1. Union Cabinet meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement. The agreement which is similar to the SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) seeks to regulate the vehicular traffic of passenger, personal and cargo amongst BBIN countries. The agreement will be signed on 15th June 2015 at the Transport Minister’s meeting in Thimpu, Bhutan. Key Facts BBIN agreement aims to promote safe, environmentally sound and economical efficient road transport in the sub-region of BBIN. It also seeks to help each member country to create an institutional mechanism for regional integration. BBIN agreement will benefit member nations for mutual cross border movement of passenger and goods for overall economic development of the region. For implementation of this agreement each signatory member will bear its own costs. Background During the 18th SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu, Nepal SAARC MVA was not able to signed due to reservations of Pakistan. However, the SAARC declaration at the18th SAARC Summit had encouraged Member States to initiate regional and sub-regional measures to enhance connectivity. In line with this declaration, BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement was pursued among four SAARC members. Draft of this agreement was finalized in February 2015 in the meeting of Secretaries of Transport of the BBIN countries which was organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH).
2. India’s first indigenously-built largest aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was successfully undocked at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Cochin district of Kerala. The ship will undergo a series of fitment and trial processes along with series of static and dynamic trials before inducting it into the Indian Navy in end-2018.
3. Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar was appointed Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) a premier research institute of Union Government based in Hyderabad, Telangana. He was named appointed to the top post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is ex-officio Chairman of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) functioning under Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
4. Union Government has given nod for promulgation of Ordinance to amend Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Decision in this regard was Union Cabinet meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The ordinance paves way for filing of cheque bounce cases in place where the cheque was issued. This move that will benefit around 18 lakh people involved in such cheque bounce cases. In May 2015, The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed in Lok Sabha. However the bill was not able pass in Rajya Sabha where ruling NDA government is in minority. Background In 2014, Supreme Court had ruled that cases against those having defaulted on their cheque payments only need be filed in courts under which jurisdiction of the bank account of the accused fell. However, this ruling was not payee-friendly. So in order to protect of payee Union government brought amendment bill to by-pass the court’s order. About Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 The amendment bill adds provision to specify the territorial jurisdiction of the courts in cases related to bouncing of cheques which was not present in the parent Act. It says that cases in this regard need to be filed only in a court in whose jurisdiction the bank branch of the payee lies. It also adds provision related to more than one case is filed against the same person before different courts for bouncing of cheques. In this matter, the case will be transferred to the court that has appropriate jurisdiction. The bill also amends the definition of cheque. Now it defines it as cheque in the electronic form which is signed in a secure system with a digital signature or using electronic system and drawn in electronic medium using any computer resource. About Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 The Act defines bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheques and creates penalties for issues such as bouncing of cheques. It also specifies circumstances under which complaints for cheque bouncing can be filed.
5. Union Cabinet approved an interest-free loan i.e. soft loan to the tune of 6,000 crore rupees to enable sugar mills pay arrears to farmers. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Apart from this decision cabinet also approved hike in prices of Ethanol. As per this decision, interest on the loan will not be charged for a year but the interest will be borne by the Union government from sugar development fund. The money to be paid as arrears to farmers under this loan will be directed credited in Jan Dhan accounts of farmers. It should be noted that Sugar mills in India owe over 21,000 crore rupees to farmers because they were not able to sell sugar stocks which have remained unsold due to falling prices of raw sugar in domestic and international markets. Apart from these decisions Union Cabinet also Approved promulgation of negotiable instruments ordinance which to allow courts hear dispute of bouncing of cheques in the payee’s location. Allowed three plants to produce urea out of Naptha in Madras Fertilizers Ltd (Tamil Nadu), Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (Andhra Pradesh) and Mangalore Chemical and Fertilizers Ltd (Karnataka) respectively.
6. Haryana’s Jind, Karnal districts and Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district have been added into the conurbation National Capital Region (NCR). Decision in this regard was taken at 35th meeting of National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) held New Delhi. The meeting was presided by Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu who is Chairman of the NCRPB. The meeting was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and representatives and government officials of other member states. With this inclusion the total districts in NCR has rose to 23 (including Delhi NCT) which covers a total area of 51,109 square km. About National Capital Region (NCR) NCR is the designation for the conurbation or metropolitan area formed by National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). It encompasses the entire Delhi NCT and urban areas surrounding it in neighboring states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. NCRPB is statutory body established in 1985 under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985 to develop a planned metropolitan development NCR region. It also seeks to protect Delhi’s infrastructure from excessive pressure by diverting increasing population from the region. NCR is India’s largest and one of the world’s largest agglomerations in terms of population (around 54,000,000 as per 2011 Census).
7. Mahendra Kumar Sharma was appointed as non-executive chairman of India’s largest private sector lender Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank. He will replace K V Kamath who had resigned from top most in order to join as President of the Shanghai based New Development Bank established by the BRICS nations. Presently, Sharma is an independent director of two subsidiaries of ICICI Bank viz ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company and ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company.
10. P L Subramanian has been appointed as Non-Executive Director India Cements Limited (CIL) with an immediate effect. Subramanian had joined former BCCI President N Srinivasan-led India Cements in 1986 and had served in various responsibilities. He had retired from service in May 2015 after serving as Executive Director (Operations) of the company. He also had served as a Director of Andhra Pradesh Gas Power Corporation Limited, India Cements Infrastructures Limited, Coromandel Electric Company Limited and Trishul Concrete Products Limited.
11. Padmasree Warrior, India-born has stepped down from her post of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at global IT giant Cisco. She had resigned after a significant restructuring of top management of Cisco under incoming CEO Chuck Robbins. Now she will have advisory post in Cisco till September 2015. She had joined Cisco in 2008 and had served as CTO and senior vice-president of engineering during her seven years at the company.
12. Cyclonic storm Ashobaa in Arabian Sea is the first tropical storm of the pre-monsoon season in the Indian seas. The cyclonic storm was formed after intensified deep depression (low pressure zone) was developed over east central Arabian Sea about 590 km west southwest of Mumbai, 470 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 960 km east-southeast of Masirah Island (Oman). After its formation the cyclonic storm has moved northwestwards. The system has potential to intensify further. But this cyclonic storm will not hit Indian states severely as it has further moved north-northwesterly direction towards Oman. Northwestern coastal states of India such as Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnatakawill only face strong winds along with showers. Naming The name Ashobaa to this tropical storm was given by Sri Lanka which is one of eight countries that are naming tropical cyclones in North Indian Ocean region on rotational basis. The series of naming by countries is Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The last cyclone called Nilofer (2014) was suggested by Pakistan. Next cyclone formed in future will have name Komen, suggested by Thailand. Advantages of naming cyclones/ storms: Provide easy communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts and warnings. Since the storms occur in the same basin at the same time, names can reduce the confusion about what storm is being described.
13. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Vijai Sharma as Chief Information Commissioner. He will have tenure of for 5 years or till they attain the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Vijai Sharma is a 1974 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh Cadre. Prior to this appointment he was serving as information commissioner in Central Information Commission since 2012. He has rich work experience in Administration & Governance and Law & Policy in Central and State Governments and United Nations. He also had served as Environment secretary. Background Vijai Sharma’s name for Chief Information Commissioner was finalized on June 1, 2015 by selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Union minister Arun Jaitley as well as Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge. About Central Information Commission The Right To Information (RTI) Act, 2005 provides for establishment of Central and State information commissioner as a designated statutory authority to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person. The general superintendence, direction and management of the affairs of the Commission are vested in the Chief Information Commissioner, who is assisted by the Information Commissioners. Under the CIC, the Chief Information Commissioner enjoys complete financial and administrative powers of a Department of the Government of India except in matters relating to the creation of posts, re-appropriation and writing-off losses for which it needs the specific concurrence of the Ministry of Finance. Appointment: The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee comprising of Prime Minister as Chairperson, the leader of single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister. Tenure: Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner hold office for a term of 5 years or till he attains the age of 65 years. The Chief Information Commissioner is not eligible for reappointment. Wajahat Habibullah was India’s first Chief Information Commissioner. He was appointed on 26 October 2005.
14. 16th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) informally known as the “Bollywood Oscars,” was held in Malaysia. The award ceremony was held in Putra Indoor Stadium Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 2015 IIFA Awards honoured the best films of 2014 and the ceremony took place from June 05 to 07, 2015. Haider was awarded the most awards (09). Winners Popular Awards Best Film:Queen. Best Director: Rajkumar Hirani – PK. Best Actor In A Leading Role: Shahid Kapoor –Haider as Haider Meer. Best Actress In A Leading Role: Kangana Ranaut – Queen as Rani Mehra. Best Actor In A Supporting Role: Riteish Deshmukh – Ek Villain as Rakesh Mahadkar. Best Actress In A Supporting Role: Tabu – Haider as Ghazala Meer. Male Debutant Star: Tiger Shroff – Heropanti as Bablu. Female Debutant Star: Kriti Sanon – Heropanti as Dimpy. Best Performance In A Comic Role: Varun Dhawan– Main Tera Hero as Seenu. Best Performance In A Negative Role: Kay Kay Menon– Haider as Khurram Meer. Best Story: Vikas Bahl, Chaitally Parmar, Parveez Shaikh- Queen. Special Awards IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema: Subhash Ghai. IIFA Award for Entertainer of the Year: Deepika Padukone Musical awards Best Music Direction: 2 States – Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Best Lyrics: Galliyan from Ek Villain – Manoj Muntashir. Best Male Playback Singer: Ankit Tiwari for Galliyan – Ek Villain. Best Female Playback Singer: Kanika Kapoor for Baby Doll – Ragini MMS 2. Best Sound Design: Shajith Koyeri – Haider. Best Background Score: Vishal Bhardwaj – Haider.
15. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed KV Chowdary new Central Vigilance Commissioner. He was appointed by President on the recommendation of Select committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh as well as Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge. He is 1978-batch IRS officer of the Income Tax cadre. He also had served as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), an apex authority of the Indian Income Tax department. Prior to this appointment Mr. Chowdary was working as the adviser to the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team which is probing black money cases. About Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) CVC was set up by the Union Government in February 1964 on the recommendations of the K. Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. The CVC is an apex body of Union Government formed to address governmental corruption. It has the status of statutory autonomous body and free of control from any executive authority as per the provisions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003. The CVC is headed by a Central Vigilance Commissioner and has two Vigilance Commissioners. Appointment: Central Vigilance Commissioner and has two Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by President on the recommendations of select committee comprising of Prime Minister as Chairperson, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of the second largest party in the Lok Sabha or majority group leader in parliament. Functions: To monitor all vigilance activity under the Union Government and advise various authorities in Union Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. Nittoor Srinivasa Rau was the first Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India.
16. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in India through the regulation and supervision of food safety. FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Functions: FSSAI has been established to lay down science based standards for various food products in order ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. It also regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products for human consumption. Structure: It is led by a non-executive Chairperson. The executive head of FSSAI is the Chief Executive Officer. Headquarters: New Delhi. It also has 8 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Cochin and Chennai It has 4 referral laboratories and 72 local laboratories located across India.
17. Union Home Ministry has appointed Senior IPS Officer RC Tayal as the new Director General (DG) of India’s elite counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG). He succeeds JN Choudhury who had retired on 31 May 2015. He will have tenure till August 2016. Mr. Tayal is a 1980-batch Assam-Meghalaya cadre IPS officer. Presently, he is serving as the Special Director General (DG) in paramilitary CRPF and is heading its formation in Jammu and Kashmir. He hails from Haryana and earlier had served as an Additional DG in the Sashastra Seema Bal. About National Security Guard (NSG) Set up in 1984 as a Federal Contingency Deployment Force to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country. It also nodal agency for counter-terror and counter-hijack operations and later was tasked to protect high-risk VVIPs. Operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headed by the Director General of the Indian Police Service (IPS). The NSG members are also known as Black Cats because of the black drill cotton coveralls and balaclavas or helmets they wear. NSG’s motto सर्वत्र सर्वोत्तम सुरक्षा (Sarvatra Sarvottam Surakhsha); English: Omnipresent Omnipotent Defence
18. French Open
Men’s Singles Title Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland won his first French Open Men’s single title of Tennis. In the final match he defeated Novak Djokovic of Serbia by 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 score. It his first his first French Open title second grand slam title after Australian Open 2014. This victory also makes him only the second Swiss to win French Open mens single title after Roger Federer. Women’s Singles Title Serena Williams of United States won French Open women’s single title. In the final match she defeated Lucie Safarova of Czechoslovakia by 6-3 6-7 (2) 6-2 score. This was her third French Open title (earlier she had won in 2002, 2013) and overall 20th Grand Slam title. Men’s Doubles Title Ivan Dodig (Croatia) and Marcelo Melo (Brazil) pair won Men’s Doubles Title. In the final match they defeated Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan pair from US by 6–7(5–7), 7–6(7–5), 7–5 score. Women’s Doubles Title Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) and Lucie Šafářová (Czech Republic) won Women’s Doubles Title. In the match they defeated Casey Dellacqua (Australia) and Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) pair by 3–6, 6–4, 6–2 score. Mixed Doubles Title Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Mike Bryan pair from United States won Mixed Doubles Title. In the final match they defeated Lucie Hradecká (Czech Republic) and Marcin Matkowski (Poland) pair by 7–6(7–3), 6–1 score.
19. Legendary Telugu writer Dasaradhi Rangacharya passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana after a brief illness. He was 87.
20. India and Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of Measles- Rubella Vaccines. The MoU was signed under Make in India initiative of Union government in the presence of the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his visit to India.
21. India has slapped anti-dumping duty on imports of certain steel products from three South Asian countries viz China, Malaysia and South Korea. The anti-dumping duty was imposed by Union Finance Ministry on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-Dumping Duty (DGAD) to protect domestic producers from below-cost inbound shipments. The duties have been imposed for five years on imports of certain varieties of steel especially on hot-rolled flat products of stainless steel used in automobile sectors. Background Earlier, DGAD, under the Union Ministry of Commerce had conducted investigation on dumping of certain Hot Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel of ASTM Grade 304 with all its variants exported from China, Korea and Malaysia based upon complaint filed by Jindal Stainless Limited. DGAD in its investigation probe had concluded that these steel products have been exported to India from these countries are below its associated normal value resulting in dumping of the product. What is Anti-Dumping Duty? It is duty imposed by government on imported products which have prices less than their normal values or domestic price. Usually countries initiate anti-dumping probes to check if domestic industry has been hurt because of a surge in below-cost imports. Anti-Dumping Duty is imposed under the multilateral WTO regime and varies from product to product and from country to country. In India, anti-dumping duty is recommended by the Union Ministry of Commerce, while the Union Finance Ministry imposes it.
22. India and Bangladesh have signed pact to operationalise the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) between both nations. It was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his maiden visit to Bangladesh. In this regard, two sides swapped instruments of ratification regarding the LBA. The operationalisation of LBA paves the way for exchange of 162 enclaves under the control of either countries as per the 1974 pact. The LBA was passed unanimously by the Parliament last month. Under the Agreement, 111 border enclaves will be transferred to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 that will become part of India. The agreement settles land boundary dispute which dates back to colonial times as India transfers 111 border enclaves to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 enclaves. It also settles the question of citizenship for over 50,000 people in these enclaves. Apart from this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a fresh line of credit of 2 billion dollars to Bangladesh. Both nations also signed 22 agreements, including on cooperation in maritime safety and agreements to curb human trafficking and fake Indian currency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina also flagged off the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service marking a historic moment in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
23. Adani Power Limited (APL) and Reliance Power Limited of India have signed separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). These MoUs were signed on the first day of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh. The deals were signed to set up 4,600 MW power plants in Bangladesh worth $5.5 billion. Under the deal, APL will invest 2.5 billion dollars to set up a coal-based power plant with a capacity of 1,600 MW. While Reliance Power will set up an imported liquefied natural gas-based power plant with a capacity of 3,000 MW with an investment of 3 billion dollars. The two Indian companies will complete construction of the plants in 13 months after final agreements are reached. These plants will help Bangladesh to tackle power shortages that are crimping its economic growth and deterring investment as country produces 7,000 MW of electricity but demand far exceeds supply, with a daily shortage up to 1,500 MW.
24. Barcelona FC has won 2015 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League trophy for the fifth time. In the summit clash played at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany they defeated Juventus FC by 3-1 goals. Ivan Rakitic had first scored goal for Barcelona in the fourth minute and later Luis Suárez restores at 68 minute and Neymar scored the goal in extra time. Earlier, Barcelona FC had won UEFA Champions League trophy in 1992, 2006, 2009 and 2011, About UEFA Champions League UEFA Champions League (simply known as the Champions League) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the UEFA. It is contested by top-division European club and is considered as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. It is also most prestigious club competition in European football, played by the national league champion and for some nations of each UEFA national association.
25. Union Government launched nationwide Jal Kranti Abhiyan. It was launched by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejunivetion Uma Bharti in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Jal Kranti Abhiyan aims at turning one water scared village in each district of the country into water surplus village water through a holistic and integrated approach by adopting conservation and management techniques. Under the nationwide campaign a village with acute water scarcity on a pilot project will be selected as Jal Gram. In this identified village a comprehensive integrated development plan will be framed and several water conservation activities will be launched.
26. India’s first green police station was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day at Maurice Nagar in north Delhi. It was inaugurated by Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi. The police station has various provisions for preservation and safety of the environment. Students of Delhi University along with police officials had worked on the renovation of this police station to make it unique. Key features of green police station Roof of station has coating of fresh lime based upon Medieval Indian Construction Methodology. It will increase Albedo of the station and reduce the heat which helps to save electrical power. All light fittings at the police station have been changed to LED lights in order to reduce consumption of electricity. All fans installed at this police station will be of five star ratings. It also planned to use solar panels to light the police station. The toilets installed in this station are biodegradable and are capable of converting fecal matter into water and biogas through technique of anaerobic bacterial decomposition. It is also planned to replace the furniture with bamboo and cane which are believed to be environment friendly as they do not require cutting of trees. 400 areca palm plants have been planted in the police station and its premises in order to bring down the carbon presence, as these plants are strong in carbon consumption. Recycled paper for filing public’s complaint will be used in bid to promote the use of recycled paper.
27. India’s second largest software services firm, Infosys has appointed R Seshasayee as non-executive chairman. He will replace KV Kamath, who stepped had down to take over as President of the Shanghai based BRICS New Development Bank.
28. Kotak Mahindra Bank and ING Bank have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for exploring opportunities arising from cross-border business, investment and trade flows across various regions, including Europe.
29. India’s first of its kind Tier-I Oil Spill Response Centre (OSRC) for Mumbai Port Trust (MBT), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and ONGC’s facilities at Nhava and Uran was inaugurated on 5 June 2015. It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari to tackle pollution and oil spills in and around Mumbai. Facts about Tier-I Oil Spill Response Centre (OSRC) OSRC is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in operational readiness for combating Tier-I oil spill upto 700 tones. The objective behind setting up this centre is to develop appropriate and effective systems for the detection and reporting of spillage of oil in order to ensure adequate protection to the marine environment and public health. This centre will also ensure prompt and appropriate response technique to control, combat and prevent oil pollution and dispose recovered waste material in an environmental friendly manner. The OSRC is equipped with skilled and trained personnel and wireless communication facilities for immediately responding to any oil spill. It will monitor on 24/7 basis. It also includes various plans like Contingency Plan, Health Safety and Environment Plan. The facility is funded by Participating Oil Companies (POCs). While, MPT will take the responsibility for tendering and monitoring of Tier-I OSR facility.
30. Delhi Metro has received its first driver-less train from Republic of South Korea which is capable of running without a driver. The six-coach train has been manufactured at Changwan in South Korea and had arrived by sea at the Mundhra port in Gujarat and was brought to Delhi by road.
32. Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 05 June to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth. The theme for year 2015 is Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. The theme highlights the need to respect the carrying capacity of the planet earth and to manage natural resources efficiently to ensure prosperity and wellbeing globally. Observing this day is global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The host country for the WED 2015 is Italy. To mark this day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a tree plantation campaign across India by planting Kadamb sapling at the lawns of his Race Course Road residence. About World Environment Day (WED) WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972 which began in Stockholm. The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973 and since then it is being held every year with a different themes.
33. India has lost a poultry case against United States at World Trade Organization (WTO) after WTO’s Dispute Settlement Board (DSB) ruled that India’s ban on import of poultry meat, eggs and live pigs from US is inconsistent with the international norms. What is this case? India had banned imports of various agriculture products including poultry meat and eggs from the US in 2007. These poultry products were banned as a precautionary measure to prevent outbreaks of Avian Influenza and bird flu fears. In March 2012, US had dragged India to the WTO for banning these products and had contended India’s import prohibition saying that it was not based on the relevant international standard or on a scientific risk assessment. Earlier in October 2014 WTO Appellate Body had ruled in favour of US and clearly mentioned that India’s ban measures are arbitrarily and unjustifiably discrimination on international trade and constitutes a disguised restriction on it. India had challenged WTO’s this ruling and had appealed to the Dispute Settlement Board (DSB) of the WTO. With this WTO ruling, US which is one of the world’s largest exporters of chicken meat will be able to export their poultry products to Indian market without any trade barriers. This will help US farmers and poultry industry to supply their products to Indian broiler meat consumers which has increased to 3.72 million tonnes in 2014 from 3.45 million tonnes in 2013.
34. Former Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB) Syed Asif Ibrahim was appointed as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Counter Terrorism and Extremism in National Security Council (NSC) Secretariat.
35. India’s Sundaram Ravi was inducted into the Elite Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpires for year 2015-2016. Decision in this regard was taken by the ICC Umpires Selection Panel consisting of Chairman Geoff Allardice and others members after annual review and selection process.