిపణి దాడుల్లో చిన్నపిల్లలు మృతిచెందిన దృశ్యాన్ని చిత్రీకరించిన పాల్‌కు ఈ అవార్డు దక్కింది.

ఆంధ్రవూపదేశ్ ప్రభుత్వ చలన చిత్ర అవార్డులు :
ఆంధ్రవూపదేశ్ ప్రభుత్వం 2011 సంవత్సరానికి చలన చిత్ర అవార్డులను మార్చి 24న ప్రకటించింది.
1. ఎన్‌టీఆర్ జాతీయ అవార్డు - అమితాబ్ బచ్చన్
(బాలీవుడ్ నటుడు)
2. బీఎన్‌డ్డి ఆత్మీయ అవార్డు - శ్యామ్‌బెనగళ్(దర్శకుడు)
3. నాగిడ్డి - చక్రపాణి జాతీయ అవార్డు- జి. ఆదిశేషగిరి
రావు(నిర్మాత, పద్మాలయ స్టూడియోస్ అధినేత)
4.రఘపతి వెంకటయ్య అవార్డు - కైకాల సత్యనారాయణ
గమనిక : ఎన్టీఆర్ అవార్డు కింద రూ. 5 లక్షలు, జ్ఞాపిక, ప్రశంసాపత్రం, మిగిలిన అవార్డుల కింద రూ. 2 లక్షలు, జ్ఞాపిక, ప్రశంసాపత్రం అందజేస్తారు.
జాతీయ చలనచిత్ర అవార్డులు
-మార్చి 18న 2012 సంవత్సరానికిగాను 60వ జాతీయ చనలచిత్ర అవార్డుల విజేతలను ప్రముఖ దర్శకుడు బసు చటర్జీ
నేతృత్వంలోని జ్యూరీ ప్రకటించింది.
-ఉత్తమ చిత్రం: పాన్‌సింగ్‌తోమర్ (హిందీ-దర్శకుడు: తిగ్మాంషూ ధూలియా)
-ఉత్తమ నటుడు ఇర్ఫాన్‌ఖాన్ (హిందీ చిత్రం పాన్‌సింగ్‌తోమర్), విక్రమ్ గోఖలే (మరాఠీ చిత్రం అనుమతి)
-ఉత్తమ నటి: ఉషా జాదవ్ (మరాఠీ చిత్రం ధాగ్)
-ఉత్తమ జనరంజక చిత్రాలు: విక్కీడోనర్ (హిందీ), ఉస్తాద్ హూటల్ (మలయాళం)
-ఉత్తమ స్పెషల్ ఎఫెక్ట్ చిత్రం - ఈగ
-తెలుగులో ఉత్తమ చిత్రం- ఈగ

ఉత్తమ పార్లమెం అవార్డులు
2010, 2011, 2012 సంవత్సరాలకు ఉత్తమ పార్లమెం పురస్కారాలను లోక్‌సభ స్పీకర్ కార్యాలయం మార్చి 6న ప్రకటించింది
-2010: అరుణ్ జైట్లీ(బీజేపీ)
-2011: కరణ్‌సింగ్ (కేంవూదమాజీ మంత్రి, కాంగ్రెస్)
-2012: శరద్ యాదవ్ (జనతాదళ్-యూ)
1995 నుంచి ప్రతి ఏటా ఒక పార్లమెంట్ సభ్యుడికి ఉత్తమ పార్లమెం పురస్కారాన్ని అందజేస్తున్నారు.

సైనా నెహ్వాల్‌కు ‘యుధ్‌వీర్’ అవార్డు :
బ్యాడ్మింటన్ క్రీడాకారణి సైనా నెహ్వాల్‌కు 2013 సంవత్సరానికి ‘యుధ్‌వీర్’ అవార్డు లభించింది. ఈ అవార్డుకు ఎంపికైన తొలి క్రీడాకారిణి సైనా నెహ్వాల్. ఒలింపిక్స్‌లో పతకం సాధించిన తొలి భారత బ్యాడ్మింటన్ క్రీడాకారిణిగా సాధించిన ఘనతకు సైనాకు ఈ అవార్డు దక్కింది.

రావూరికి జ్ఞానపీఠ్ :
ప్రముఖ రచయిత రావూరి భరద్వాజకు 48వ జ్ఞానపీఠ్ అవార్డు-2012 దక్కింది. ఆయన రాసిన ‘పాకుడురాళ్లు’ నవలకుగాను ఈ పురస్కారం లభించింది. తెలుగులో జానపీఠ్ పురస్కారాన్ని దక్కించుకున్న మూడో వ్యక్తి భరద్వాజ. ఇంతకు మందు 1970లో విశ్వనాథ సత్యనారాయణ,1988లో సి. నారాయణడ్డి ఈ పురస్కారాన్ని అందుకున్నారు. ఈ అవార్డు కింద ప్రశంసాపత్రం, రూ. 7లక్షలు బహూకరిస్తారు. 2011 సంవత్సరానికి ఒడిశా రచయిత్రి డాక్టర్ ప్రతిభారాయ్‌కు ఈ పురస్కారం లభించింది.

బుకర్‌ఫ్రైజ్ :
ప్రతిష్ఠాత్మక బుకర్‌ఫ్రైజ్ అమెరికా రచయిత్రి లిడియా డేవిస్‌ను వరించింది. ఈ పోటీలో భారత్‌కు చెందిన ప్రఖ్యాత కన్నడ రచయిత యూఆర్ అనంతమూర్తి తుదివరకు పోటీలో ఉన్నా బహుమతి మాత్రం డేవిస్‌కే దక్కింది.

మిస్ ఇండియా వరల్డ్‌గా నేహాల్
భారత సంతతికి చెందిన బ్రిటన్ వనిత నెహాల్ బొగైటా మిస్ ఇండియా వరల్డ్ వైడ్‌గా ఎంపికైంది. ఈ టైటిల్‌ను సాధించిన మొదటి బధిర యువతిగా ఆమె రికార్డు సృష్టించింది.

రాజీవ్ ఖేల్త్న్ర :
2013 సంవత్సరానికి సంబంధించిన క్రీడా అవార్డులను కేంద్ర క్రీడా మంత్రిత్వశాఖ ఆమోదించింది.
ప్రతిష్ఠాత్మక క్రీడా అవార్డు రాజీవ్‌గాంధీ ఖేల్త్న్ర షూటర్ రంజన్ సోధీకి దక్కింది. సోధి 2010 కామన్వెల్త్ గేమ్స్‌లో రెండు రజిత పతకాలు, 2012 ఆసియా క్రీడల్లో స్వర్ణ పతకం సాధించారు.
పేరు క్రీడ
విరాట్ కోహ్లి క్రికెట్
చక్రవోల్ సువుఉరో అర్చరీ
రంజిత్ మహేశ్వరీ అథ్లెటిక్స్
పీవీ సింధు బ్యాడ్మింటన్
కవితా చాహల్ బాక్సింగ్
సాబా అంజుమ్ హాకీ
రాజ్‌కుమారీ రాథోర్ షూటింగ్

2012-13 సంవత్సరానికి బీసీసీఐ అవార్డులు :
భారత్ క్రికెట్ నియంవూతణ బోర్డు (బీసీసీఐ)2012-13 సంవత్సరానికి 7వ వార్షిక అవార్డులను 2013 డిసెంబర్ 26న ప్రకటించింది.
సీకే నాయుడు అవార్డు(లైఫ్ టైం అచీవ్‌మంట్ అవార్డు) కపిల్‌దేవ్(రూ.25 లక్షల బహుమతి)
పాలిఉమిగ్రర్ పేరిట ఇచ్చే ‘బెస్ట్ ఇంటర్నేషనల్ క్రికెటర్’:
ఆర్. అశ్విన్(రూ.5లక్షల బహుమతి)
రంజీవూటోఫీలో ఉత్తమ ఆల్‌రౌండర్‌కిచ్చే ‘లాలా అమర్‌నాథ్’: అభిషేక్ నాయర్
ఉత్తమ అంపైర్ : శంషుద్దీన్(హైదరాబాద్)
క్రికెట్‌కు అత్యుత్తమ సేవలందించినందుకు బహుమతి: ఆర్‌జీ నాదకర్ణి, ఫరూక్ ఇంజినీర్, సోల్కర్(ఒక్కొక్కరికి రూ. 15 లక్షల బహుమతి)

అశోక్ చక్ర :
శాంతి సమయంలో ధైర్యసాహసాలకిచ్చే రెండో అత్యున్నత అవార్డు అశోక్ చక్ర (మరణాంతర) ఆంధ్రవూపదేశ్‌కు చెందిన సబ్ ఇన్‌స్పెక్టర్ ఎన్.వి. ప్రసాద్‌బాబుకు దక్కింది.

పవర్ అవార్డు :
ఆంధ్రవూపదేశ్ పవర్ జనరేషన్ కార్పొరేషన్(ఏపీ జెన్‌కో) మేనేజింగ్ డైరెక్టర్ కె. విజయానంద్‌కు ఇండియా పవర్ అవార్డు లభించింది. ఆంధ్రవూపదేశ్ థర్మల్ విద్యుత్ కేంద్రాల నిర్వహణలో చూపిన ప్రతిభకుగాను ఆయన 2013 ఉత్తమ సీఈఓగా ఎంపికయ్యారు.

నోబెల్ బహుమతులు- 2013
శాంతి: ప్రపంచవ్యాప్తంగా రసాయన ఆయుధాల నిర్మూలనకు కృషి చేస్తున్న ఆర్గనైజేషన్ ఫర్ ది ప్రొహిబిషన్ ఆఫ్ కెమికల్ వెపన్స్ (ఓపీసీడబ్లూ)కు లభించింది. 1901 నుంచి 2013 వరకు నోబెల్ శాంతి బహుమతి 94 సార్లు 125 మందికి బహూకరించారు. 2012 శాంతి బహుమతి యూరోపియన్ యూనియన్‌కు లభించింది.
సాహిత్యం: కెనడా రచయిత్రి ఆలిస్ మన్రో(82)కు నోబెల్ సాహిత్య బహుమతి దక్కింది. కెనడియన్ చెహూవ్‌గా పిలిచే మన్రో తన కథా రచనల్లో సమకాలిన పరిస్థితులును, మానవ సంబంధాలను మేళవించి పాఠకులకు అందించింది. ఆలిస్ మన్రో సాహిత్యంలో నోబెల్ బహుమతి పొందిన 13వ మహిళ, కెనడాకు చెందిన తొలి మహిళ కూడా.

ఇందిరాగాంధీ శాంతి బహుమతి :
జర్మనీ చాన్సలర్ ఏంజిలా మెర్కల్ 2013 సంవత్సరానికి ప్రతిష్ఠాత్మక ఇందిరాగాంధీ శాంతి, నిరాయుధీకరణ, అభివృద్ధి బహుమతికి ఎంపికయ్యారు.

సంగీత నాటక అకాడమీ అవార్డులు 
ప్రముఖ కర్నాటక విద్వాంసుడు డీ రాఘవాచారి, టీ శేషాచారి ఈ ఏడాది సంగీత నాటక అకాడమీ అవార్డులకు ఎంపికయ్యారు. హైదరాబాద్ బ్రదర్స్‌గా వీరు సుపరిచితులు.

A.P. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

SC, ST SUB PLAN

Third Lusofonia Games started in Goa

The third Lusofonia Games started in Goa on 18 January 2014. The Games will hold from 18 January to 29 January 2014. It is for the first time the Lusifonia Games are being held in India.

Lusofonia Games are multinational and multi-sport games in the World. These games are organized by ACOLOP (Association of the Portuguese Speaking Olympic Committees).

The Athletes from 12 Portuguese Commonwealth nations will be participating in the Lusofonia Games 2014. These are Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Goa (India), Macau (China), Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Sri Lanka. The Indian team will participate as Goa (India).

The Games has nine sporting disciplines which are Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball and Wushu.

The first Lusofonia Games were held in Macau (China) in 2006 and second Lusofonia Games in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2009.

Peshawar, largest reservoir of polio in world: WHO

Peshawar in Pakistan had the largest number of polio cases in the world in 2013. This was revealed by World Health Organisation (WHO) in a global analysis for polio cases on 17 January 2014.

The analysis by World Health Organisation (WHO) further said that Pakistan is the only polio-endemic country which reported more polio cases in 2013 than in 2012. Pakistan reported 83 cases in 2013 compared to 58 cases in 2012. In 2013, 369 cases were reported worldwide.

In Pakistan, 59 cases were from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), 10 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and seven each from Punjab and Sindh.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, of which Peshawar is the capital and adjoining tribal districts, has been found to be the polio hotspot in Pakistan.

All the polio cases reported from Pakistan are type-1 cases. No report of type-3 polio cases has been reported from Pakistan. 

The analysis by WHO suggested that viruses from Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Lahore and Multan are closely related with each other. This reflects a common source of outbreak because of a significant immunity gap in the central region of Punjab.

As a result, the most immediate epidemiological challenge is to control this transmission in the region. At the same time, building super high immunity in southern districts of the province is needed to reverse previous trends of transmission moving to the south after the central region outbreak.

Jamila Bayaz, first women to be appointed police chief of Kabul province

Jamila Bayaz was appointed as the police chief of District One of Kabul province on 15th January 2014. She is the first woman in Afghanistan to be appointed as police chief of an entire district.

She joined Afghan police force more than three decades ago and at present serving as Colonel in Kabul’s police force. 

The appointment of Jamila Bayaz is significant in more than one sense. Firstly, the appointment will pave the way for more Afghani women to rise through the ranks. Secondly, her appointment as police chief to one of the core districts of Kabul testifies that women position in Afghan society is improving since the Taliban were driven out from power in 2001.

District One of Kabul province houses the presidential palace and numerous ministries. Besides it houses the Central Bank of Afghanistan and is the main money and gold market of Afghanistan.

Kabul province is divided into 22 districts. Each number specifies the name of the district and is organized in ascending order in order of importance.

Tamil Nadu Governor inaugurated 15th Express Technology Sabha

Tamil Nadu Governor, Rosaiah inaugurated  15th Express Technology Sabha on 17 January 2014.The annual event is an established platform to share ideas, best practices and innovations on e-governance from senior government IT officials across the India.

On the occasion Governor stressed the effective utilization of Information Technology in  offering better services, business interaction and greater revenue generation opportunities.

The Tamil Nadu governor expected to work on efficient inter-department integration which is critical for reducing response time for services. The time limit should be fixed for the Public Sector Undertakings to response to citizens.

SYLLABUS FOR APPSC PANCHAYAT SECRETARY (GRADE - IV) IN A.P. PANCHAYAT RAJ SUBORDINATE SERVICE

Paper-1: GENERAL STUDIES 

1. Events of National and International importance.

2. Current affairs – International, National and Regional.

3. Current Developments in Science, Technology and Information Technology.

4. History of Modern India with special emphasis upon Indian National Movement.

5. Economic Development in India since Independence.

6. Logical reasoning, Analytical Ability and Data Interpretation.

7. Basic things about Disaster Management (CBSE –VIII & IX standard)


Paper-2:

Rural Development and Problems in Rural Areas with special reference to Andhra Pradesh 

(Questions in Paper-II will be framed with a view to test the General Awareness levels of the
candidates broadly about developmental aspects related to Rural Areas.)

1) Public Health and Sanitation, prevention of epidemics, hygiene behavoiur, village development.
2) Social tensions and conflicts in contemporary society – problems of deprived groups.
3) Indian System of Democracy – Democratic institutions, Panchayat Raj – Co-operative Institutions in the service of Rural Areas, their role and their effectiveness.
4) Rural Economy and Development – Scientific developments relevant to rural areas –labour saving devices.
5) Basic aspects related to Accounting.

Panchayat Secretary Grade-IV A.P. Panchayat raj Subordinate Service Recruitment (Notification No. 08/2013)

N O T I F I C A T I O N N O . 0 8 / 2 0 1 3 , D t : - 3 0 . 1 2 . 2 0 1 3 

PANCHAYAT SECRETARY (GRADE - IV) IN A.P. PANCHAYAT RAJ SUBORDINATE SERVICE (GENERAL RECRUITMENT) 

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UPSC Civil Service Mains 2013 General Studies Paper 1 Question Paper (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Instructions :-
• 250 marks, 3 hours
• Content of the answer is more important than its length.
• Answer questions in not more than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis.
Q1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India , the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. 10 marks-200 words

Q2. (a) Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 5 marks, 100 words
      (b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. 5 marks, 100 words.

Q3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. 10 marks-200 words

Q4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. 10 marks-200 words

Q5. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.10 marks-200 words

Q6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. 10 marks-200 words

Q7. Write a critical note on  the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 10 marks-200 words

Q8. Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post independent India. 10 marks-200 words

Q9. Analyse the circumstances t hat led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. 10 marks-200 words

Q10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. 10 marks-200 words

Q11. “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. 10 marks-200 words

Q12. Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 10 marks-200 words

Q13. American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 10 marks-200 words

Q14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 10 marks-200 words

Q15. Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. 10 marks-200 words

Q16. Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. 10 marks-200 words

Q17. Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 10 marks-200 words

Q18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. 10 marks-200 words

Q19. (a) What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. 5 marks 100 words
       (b) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. 5 marks-100 words.

Q20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 5 marks 100 words   
       (b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? 5 marks 100 words

Q21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?  10 marks-200 words.

Q22. (a) Bringout the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats. 5 marks 100 words
       (b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 5 marks 100 words

Q23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India ? Discuss with justification. 5 marks 100 words
       (b) Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India . 5 marks 100 words

Q24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. 10 marks-200 words

Q25. It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. 10 marks-200 words

UPSC Civil Service Mains 2013 General Studies Paper 2 Question Paper (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

Q1. The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?

Q2. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

Q3. Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the `Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.

Q4. The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.

Q5. Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.

Q6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

Q7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.

Q8. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.

Q9. The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.

Q10. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.

Q11. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.

Q12. The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.

Q13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

Q14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.

Q15. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.

Q16. Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse.

Q17. ‘A national Lokpal,however strong it may be,cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.(200 words).

Q18. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.

Q19. What do you understand by The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

Q20. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

Q21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?

Q22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?

Q23. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.

Q24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.

Q25. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.

UPSC Civil Service Mains 2013 General Studies Paper-3 Question Paper (Tecnology, Economic Develpement, Bio Diversity, Enviroment, Security and Disaster Management)

Time Allowed: Three Hours                                                                                         Maximum Marks: 250


                    QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are TWENTY FIVE questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
All questions are compulsory. 
The number of marks carried by a question is indicated against it.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorized one.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
Any page or portion  of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.

Answer questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than its length :
1. With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. [200 words]  10
2. What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 ? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. [200 words] 10
3. What is the meaning of the term 'tax expenditure' ? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.              [200 words] 10
4. Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. [200 words] 10
5. What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels ? Critically analyse the agriculture subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it. [200 words] 10
6. India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. [200 words] 10
7. Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily ? Discuss. [200 words] 10
8. Establish relationship between land reforms, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture friendly land reforms in India. [200 words] 10
9.(a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. [100 words] 5   (b) Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons. [100 words] 5
10. Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime. [200 words] 10
11. Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy. [200 words] 10
12. Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss pros and cons of the model. [200 words] 10
13. Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novratis' patent application for 'Glivec'. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. [200 words] 10
14. What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs) ? Discuss their merits and demerits. [200 words] 10
15. What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket ? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system ? [200 words] 10
16. (a) What is a digital signature ? What does its authentication mean ? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. [100 words] 5     (b) How does the 3D printing technology work ? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. [100 words] 5
17. (a) What is an FRP composite material ? How are they manufactured ? Discuss their application in aviation and automobile industries. [100 words] 5     (b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project ? [100 words]  5
18. How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System. [200 words] 10
19. What are the consequences of Illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests' concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector. [200 words] 10
20. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management.     What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India ? [200 words] 10
21. Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menance ? [200 words] 10
22. What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present ? [200 words] 10
23. Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. [200 words] 10
24. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism. [200 words] 10
25. How far are India's internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar ? [200 words] 10

UPSC Civil Service Mains Essay 2013 Question Paper

Write an essay on any one of the following topics, in not more than 2500 words. (250 marks)
1. Be the change you want to see in others (Gandhi)
2. Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success?
3. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the wellbeing of a country
4. Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.

New National Competition Policy

Formulation of a National Competition Policy is under consideration of the Government. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of Corporate Affairs, Shri Sachin Pilot, said that the Government has introduced a Public Procurement Bill, 2012 in Lok Sabha in May, 2012. The Bill seeks to regulate public procurement by all Ministries/Departments of the Central Government, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), autonomous and statutory bodies controlled by the Central Government and other procuring entities with the objectives of ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in the procurement process, fair and equitable treatment of bidders, promoting competition, enhancing efficiency and economy, maintaining integrity and public confidence in the public procurement process. The Bill at present is under examination by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. 

More Powers to the Competition Commission of India

The Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2012 introduced in the Lok Sabha inter-alia, proposes to enable Competition Commission of India (CCI) to conduct search and seizure operations directly for carrying out effective investigations into unfair market practices. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister Of Corporate Affairs, Shri Sachin Pilot, said that the Bill is presently under reference to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for examination and report. 

The Minister also informed the House that the Commission, up to 25.11.2013, has imposed penalty of Rs. 8,024.18 crore on 154 parties in various cases out of which an amount of Rs. 19.37 crore has been recovered and deposited in Government Account from 58 parties. The penalty is recoverable as per the provisions contained in CCI (Manner of Recovery of Monetary Penalty) Regulations, 2011. 

Angela Merkel to be honoured with Indira Peace Prize

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be awarded the coveted Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2013 with an international jury headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh choosing her.
The announcement was made on November 19, 2013 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.The trust said the prize was being given to 59-year-old German leader for her work in promotion of global economic stability and commitment to universal peace and disarmament and her leadership role in strengthening productive and mutually beneficial relations with India and other developing countries.
Merkel, who became the first woman to be elected as Chancellor of Germany, has been a strong supporter of close relations with India.
Her joint declaration with the Indian Prime Minister greatly strengthened the Indo-German relations, leading to inter-governmental consultations during her state visit to India in 2011 and PM Manmohan Singh's visit to Berlin in 2013.

Mangalore University Presented with Indira Gandhi NSS Best University Award 2012-13

President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 19 November 2013 presented Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Best University Award 2012-13 to Mangalore University of Karnataka.
Mangalore University is fourth in the row of universities winning Indira Gandhi NSS Award in Karnataka. Prior to this university, RGUHS, Bangalore University, and UAS Dharwad had received this award.
The award comprises a memento and a citation along with a cash prize of 2 lakh Rupees.
President of India also gave NSS Best Plus 2 Council Award for 2012-13 to Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Thiruvananthpuram while Upcoming University Award was presented to Kumaun University, Nainital. The awards are given to educational institutions, faculty and students for their contribution in various beneficial and voluntary activities.

The awards were presented on the occasion of National Integration Day (19 November 2013) at a function in Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. National Integration Day is the Birth anniversary of the first woman Prime Minister of the India, Indira Gandhi.

Prof. CNR Rao and Sachin Tendulkar Selected for Bharat Ratna Award

The Government of India on 16 November 2013 decided to confer, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award on eminent scientist Prof CNR Rao and cricket player Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar is the first sport person to win the Bharat Ratna Award.

The Bharat Ratna award so far, given only to eminent personalities from the field of dance, music, art, literature and the social sector. In the year 2011, the Government of India modified the eligibility criteria for Bharat Ratna Award - to enable eminent Sports-persons to receive the Nation’s highest civilian award.

About Prof. CNR Rao

Prof. Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao (CNR Rao) was born on 30 June 1934, Bangalore, India. He is an eminent scientist and a well recognized international authority on solid state and materials chemistry.

He has published over 1400 research papers and 45 books. Prof. CNR Rao's contributions have been recognized by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships. He has been honoured with several national and international awards, including Padma Vibhushan.

Prof. CNR Rao is Honorary President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India.

About Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is an Indian Batsman who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of the cricket world.

Sachin Tendulkar who belongs to Mumbai Maharashtra made his appearance in six world cups for India and was the member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad of the nation.

Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against arch-rival Pakistan at Karachi in 1989. He made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1989 in Gujranwala. He currently holds the record for most hundreds in both Tests and One Day Internationals. 

In 198 Test matches, Sachin Tendulkar scored over Fifteen Thousand Eight hundred runs at an average of 53.86. He slammed 51 Test centuries and an unbeaten 248 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2004 was his best ever. 

He made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries.

In 2012, Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score 100 international centuries.

Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from Test cricket after playing his landmark 200th Test match against the West Indies on 15 November 2013. Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar announced retirement form one day cricket on 23 December 2012 and from Twenty20 cricket format on 26 May 2013.

About Bharat Ratna award

• Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian Award of the country was instituted in the year 1954.
• It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. 
• The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President. 
• The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
• The last recipient of Bharat Ratna award is Pandit Bhimsen Joshi in 2008.
• The first ever Indian to receive this award was the famous scientist, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.