- UK signed an agreement with Bahrain to establish a permanent naval base at Mina Salman Port
The United Kingdom (UK) on 6 December 2014 signed an agreement with Bahrain to establish a permanent naval base at Mina Salman Port in Bahrain.
The agreement was signed between the Foreign Secretary of UK's Philip Hammond and Foreign Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
The new base will bolster and provide the Royal Navy with a forward operating base and a place to plan, store equipment for naval operations and accommodate Royal Navy personnel.
The base will be built by Bahrain at an estimated cost of 15 million pounds with the British underwriting the ongoing costs. It will be completed in 2015.
The base will be in addition to the UK’s four-mine hunter warships permanently based in Bahrain that supports British d
estroyers and frigates in the Gulf.
Comment
The naval base will become the springboard for Britain’s involvement in the Middle East, most importantly its operations in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition against the armies of the Islamic State.
The country already hosts the Naval Support Activity Bahrain controlled by the US government, which is the port where the US Fifth Fleet is positioned. It is also where the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command for the region is headquartered.
- MRF Limited to be the global partner of ICC cricket World Cup 2015
MRF Limited of India will be the global partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The decision was announced by International Cricket Council (ICC) on 1 December 2014 during the unveiling occasion of the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy.
With this, MRF will have access to multiple branding opportunities at all game venues during the Cricket World Cup and at other promotional events held by the ICC across the world.
Already, MRF Pace Foundation Academy had been working alongside some of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and now it shares the commitment of ICC to continuous quality improvement.
ICC Chairman: N Srinivasan
MRF Limited Chairman and Managing director: K M Mammen
- Punjab Government banned health camps in the State without permission
State Government of Punjab on 5 December 2014 decided to ban health camps without prior approval of district civil surgeons. The decision was made after more than dozen people lost their vision partially following cataract operation in a camp at Gurdaspur district of the state.
The free eye check-up camp was conducted by a Mathura-based NGO in Uttar Pradesh.
The government has also made mandatory that the civil surgeon, before allowing any medical camp, would certify that the organisation has sufficient medical infrastructure and specialists to conduct surgeries.
Civil surgeons have also been asked to ensure that sterilized equipment is used for surgery in such camps and a proper pre-operative and post-operative case of the pateinets is taken.
The Jalandhar based eye surgeon who carried out the operations at the health camp and coordinator of Mathura based NGO that organised the camp have been arrested.
- First World Soil Day observed on 5 December
First World Soil Day was observed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 5 December 2014. On eve of the first World Soil Day, UNFAO along with Global Soil Parternership (GSP) declared the year of 2015 as UN International Year of Soils.Click here for more details>>
- Steps need to be taken to stop sex determination contents on internet: SC
The Supreme Court on 3 December 2014 asked the Union government to take efforts to stop sex determination contents on internet.
The bench comprising of Justice Dipak Misra and justice U U Lalit asked the Union government that an effort has to be taken to ensure that websites like Google India, Yahoo India and Microsoft Corporation (I) Pvt Ltd do not show contents in violation of the Indian law prohibiting sex determination of a foetus. The determination of sex of foetus is prohibited under the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1995.
The court also directed the websites that they do not violate the Indian law and they merely provide a corridor and they do not have any control.
The court also expressed unhappiness over a 2010 affidavit of Group Coordinator of Cyber Laws Formulation and Enforcement Division of Department of IT Centre.
The apex court also highlighted the Union government’s inability to filter or block such information like advertisement of sex-determination kits, tools and clinics on Interest of above mentioned websites.
However, the Union government in its reply expressed its inability to block such content citing technological limitations. It also said that information published on the websites is generally aimed at wider, worldwide dissemination and caters to the needs of many countries, which may not be for Indian citizens and these sites have servers outside India.
The Court took intervention on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Voluntary Health Association of Punjab seeking intervention of Supreme Court in view of decreasing number of girl child in India.
- Assam government launched Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Concrete Road Nirman scheme
The Assam government on 5 December 2014 launched a new road construction scheme named Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Concrete Road Nirman. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laid foundation stone for the scheme at Mirza in Kamrup district of Assam.
The total cost of the project will be around 195 crore rupees and it envisages construction of 254 kilometers of roads in the State. The first phase of project involves improving roads by interlocking concrete block pavement. The scheme will be applied to all the constituencies of Assam.
- India sent humanitarian assistance to Maldives to resolve water crisis in Male
India on 5 December 2014 sent humanitarian assistance to Maldives to help resolve the water crisis in Male, the capital of Maldives.
This humanitarian assistance for Maldives was undertaken by India following shut down of its lone desalination (water treatment) plant. The plant was shut down after a major fire broke out at the Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) generator control panel on 4 December 2014 causing extensive damage to the cabling of the generator to the Distillation plants, disconnecting water supply.
As part of humanitarian assistance, India sent a large consignment of potable water to Male to meet the immediate requirement of people of Male.
The water was sent by five Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft comprising of IL-76 and C-17 Globemaster III carrying 2000 tonnes of water.
Besides, Indian Navy dispatched INS Sukanya carrying 35 tonnes of fresh water and two Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants onboard which have a capacity of producing 20 tonnes of fresh water per day.
Maldives, a low-lying island nation in the Indian Ocean, has no natural water source and consumes only treated sea water.
- UNGA adopted the resolution on establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free world
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 2 December 2014 adopted a resolution on establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free world and accelerating the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments.
The resolution was introduced as a part of First Committee Recommendations on Disarmament and International Security.
It was adopted by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 7 against with 5 abstentions.
The countries who voted against the resolution were Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, France, India, Israel, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States.
The countries with abstentions were Bhutan, China, Federated States of Micronesia, Pakistan, Palau.
The resolution primarily aimed at nuclear weapon possessing countries asked them to immediately and unconditionally accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear-weapon states and put all their nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
The resolution was adopted along with other 63 Drafts on First Committee. These other included convention prohibiting the use of those weapons, the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, and establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East among others.
Other adopted resolutions called for lessening international tension by reducing the operational readiness of the several thousand nuclear weapons that remained on high alert despite the end of the cold war, and requested the five nuclear-weapon states to review nuclear doctrines and take steps to reduce the risks of the use of nuclear weapons.
This resolution and similar ones are generally not binding under the UN Charter, but are symbolic in nature.
Comment
The resolution mainly targeted countries namely Israel, Pakistan and India among others. Israel and Pakistan also voted against the provision. India has been firm in rejecting the NPT, which it considers discriminatory in trying to preserve the nuclear weapon monopoly of five nations — the US, Russia, China, France and Britain.
- US football team goalkeeper Tim Howard won 2014 US Player of year award
US football team goalkeeper Tim Howard on 5 December 2014 won the 2014 US Player of the Year award for his work with the U.S. national team.
Howard received 101 first-place votes from a panel of journalist nationwide thus beating compatriot footballer Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey to win the award.
It is the first time that Howard has won the prestigious honor given to a U.S. team member.
He had made eight appearances for the national team including some spectacular performances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made 16 saves in the Americans' 2-1 loss in extra time to Belgium in the second round in Brazil.
He became the second keeper to win the award after Kasey Keller. Kasey Keller got this award twice.
Howard also won US Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year.
- ICC withdrew case against President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta
International Criminal Court (ICC) on 5 December 2014 withdrew the case against President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta thus ending the case against him. He was being tried on count of charges of crimes against humanity for his involvement in ethnic violence that erupted after elections in 2007.
Kenyatta is the first sitting President to appear before the ICC court for ethnic violence.
The ICC ended the case after the Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda filed a withdrawing notice against President Kenyatta.
The notice was filed due to lack of evidence which could have proved Kenyatta’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt. Also, Kenya locked the case by not cooperating in the investigation.
The withdraw notice also added that prosecutors reserved the right to file charges again if more evidence become available related to the case.
Case
President of Kenya Kenyatta was accused of helping to plan and finance a wave of ethnic violence after disputed elections in 2007. More than 1200 people died and 600000 fled their homes in Naivasha and Nakuru due to ethnic violence.
- India and Russia signed Inter-Governmental Agreement for developing Multi Role Fighter Aircraft
India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for designing, developing and producing the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft. The announcement was made by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 5 December 2014 during the parliamentary session.
Moreover, Indian Fighter aircraft MIG 21 is being phased out and aircrafts MIG 29 are being procured from Russia. With the fifth generation stealth technology, the aircraft strikes would be high as they cannot be immediately detected by radar.
However, no deal has been struck with Russia for procurement of Fighter Aircraft equipped with stealth technology. Till date, no agreement has been signed with any country for the procurement or purchase of fighter aircrafts.
Apart from these Multi Role Fighter Aircrafts, around 20-30 indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will also be commissioned soon by India.
- Mahaparinirwan Diwas observed on 6 December to pay tribute to B R Ambedkar
6 December: Mahaparinirwan Diwas
Mahaparinirwan Diwas was observed across India on 6 December 2014. On this day, followers of B R Ambedkar paid tribute to him.
6 December is observed as Mahaparinirwan Diwas across India to mark the death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Dr B R Ambedkar was fondly known as messiah of the marginalised people and also the Father of the Indian Constitution had died on 6 December 1956.
About Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
• Dr BR Ambedkar is popularly known as Babasaheb
• He was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Modern Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social discrimination of Dalits, women and labour
• He was Independent India's first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of India
• In 1956 he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits
• In 1990, Ambedkar was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award
• Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 into a poor low Mahar caste in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
- Sikorsky Corp bagged 6000 crore rupee deal to supply S-70B Seahawks to Indian Navy
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp of the US on 5 December 2014 bagged the 6000 crore rupees deal for supply of 16 Multi-role Helicopters (MRH) to the Indian Navy with an option for eight additional aircraft. The company will also provide complete logistics support and training program.
Sikorsky was selected for the deal after it won the commercial bids that were opened on 4 December 2014.
As per the deal, Sikorsky will supply S-70B Seahawk to India. The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky’s SEAHAWK helicopter family (including the SH-60 and MH-60 models) and can be used both for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant will include avionics and flexible open architecture Weapons Management Systems that will integrate advanced sonar, 360 degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes for the ASW role, and a blade and tail fold capability will facilitate shipboard storage.
Background
Earlier in 2008, Indian Navy had floated a tender for 16 helicopters with an option for another eight and had selected Finmecccanica’s NH-90 and Sikrosky’s S-70B helicopters for evaluation.
But European company Finmeccanica, which is the parent company of AgustaWestland was banned in August 2014 due to 3550 crore rupees VVIP helicopter scam leaving Sikrosky as the sole bidder.
- Belgium's former Queen Fabiola died
Belgium's former Queen Fabiola died
Belgium's former Queen Fabiola, the widow of the Belgium king Baudouin, died on 5 December 2014 in Brussels. She was 86.
The cause of Queen Fabiola death was not indicated.
Queen Fabiola of Belgium
• Born as Dona Fabiola de Mora y Aragon in Madrid to Spanish nobility, she married King Baudouin in December 1960.
• After marrying Baudouin, she became the fifth queen of the Belgians.
• She remained Queen Consort for 33 years until Baudoin's death in 1993.
• After Baudouin's death, Fabiola moved out of the Royal Palace of Laeken to take up residence at Stuyvenbergh Castle.
- UN observed International Volunteer Day on 5 December
International Volunteer Day: 5 December 2014
UN observed International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2014. The theme of the IVD 2014 was People’s Participation. Make change happen, volunteer!
On IVD 2014, UN not only celebrated and recognized volunteerism in all its facets but also paid special tribute to the participation of people in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally and globally.
IVD 2014 highlighted the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grass-roots in decision-making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to: stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.
About International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international observance designated by the United Nations. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution on 17 December 1985.
It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
- Physicist Ashton Carter nominated as next defense secretary of US
Physicist Ashton Carter was nominated as the next defence secretary of US Department of Defence. He was nominated by the President Barack Obama on 5 December 2014.
Ashton will replace Chuck Hagel as US Defence Secretary, who resigned in November 2014. He will take over as defense secretary in 2015. He will be the fourth defence secretary of President Obama in six years.
About Ashton Carter
• Ashton carter was born in 1954 and he is a physicist and former Harvard professor.
• He was professor and chair of the International Relations, Science, and Security faculty in Kennedy school of Harvard.
• He served as assistant secretary of defense for international security policy under President Clinton (1993-94).
• As assistant secretary of defence, he directed military planning during the 1994 crisis over nuclear weapons program of North Korea and he played an important role in removing all nuclear weapons from the territories of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
• He authored many articles, scientific publications, government studies and Congressional testimonies.
• He authored books like Directed Energy Missile Defense in Space, Ballistic Missile Defense, Managing Nuclear Operations , Soviet Nuclear Fission: Control of the Nuclear Arsenal in a Disintegrating Soviet Union and Keeping the Edge: Managing Defense for the Future .
• He had been a longtime member of the Defense Science Board and the Defense Policy Board, the principal advisory bodies to the Secretary of Defense of US.
- Arun Duggal appointed as non-executive Chairman of Credit rating agency ICRA
Credit Rating Agency ICRA Limited on 5 December 2014 appointed Arun Duggal as non-executive Chairman after he was elected unilaterally by the ICRA Board. Currently, Arun Duggal is serving as an independent director on the Board of ICRA Ltd.
He will replace Pranab Kumar Choudhury who will resign from ICRA Limited and all other affiliated entities on 29 January 2015. He has been associated with the rating agency for 24 years.
Duggal is the former Chairman of the non-banking financial company Shriram Capital Ltd.
About Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited (ICRA)
It is second largest Indian rating company in term of customer base. It is a joint-venture between Moody's and various Indian commercial banks and financial services companies. ICRA is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency.
It was established in 1991, and was originally named Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited.
- UNEP released the First Adaptation Gap Report
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on 5 December 2014 released the first Adaptation Gap Report. The Report was released during a crucial round of climate talks in Lima, Peru.
The Adaptation Gap Report serves as a preliminary assessment of global adaptation gaps in finance, technology and knowledge. It lays out a framework for future work on bridging these gaps.
The report says that even if global greenhouse gas emissions are cut to the level required to keep global temperature rise below 2°C this century, still the cost of climate change adaptation in developing countries is likely to reach two to three times the previous estimates of 70-100 billion US dollars per year by 2050.
Highlights of the first Adaptation Gap Report
Despite adaptation funding reaching 23 billion-26 billion US dollars in 2012-2013, there will be a significant funding gap after 2020 unless new and additional finance for adaptation is made available.
Without further action on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of adaptation will rise even further as more-expensive action is needed to protect communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change.
The report provides a reminder that the potential cost of inaction carries a price tag. It finds that the earlier figures are likely to be a significant underestimate.
Extending the analysis to all developing countries indicates a chance that adaptation costs could climb as high as 150 billion US dollars by 2025/2030 and 250 billion-500 billion US dollars per year by 2050. These costs are based on the assumption that wide-ranging action is taken to cut emissions.
The Report also highlights that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are likely to have far greater adaptation needs as without early efforts, the existing adaptation gap will widen.
Financial Gap
• There is evidence that financial commitments to adaptation objectives have increased in recent years, but scaling up financial flows to adaptation remains a priority.
• Private-sector funding is not systematically tracked. For this reason, estimates of adaptation finance flows are underestimated.
• The additional revenue can be raised from the international auctioning of emissions allowances and the auctioning of allowances in domestic emissions trading schemes, revenues from international transportation and financial transaction taxes.
• The estimates show that 26 billion-115 billion US dollars can be raised by 2020, while 70 billion-220 billion US dollars can be raised by 2050, depending on the level of climate change mitigation efforts put in place.
Technological gap
• The report highlights that there is a need to accelerate the propagation and international transfer of technologies for adaptation many of which already exist. This requires governments to remove barriers to technology uptake.
• The report looks at scientifically developed seeds which can be used to sustain agriculture within the context of a changing climate critical for most African countries.
• For instance, in Madagascar, rice varieties that mature in four months have been introduced. These rice varieties stand a greater chance of reaching maturity before the height of the cyclone season.
Knowledge gap
• The report also points to considerable opportunities for using existing knowledge on climate change and adaptation more effectively.
• For many regions and countries, there is a lack of systematic identification and analysis of adaptation knowledge gaps.
• Integrating and interpreting scientific evidence from different sources and making it available to decision makers at all levels is one of the most important knowledge needs today.
• The report recommends that consideration of knowledge gaps be integrated more explicitly in project to ensure that the knowledge produced responds better to user needs.
• The report also suggests that a repository of adaptation options can play a pivotal role in informing development decisions.
- Movie titled Bhopal: A prayer for Rain released to mark the 30th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy
A movie titled Bhopal: A prayer for Rain, World’s Deadliest Industrial Disaster was released worldwide on 5 December 2014 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
The film revisits the Bhopal gas tragedy of 3 December 1984 that left around 3700 people dead and countless others were incapacitated for life.
The film is directed by Ravi Kumar. The cast in the lead roles are Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton, Kal Penn, Rajpal Yadav, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Fagun Thakrar.
Sahara Movie Studios and Rising Star Entertainment have produced the movie and have been committed to it since inception.
The film shows how Union Carbide flouted major safety precautions, resulting in the gas leak.
- Gujarat declared 353 villages of Kutch region as scarcity-affected
State Government of Gujarat on 5 December 2014 declared 353 villages of Kutch district as completely or partially scarcity-affected. Of total 353 villages, 79 were declared completely scarcity-affected and 274 as partially affected by water shortage.
These villages were declared as scarcity affected after the state government conducted a survey of the Kharif Crops in Kutch region. Following the survey, these villages were found to be facing acute shortages for drinking water and fodder following insufficient rainfall during the monsoon season.
Apart from this, Gujarat government issued orders to the concerned departments to take prompt and adequate relief measures in these scarcity affected villages.
Following measures were announced to deal with the situation:
• To provide employments under the MGNREGA and drinking waters for the human and live-stocks
• Small farmers and poor animal breeders of Kutch region to be provided 4 kilo-grams of grass per cattle head at the rate of 2 rupees on daily basis.
• The Gau-Shalas and Panjara Poles will get a subsidy of 25 rupees per day each cattle head.
• The cattle camps will also get a subsidy of 25 rupees per day on each cattle head.
- Indian PM Narendra Modi named as the Asian of the Year 2014 by The Straits Times
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on 5 December 2014 named as the Asian of the Year 2014 by Singapore’s leading newspaper The Straits Times for being a development-focused leader.
The editors of the paper picked Narendra Modi as he created an impressive election victory for his party Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) in the national election that ended in May 2014.
The award also recognises Modi's record as an administrator who has propelled his home state Gujarat to global attention.
The Straits Times' choice of Narendra Modi as Asian of the Year 2014 was based on several factors:
• After assuming the office of PM in May 2014, Narendra Modi has made a mark on Asia by reaching out to neighbouring countries and receiving international leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Tony Abbott of Australia.
• Moreover, Modi has had a highly successful visit to Japan for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• On the economy level, Modi’s Make in India campaign could help enhance the growth engines of the economy and can provide equilibrium to the region when the top Asian economy China is slowing, and Japan is in recession.
• Politically and socially, Modi has energized India with his moving calls that aimed at the development of India.
• In January 2015, he will receive US President Barack Obama, the first time that a US leader will be the chief guest at the annual Republic Day celebrations in India.
About the award Asian of the Year by The Straits Times
• Every December, editors of The Straits Times pick an Asian whose actions have significantly impacted his own society or the wider Asian continent in the 12 months past.
• In 2013, the award was shared by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• The first Asian of the Year award went to President Thein Sein of Myanmar in 2012.
The agreement was signed between the Foreign Secretary of UK's Philip Hammond and Foreign Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
The new base will bolster and provide the Royal Navy with a forward operating base and a place to plan, store equipment for naval operations and accommodate Royal Navy personnel.
The base will be built by Bahrain at an estimated cost of 15 million pounds with the British underwriting the ongoing costs. It will be completed in 2015.
The base will be in addition to the UK’s four-mine hunter warships permanently based in Bahrain that supports British d
estroyers and frigates in the Gulf.
estroyers and frigates in the Gulf.
Comment
The naval base will become the springboard for Britain’s involvement in the Middle East, most importantly its operations in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition against the armies of the Islamic State.
The country already hosts the Naval Support Activity Bahrain controlled by the US government, which is the port where the US Fifth Fleet is positioned. It is also where the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command for the region is headquartered.
MRF Limited of India will be the global partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The decision was announced by International Cricket Council (ICC) on 1 December 2014 during the unveiling occasion of the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy.
With this, MRF will have access to multiple branding opportunities at all game venues during the Cricket World Cup and at other promotional events held by the ICC across the world.
Already, MRF Pace Foundation Academy had been working alongside some of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and now it shares the commitment of ICC to continuous quality improvement.
ICC Chairman: N Srinivasan
MRF Limited Chairman and Managing director: K M Mammen
State Government of Punjab on 5 December 2014 decided to ban health camps without prior approval of district civil surgeons. The decision was made after more than dozen people lost their vision partially following cataract operation in a camp at Gurdaspur district of the state.
The free eye check-up camp was conducted by a Mathura-based NGO in Uttar Pradesh.
The government has also made mandatory that the civil surgeon, before allowing any medical camp, would certify that the organisation has sufficient medical infrastructure and specialists to conduct surgeries.
Civil surgeons have also been asked to ensure that sterilized equipment is used for surgery in such camps and a proper pre-operative and post-operative case of the pateinets is taken.
The Jalandhar based eye surgeon who carried out the operations at the health camp and coordinator of Mathura based NGO that organised the camp have been arrested.
First World Soil Day was observed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 5 December 2014. On eve of the first World Soil Day, UNFAO along with Global Soil Parternership (GSP) declared the year of 2015 as UN International Year of Soils.Click here for more details>>
The Supreme Court on 3 December 2014 asked the Union government to take efforts to stop sex determination contents on internet.
The bench comprising of Justice Dipak Misra and justice U U Lalit asked the Union government that an effort has to be taken to ensure that websites like Google India, Yahoo India and Microsoft Corporation (I) Pvt Ltd do not show contents in violation of the Indian law prohibiting sex determination of a foetus. The determination of sex of foetus is prohibited under the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1995.
The court also directed the websites that they do not violate the Indian law and they merely provide a corridor and they do not have any control.
The court also expressed unhappiness over a 2010 affidavit of Group Coordinator of Cyber Laws Formulation and Enforcement Division of Department of IT Centre.
The apex court also highlighted the Union government’s inability to filter or block such information like advertisement of sex-determination kits, tools and clinics on Interest of above mentioned websites.
However, the Union government in its reply expressed its inability to block such content citing technological limitations. It also said that information published on the websites is generally aimed at wider, worldwide dissemination and caters to the needs of many countries, which may not be for Indian citizens and these sites have servers outside India.
The Court took intervention on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Voluntary Health Association of Punjab seeking intervention of Supreme Court in view of decreasing number of girl child in India.
The Assam government on 5 December 2014 launched a new road construction scheme named Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Concrete Road Nirman. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laid foundation stone for the scheme at Mirza in Kamrup district of Assam.
The total cost of the project will be around 195 crore rupees and it envisages construction of 254 kilometers of roads in the State. The first phase of project involves improving roads by interlocking concrete block pavement. The scheme will be applied to all the constituencies of Assam.
India on 5 December 2014 sent humanitarian assistance to Maldives to help resolve the water crisis in Male, the capital of Maldives.
This humanitarian assistance for Maldives was undertaken by India following shut down of its lone desalination (water treatment) plant. The plant was shut down after a major fire broke out at the Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) generator control panel on 4 December 2014 causing extensive damage to the cabling of the generator to the Distillation plants, disconnecting water supply.
As part of humanitarian assistance, India sent a large consignment of potable water to Male to meet the immediate requirement of people of Male.
The water was sent by five Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft comprising of IL-76 and C-17 Globemaster III carrying 2000 tonnes of water.
Besides, Indian Navy dispatched INS Sukanya carrying 35 tonnes of fresh water and two Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants onboard which have a capacity of producing 20 tonnes of fresh water per day.
Maldives, a low-lying island nation in the Indian Ocean, has no natural water source and consumes only treated sea water.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 2 December 2014 adopted a resolution on establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free world and accelerating the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments.
The resolution was introduced as a part of First Committee Recommendations on Disarmament and International Security.
It was adopted by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 7 against with 5 abstentions.
The countries who voted against the resolution were Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, France, India, Israel, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States.
The countries with abstentions were Bhutan, China, Federated States of Micronesia, Pakistan, Palau.
The resolution primarily aimed at nuclear weapon possessing countries asked them to immediately and unconditionally accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear-weapon states and put all their nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.
The resolution was adopted along with other 63 Drafts on First Committee. These other included convention prohibiting the use of those weapons, the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, and establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East among others.
Other adopted resolutions called for lessening international tension by reducing the operational readiness of the several thousand nuclear weapons that remained on high alert despite the end of the cold war, and requested the five nuclear-weapon states to review nuclear doctrines and take steps to reduce the risks of the use of nuclear weapons.
This resolution and similar ones are generally not binding under the UN Charter, but are symbolic in nature.
Comment
Comment
The resolution mainly targeted countries namely Israel, Pakistan and India among others. Israel and Pakistan also voted against the provision. India has been firm in rejecting the NPT, which it considers discriminatory in trying to preserve the nuclear weapon monopoly of five nations — the US, Russia, China, France and Britain.
US football team goalkeeper Tim Howard on 5 December 2014 won the 2014 US Player of the Year award for his work with the U.S. national team.
Howard received 101 first-place votes from a panel of journalist nationwide thus beating compatriot footballer Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey to win the award.
Howard received 101 first-place votes from a panel of journalist nationwide thus beating compatriot footballer Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey to win the award.
It is the first time that Howard has won the prestigious honor given to a U.S. team member.
He had made eight appearances for the national team including some spectacular performances at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made 16 saves in the Americans' 2-1 loss in extra time to Belgium in the second round in Brazil.
He became the second keeper to win the award after Kasey Keller. Kasey Keller got this award twice.
Howard also won US Soccer's Male Athlete of the Year.
International Criminal Court (ICC) on 5 December 2014 withdrew the case against President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta thus ending the case against him. He was being tried on count of charges of crimes against humanity for his involvement in ethnic violence that erupted after elections in 2007.
Kenyatta is the first sitting President to appear before the ICC court for ethnic violence.
The ICC ended the case after the Chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda filed a withdrawing notice against President Kenyatta.
The notice was filed due to lack of evidence which could have proved Kenyatta’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt. Also, Kenya locked the case by not cooperating in the investigation.
The withdraw notice also added that prosecutors reserved the right to file charges again if more evidence become available related to the case.
Case
President of Kenya Kenyatta was accused of helping to plan and finance a wave of ethnic violence after disputed elections in 2007. More than 1200 people died and 600000 fled their homes in Naivasha and Nakuru due to ethnic violence.
President of Kenya Kenyatta was accused of helping to plan and finance a wave of ethnic violence after disputed elections in 2007. More than 1200 people died and 600000 fled their homes in Naivasha and Nakuru due to ethnic violence.
India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for designing, developing and producing the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft. The announcement was made by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 5 December 2014 during the parliamentary session.
Moreover, Indian Fighter aircraft MIG 21 is being phased out and aircrafts MIG 29 are being procured from Russia. With the fifth generation stealth technology, the aircraft strikes would be high as they cannot be immediately detected by radar.
However, no deal has been struck with Russia for procurement of Fighter Aircraft equipped with stealth technology. Till date, no agreement has been signed with any country for the procurement or purchase of fighter aircrafts.
Moreover, Indian Fighter aircraft MIG 21 is being phased out and aircrafts MIG 29 are being procured from Russia. With the fifth generation stealth technology, the aircraft strikes would be high as they cannot be immediately detected by radar.
However, no deal has been struck with Russia for procurement of Fighter Aircraft equipped with stealth technology. Till date, no agreement has been signed with any country for the procurement or purchase of fighter aircrafts.
Apart from these Multi Role Fighter Aircrafts, around 20-30 indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will also be commissioned soon by India.
6 December: Mahaparinirwan Diwas
Mahaparinirwan Diwas was observed across India on 6 December 2014. On this day, followers of B R Ambedkar paid tribute to him.
6 December is observed as Mahaparinirwan Diwas across India to mark the death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Dr B R Ambedkar was fondly known as messiah of the marginalised people and also the Father of the Indian Constitution had died on 6 December 1956.
Mahaparinirwan Diwas was observed across India on 6 December 2014. On this day, followers of B R Ambedkar paid tribute to him.
6 December is observed as Mahaparinirwan Diwas across India to mark the death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.
Dr B R Ambedkar was fondly known as messiah of the marginalised people and also the Father of the Indian Constitution had died on 6 December 1956.
About Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
• Dr BR Ambedkar is popularly known as Babasaheb
• He was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Modern Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social discrimination of Dalits, women and labour
• He was Independent India's first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of India
• In 1956 he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits
• In 1990, Ambedkar was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award
• Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 into a poor low Mahar caste in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
• He was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Modern Buddhist Movement and campaigned against social discrimination of Dalits, women and labour
• He was Independent India's first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of India
• In 1956 he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits
• In 1990, Ambedkar was posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award
• Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 into a poor low Mahar caste in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp of the US on 5 December 2014 bagged the 6000 crore rupees deal for supply of 16 Multi-role Helicopters (MRH) to the Indian Navy with an option for eight additional aircraft. The company will also provide complete logistics support and training program.
Sikorsky was selected for the deal after it won the commercial bids that were opened on 4 December 2014.
As per the deal, Sikorsky will supply S-70B Seahawk to India. The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky’s SEAHAWK helicopter family (including the SH-60 and MH-60 models) and can be used both for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
Sikorsky was selected for the deal after it won the commercial bids that were opened on 4 December 2014.
As per the deal, Sikorsky will supply S-70B Seahawk to India. The S-70B aircraft is part of Sikorsky’s SEAHAWK helicopter family (including the SH-60 and MH-60 models) and can be used both for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant will include avionics and flexible open architecture Weapons Management Systems that will integrate advanced sonar, 360 degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes for the ASW role, and a blade and tail fold capability will facilitate shipboard storage.
Background
Earlier in 2008, Indian Navy had floated a tender for 16 helicopters with an option for another eight and had selected Finmecccanica’s NH-90 and Sikrosky’s S-70B helicopters for evaluation.
But European company Finmeccanica, which is the parent company of AgustaWestland was banned in August 2014 due to 3550 crore rupees VVIP helicopter scam leaving Sikrosky as the sole bidder.
Belgium's former Queen Fabiola died
Belgium's former Queen Fabiola, the widow of the Belgium king Baudouin, died on 5 December 2014 in Brussels. She was 86.
The cause of Queen Fabiola death was not indicated.
Belgium's former Queen Fabiola, the widow of the Belgium king Baudouin, died on 5 December 2014 in Brussels. She was 86.
The cause of Queen Fabiola death was not indicated.
Queen Fabiola of Belgium
• Born as Dona Fabiola de Mora y Aragon in Madrid to Spanish nobility, she married King Baudouin in December 1960.
• After marrying Baudouin, she became the fifth queen of the Belgians.
• She remained Queen Consort for 33 years until Baudoin's death in 1993.
• After Baudouin's death, Fabiola moved out of the Royal Palace of Laeken to take up residence at Stuyvenbergh Castle.
• Born as Dona Fabiola de Mora y Aragon in Madrid to Spanish nobility, she married King Baudouin in December 1960.
• After marrying Baudouin, she became the fifth queen of the Belgians.
• She remained Queen Consort for 33 years until Baudoin's death in 1993.
• After Baudouin's death, Fabiola moved out of the Royal Palace of Laeken to take up residence at Stuyvenbergh Castle.
International Volunteer Day: 5 December 2014
UN observed International Volunteer Day (IVD) on 5 December 2014. The theme of the IVD 2014 was People’s Participation. Make change happen, volunteer!
On IVD 2014, UN not only celebrated and recognized volunteerism in all its facets but also paid special tribute to the participation of people in making a difference at all levels: locally, nationally and globally.
IVD 2014 highlighted the contribution of volunteers in engaging people from the grass-roots in decision-making processes, ultimately creating space for participation that leads to: stronger governance, social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.
About International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international observance designated by the United Nations. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly through a resolution on 17 December 1985.
It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector.
Physicist Ashton Carter was nominated as the next defence secretary of US Department of Defence. He was nominated by the President Barack Obama on 5 December 2014.
Ashton will replace Chuck Hagel as US Defence Secretary, who resigned in November 2014. He will take over as defense secretary in 2015. He will be the fourth defence secretary of President Obama in six years.
About Ashton Carter
• Ashton carter was born in 1954 and he is a physicist and former Harvard professor.
• He was professor and chair of the International Relations, Science, and Security faculty in Kennedy school of Harvard.
• He served as assistant secretary of defense for international security policy under President Clinton (1993-94).
• As assistant secretary of defence, he directed military planning during the 1994 crisis over nuclear weapons program of North Korea and he played an important role in removing all nuclear weapons from the territories of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
• He authored many articles, scientific publications, government studies and Congressional testimonies.
• He authored books like Directed Energy Missile Defense in Space, Ballistic Missile Defense, Managing Nuclear Operations , Soviet Nuclear Fission: Control of the Nuclear Arsenal in a Disintegrating Soviet Union and Keeping the Edge: Managing Defense for the Future .
• He had been a longtime member of the Defense Science Board and the Defense Policy Board, the principal advisory bodies to the Secretary of Defense of US.
• He was professor and chair of the International Relations, Science, and Security faculty in Kennedy school of Harvard.
• He served as assistant secretary of defense for international security policy under President Clinton (1993-94).
• As assistant secretary of defence, he directed military planning during the 1994 crisis over nuclear weapons program of North Korea and he played an important role in removing all nuclear weapons from the territories of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
• He authored many articles, scientific publications, government studies and Congressional testimonies.
• He authored books like Directed Energy Missile Defense in Space, Ballistic Missile Defense, Managing Nuclear Operations , Soviet Nuclear Fission: Control of the Nuclear Arsenal in a Disintegrating Soviet Union and Keeping the Edge: Managing Defense for the Future .
• He had been a longtime member of the Defense Science Board and the Defense Policy Board, the principal advisory bodies to the Secretary of Defense of US.
Credit Rating Agency ICRA Limited on 5 December 2014 appointed Arun Duggal as non-executive Chairman after he was elected unilaterally by the ICRA Board. Currently, Arun Duggal is serving as an independent director on the Board of ICRA Ltd.
He will replace Pranab Kumar Choudhury who will resign from ICRA Limited and all other affiliated entities on 29 January 2015. He has been associated with the rating agency for 24 years.
Duggal is the former Chairman of the non-banking financial company Shriram Capital Ltd.
About Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited (ICRA)
It is second largest Indian rating company in term of customer base. It is a joint-venture between Moody's and various Indian commercial banks and financial services companies. ICRA is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency.
It was established in 1991, and was originally named Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on 5 December 2014 released the first Adaptation Gap Report. The Report was released during a crucial round of climate talks in Lima, Peru.
The Adaptation Gap Report serves as a preliminary assessment of global adaptation gaps in finance, technology and knowledge. It lays out a framework for future work on bridging these gaps.
The report says that even if global greenhouse gas emissions are cut to the level required to keep global temperature rise below 2°C this century, still the cost of climate change adaptation in developing countries is likely to reach two to three times the previous estimates of 70-100 billion US dollars per year by 2050.
The Adaptation Gap Report serves as a preliminary assessment of global adaptation gaps in finance, technology and knowledge. It lays out a framework for future work on bridging these gaps.
The report says that even if global greenhouse gas emissions are cut to the level required to keep global temperature rise below 2°C this century, still the cost of climate change adaptation in developing countries is likely to reach two to three times the previous estimates of 70-100 billion US dollars per year by 2050.
Highlights of the first Adaptation Gap Report
Despite adaptation funding reaching 23 billion-26 billion US dollars in 2012-2013, there will be a significant funding gap after 2020 unless new and additional finance for adaptation is made available.
Without further action on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of adaptation will rise even further as more-expensive action is needed to protect communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change.
The report provides a reminder that the potential cost of inaction carries a price tag. It finds that the earlier figures are likely to be a significant underestimate.
Extending the analysis to all developing countries indicates a chance that adaptation costs could climb as high as 150 billion US dollars by 2025/2030 and 250 billion-500 billion US dollars per year by 2050. These costs are based on the assumption that wide-ranging action is taken to cut emissions.
The Report also highlights that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are likely to have far greater adaptation needs as without early efforts, the existing adaptation gap will widen.
Financial Gap
• There is evidence that financial commitments to adaptation objectives have increased in recent years, but scaling up financial flows to adaptation remains a priority.
• Private-sector funding is not systematically tracked. For this reason, estimates of adaptation finance flows are underestimated.
• The additional revenue can be raised from the international auctioning of emissions allowances and the auctioning of allowances in domestic emissions trading schemes, revenues from international transportation and financial transaction taxes.
• The estimates show that 26 billion-115 billion US dollars can be raised by 2020, while 70 billion-220 billion US dollars can be raised by 2050, depending on the level of climate change mitigation efforts put in place.
Technological gap
• The report highlights that there is a need to accelerate the propagation and international transfer of technologies for adaptation many of which already exist. This requires governments to remove barriers to technology uptake.
• The report looks at scientifically developed seeds which can be used to sustain agriculture within the context of a changing climate critical for most African countries.
• For instance, in Madagascar, rice varieties that mature in four months have been introduced. These rice varieties stand a greater chance of reaching maturity before the height of the cyclone season.
Knowledge gap
• The report also points to considerable opportunities for using existing knowledge on climate change and adaptation more effectively.
• For many regions and countries, there is a lack of systematic identification and analysis of adaptation knowledge gaps.
• Integrating and interpreting scientific evidence from different sources and making it available to decision makers at all levels is one of the most important knowledge needs today.
• The report recommends that consideration of knowledge gaps be integrated more explicitly in project to ensure that the knowledge produced responds better to user needs.
• The report also suggests that a repository of adaptation options can play a pivotal role in informing development decisions.
Without further action on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the cost of adaptation will rise even further as more-expensive action is needed to protect communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change.
The report provides a reminder that the potential cost of inaction carries a price tag. It finds that the earlier figures are likely to be a significant underestimate.
Extending the analysis to all developing countries indicates a chance that adaptation costs could climb as high as 150 billion US dollars by 2025/2030 and 250 billion-500 billion US dollars per year by 2050. These costs are based on the assumption that wide-ranging action is taken to cut emissions.
The Report also highlights that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are likely to have far greater adaptation needs as without early efforts, the existing adaptation gap will widen.
Financial Gap
• There is evidence that financial commitments to adaptation objectives have increased in recent years, but scaling up financial flows to adaptation remains a priority.
• Private-sector funding is not systematically tracked. For this reason, estimates of adaptation finance flows are underestimated.
• The additional revenue can be raised from the international auctioning of emissions allowances and the auctioning of allowances in domestic emissions trading schemes, revenues from international transportation and financial transaction taxes.
• The estimates show that 26 billion-115 billion US dollars can be raised by 2020, while 70 billion-220 billion US dollars can be raised by 2050, depending on the level of climate change mitigation efforts put in place.
Technological gap
• The report highlights that there is a need to accelerate the propagation and international transfer of technologies for adaptation many of which already exist. This requires governments to remove barriers to technology uptake.
• The report looks at scientifically developed seeds which can be used to sustain agriculture within the context of a changing climate critical for most African countries.
• For instance, in Madagascar, rice varieties that mature in four months have been introduced. These rice varieties stand a greater chance of reaching maturity before the height of the cyclone season.
Knowledge gap
• The report also points to considerable opportunities for using existing knowledge on climate change and adaptation more effectively.
• For many regions and countries, there is a lack of systematic identification and analysis of adaptation knowledge gaps.
• Integrating and interpreting scientific evidence from different sources and making it available to decision makers at all levels is one of the most important knowledge needs today.
• The report recommends that consideration of knowledge gaps be integrated more explicitly in project to ensure that the knowledge produced responds better to user needs.
• The report also suggests that a repository of adaptation options can play a pivotal role in informing development decisions.
A movie titled Bhopal: A prayer for Rain, World’s Deadliest Industrial Disaster was released worldwide on 5 December 2014 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
The film revisits the Bhopal gas tragedy of 3 December 1984 that left around 3700 people dead and countless others were incapacitated for life.
The film is directed by Ravi Kumar. The cast in the lead roles are Martin Sheen, Mischa Barton, Kal Penn, Rajpal Yadav, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Fagun Thakrar.
Sahara Movie Studios and Rising Star Entertainment have produced the movie and have been committed to it since inception.
The film shows how Union Carbide flouted major safety precautions, resulting in the gas leak.
The film shows how Union Carbide flouted major safety precautions, resulting in the gas leak.
State Government of Gujarat on 5 December 2014 declared 353 villages of Kutch district as completely or partially scarcity-affected. Of total 353 villages, 79 were declared completely scarcity-affected and 274 as partially affected by water shortage.
These villages were declared as scarcity affected after the state government conducted a survey of the Kharif Crops in Kutch region. Following the survey, these villages were found to be facing acute shortages for drinking water and fodder following insufficient rainfall during the monsoon season.
These villages were declared as scarcity affected after the state government conducted a survey of the Kharif Crops in Kutch region. Following the survey, these villages were found to be facing acute shortages for drinking water and fodder following insufficient rainfall during the monsoon season.
Apart from this, Gujarat government issued orders to the concerned departments to take prompt and adequate relief measures in these scarcity affected villages.
Following measures were announced to deal with the situation:
• To provide employments under the MGNREGA and drinking waters for the human and live-stocks
• Small farmers and poor animal breeders of Kutch region to be provided 4 kilo-grams of grass per cattle head at the rate of 2 rupees on daily basis.
• The Gau-Shalas and Panjara Poles will get a subsidy of 25 rupees per day each cattle head.
• The cattle camps will also get a subsidy of 25 rupees per day on each cattle head.
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on 5 December 2014 named as the Asian of the Year 2014 by Singapore’s leading newspaper The Straits Times for being a development-focused leader.
The editors of the paper picked Narendra Modi as he created an impressive election victory for his party Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) in the national election that ended in May 2014.
The award also recognises Modi's record as an administrator who has propelled his home state Gujarat to global attention.
The editors of the paper picked Narendra Modi as he created an impressive election victory for his party Bhartiya Janata party (BJP) in the national election that ended in May 2014.
The award also recognises Modi's record as an administrator who has propelled his home state Gujarat to global attention.
The Straits Times' choice of Narendra Modi as Asian of the Year 2014 was based on several factors:
• After assuming the office of PM in May 2014, Narendra Modi has made a mark on Asia by reaching out to neighbouring countries and receiving international leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Tony Abbott of Australia.
• Moreover, Modi has had a highly successful visit to Japan for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• On the economy level, Modi’s Make in India campaign could help enhance the growth engines of the economy and can provide equilibrium to the region when the top Asian economy China is slowing, and Japan is in recession.
• Politically and socially, Modi has energized India with his moving calls that aimed at the development of India.
• In January 2015, he will receive US President Barack Obama, the first time that a US leader will be the chief guest at the annual Republic Day celebrations in India.
About the award Asian of the Year by The Straits Times
• Every December, editors of The Straits Times pick an Asian whose actions have significantly impacted his own society or the wider Asian continent in the 12 months past.
• In 2013, the award was shared by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• The first Asian of the Year award went to President Thein Sein of Myanmar in 2012.
• Moreover, Modi has had a highly successful visit to Japan for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• On the economy level, Modi’s Make in India campaign could help enhance the growth engines of the economy and can provide equilibrium to the region when the top Asian economy China is slowing, and Japan is in recession.
• Politically and socially, Modi has energized India with his moving calls that aimed at the development of India.
• In January 2015, he will receive US President Barack Obama, the first time that a US leader will be the chief guest at the annual Republic Day celebrations in India.
About the award Asian of the Year by The Straits Times
• Every December, editors of The Straits Times pick an Asian whose actions have significantly impacted his own society or the wider Asian continent in the 12 months past.
• In 2013, the award was shared by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• The first Asian of the Year award went to President Thein Sein of Myanmar in 2012.
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