Iran denies U.S. allegation of cyber attack

Iran has denied any role in cyber-attacks against two major oil and gas companies in the Persian Gulf, amid statements from the United States that alluded to the possible rise in Tehran’s capability to launch massive cyber-strikes against Washington and its allies.

The director of Iran’s National Center of Cyberspace, Mehdi Akhavan Beh-Abadi, on Sunday dismissed U.S. claims that Tehran was behind the recent cyber- attacks against a number of Persian Gulf oil and gas companies. Addressing a press conference in Tehran, Mr. Beh-Abadi said that US claims were bereft of any “technical basis”. “We interpret this issue politically and in light of domestic issues and election in the United States,” he said referring to the upcoming November 6 presidential polls. The Iranian official said he sympathised with the two companies, Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and Qatar’s Ras gas, which had been attacked by the Shamoon virus.

Person in News :First woman chief of AU takes charge

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma waved an African Union flag, tapped a wooden gavel and became the first woman to take office as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) at the A.U. headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday.

Upon taking office, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma shall be confronted by simmering conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea Bissau; chronic instability in Somalia; and an insurgency in northern Mali where fighters affiliated with al-Qaeda have taken control of large swathes of land.

[Essay] Modernization and Westernization are not Identical Concepts

Introduction

The battle between the east and the west still continues as each try to preserve its culture and assert its powers. Just as the fight to be superpowers continues, the west and east continue to outdo each other in other aspects. The concept of modernization means an evolution from traditional society practices to modern social status. Modernization has brought about transformation of societies which has been experienced since time in history. The term modernization however, has been mistakably been taken to mean the adoption of policies that favor other societies. The changes have been witnessed in the political, economic production and social systems. In addition, it has also been reflected in the way of thinking and behavior of the people.

National Security Advisor Releases Joint Working Group Report on Cyber Security

India’s National Security Advisor Sh Shivshankar Menon released a report on the “Recommendations of Joint Working Group on Engagement with Private Sector on Cyber Security”, in New Delhi today.

Making public the report, Sh Menon said facing the challenges from cyber space requires both the government and industry to work together; the government cannot do this alone nor can the private sector do it on its own. He said it is a delicate act, how to balance social media responsibility with democratic freedom. Sh Menon pointed out that the Report has been readied in a record time; work started on it only in July this year. He hoped that India would set new benchmarks for the world in cyber security.

EC seeks changes in law on funding of political parties

The Election Commission has written to the government suggesting amendments to the election law to make it mandatory for political parties to declare monetary contributions received from foreign companies and government bodies.

Official sources said the EC wrote to the Law Ministry recently to revise the format of reporting of monetary contributions that are declared by political parties in ‘Form 24 A’ under section 29 of the Representation of People Act.

Person in News :Nobel prize winners 2012

Physics:

Serge Haroche: Serge Haroche (born 11 September 1944) is a French physicist who was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physics jointly with David J. Wineland for "ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems", a study about the light particles, the photons. Since 2001, Haroche is a Professor at the Collège de France and holds the Chair of Quantum Physics.

David J. Wineland : David Jeffrey Wineland (born February 24, 1944) is an American Nobel Prize-winning physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) physics laboratory and the University of Colorado at Boulder. His work has included advances in optics, specifically laser cooling of ions in Paul traps and use of trapped ions to implement quantum computing operations. He was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physics, jointly with Serge Haroche, for “ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems”, a study about the light particles, the photons.

Recognition to NSFs

The Government has introduced annual recognition procedure for the National Sports Federations (NSFs) from the year 2010. The NSFs which complied with the Government guidelines and furnished complete information/documents sought by the Government have been granted annual recognition. 51 NSFs have been granted recognition by the government for the year 2011. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Dr. Nilesh N. Rane & Dr. M. Jagannath. The Government does not deal with the State level Federations/ Associations.

Punchhi Commission

The Punchhi Commission on Centre – State relation was constituted on April 28, 2007 by the UPA government, under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice of India Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, which submitted its report on April 20, 2010. The Punchhi commission made very pertinent observations regarding the qualifications, appointment and removal of governors. As for qualifications pertaining to governor, the Punchhi Commission was forthright in suggesting that the nominee should not have participated in active politics at even local level for at least a couple of years prior to his appointment.

[Essay] Is Gandhian Mode of Protest (Satyagraha) still relevant?

Satyagraha is the method of resistance and mass movement developed by Gandhi during his days in South Africa and later epitomised in India during its freedom struggle against British Empire. Satyagraha was developed as a broad term for techniques of civil disobedience, non cooperation, hunger strike and protest. Satyagraha is a portmanteau of the Sanskrit words Satya (meaning "truth") and Agraha ("insistence", or "holding firmly to"). For Gandhi, Satyagraha went far beyond mere "passive resistance" and became strength in practising non-violent methods. Later on Satyagraha went to become the most successful resistance technique and inspired many other great leaders like Martin Luther King Junior, Nelson Mandela and others. Not only it led to freedom of our country but also created a cadre of thousands of activists for whom it became a mode of life and they were there to shape India's future in right form to ensure not just independence but also to the face challenges that a newly developed nation face.

SASS moves Apex Court against NTCA move to restrict pilgrim movement in PTR

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajom (SASS) has moved the Supreme Court of India against the proposal of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to restrict pilgrim movement through Tiger Reserves, including the Periyar Tiger Reserve that houses Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, by introducing new guidelines for Project Tiger and tourism.

India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 500 Million for Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan

An agreement between Government of India and the World Bank for loan of US$ 500 million (equivalent) from World Bank for the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) was signed recently . The agreement was signed by Shri Prabodh Saxena,Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Onno Ruhl, Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. Representative(s) from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education & Literacy and officials from the World Bank were present among others.

Brief overview of Green Building Ratings.

Everybody is talking of energy conservation and green buildings, but did you know that India has only 267 certified green buildings so far? To promote sustainable architecture, a system of green ratings has now been evolved specifically for India, that closely mirrors global environmental standards.

What does green mean?

A ‘green building’ is one that has minimum impact on its immediate and global environment. Its construction and subsequent operations do minimum or no harm to the ecology.

Minister for Environment and Forests Surveys Kaziranga National Park Announces Measures for Relief

The Minister for Environment and Forests, Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan visited the Kaziranga Reserve, Assam on 10 October, 2012, for an appraisal of the flood situation and the relief measures undertaken.

Besides making an aerial survey of the landscape, the Minister visited the reserve along with the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister of Assam, accompanied by officials of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Wildlife Division of the Ministry, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and State Chief Wildlife Warden, Field Director-Kaziranga and other officials.

Seventh Annual Convention of Central Information Commission on “RTI: Lessons Learnt”

Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India has inaugurate the 7th Annual Convention of Central Information Commission on “RTI:Lessons Learnt” at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi . The Central Information Commission (CIC) had been organizing a Convention every year on 12-13 October to appraise the implementation of the RTI Act, 2005. The Commission in the past six conventions organized so far, has deliberated and discussed a wide range of issues relating to the Act and its implementation with a view to learning from experiences as well as to chart the future road map for greater transparency and accountability.

RTI Act can't violate personal privacy

Raising concern about the possible infringement of personal privacy while providing information under the Right to Information Act, prime minister Manmohan Singh said a fine balance should be maintained between the Right to Information and the Right to Privacy, which stems out of the Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty.

Tiger Authority can notify tourism norms, subject to challenge

The Supreme Court has permitted the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment and Forests, to notify its fresh Comprehensive Guidelines on Strategy, Tiger Conservation and Tourism in and around Tiger Reserves.

A Bench of Justices A.K. Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar, however, made it clear that it would not validate or invalidate or give its seal of approval to the guidelines. With several States pointing out certain deficiencies in the guidelines, the Bench said, it would be open to the aggrieved parties to challenge them.

Planning Commission to have discretionary powers on release of funds to States

The Planning Commission has decided to restructure 16 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) into Additional Central Assistance (ACA) Schemes. The new funding pattern will be effectivefrom2013-14.

While restructuring the CSSs will give more flexibility to the States to utilise the funds, it will also give the Planning Commission absolute control over the quantity of money to be released. CSS funds are routed through the Ministries, but once the new system is in place as many as 11 ministries will lose monetary control over their schemes. It is feared that the new funding pattern could be used as a political tool by the Centre to discriminate between States on the basis of the party in power.　

Arogya Fair 2012

“AROGYA” is an exhibition showcasing the strength, efficacy and affordability of the AYUSH systems of medicine which include Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy. The fair showcases the best and latest developments in the field of AYUSH. The last Arogya fair at Hyderabad was held in November 2005. Addressing the meeting of AROGYA fair at Hyderabad today, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare said the fair started in 2001. The fair has grown into a country-wide phenomenon with more than 10 fairs organized throughout the year now. The Department of AYUSH organizes and supports these fairs to encourage the dissemination of information on the benefits and achievements of the AYUSH systems of medicine and for sharing of experiences and best practices between the industry, academia and research institutions. The active participation of AYUSH drug industries, medicinal plant traders, research institutions, hospitals, publishers and other stakeholders in the AROGYA fairs ensures a wide spectrum of activities thus making it more informative and interesting for the general public. Shri Azad said that over the past three decades there has been a tremendous resurgence of peoples’ interest in the AYUSH Systems of Medicine, not only in India but also in many parts of the world, including Europe and the USA. This is mainly because of holistic approach towards preventive, promotive and positive health and multi-dimensional aspects of disease management in these traditional systems of medicine. It is a matter of pride that there are 504 AYUSH educational institutions including 111 postgraduate colleges where about 27,000 students are admitted annually. India has the largest number of traditional and alternative medicine teaching institutions in the world. India has signed several MoUs for bilateral cooperation in the area of traditional medicine and setting up Ayurveda chairs and AYUSH information centres in various countries, such as South Africa, Malaysia and Trinidad & Tobago.

Rehabilitation of Children Under NCLP Scheme

Under the Child Labour Policy, Government of India follows a multi-pronged approach with the following three major elements:

·         Legal Action Plan

·         Focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of child labour; and

·         Project-based action in areas of high concentration of child labour.

 

Report of the Rangarajan Committee on Deregulation of Sugar Sector in India

A government committee has favoured complete decontrol of the sugar industry, dispensing immediately with the levy sugar obligation and administrative control on non-levy sugar. These recommendations are in line with the industry’s demand for easing controls.The committee, led by C. Rangarajan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, pitches for a stable trade policy and a moderate duty on imports and exports, but wants outright ban or quantitative restrictions done away with.

Amendments in the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986"

The Union Cabinet today approved the introduction of Amendments to the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986" in Parliament.

Key amendments proposed are as follows:
i. Broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form.

ii. Penalties to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000 for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000 for second conviction.

(iii) Police officers not below the rank of Inspectors authorized to carry out search and seizure, in addition to State and Central Government officers authorized by the State or Central Government.

Person in News :President of India to Confer Sangeet Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards 2011 on 9 October 2012

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will confer the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards for 2011 at a special ceremony on 9 October 2012. This year eleven eminent personalities will be conferred with Akademi Fellowships and thirty six artists will receive the Akademi Awards.

Election Commission of India and United Nations Development Programme Sign MoU to Support Electoral and Democratic Practices

Election Commission of India and the United Nations Development Programme UNDP  signed an MOU for cooperation in election management, particularly for supporting elections and democratic process in other countries. The MOU was signed by Shri Akshay Rout, Director General from the Commission and Ms. Lise Grande, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator from UNDP’s side in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri V SSampath, Election Commissioners, Shri H S Brahma and Dr Nasim Zaidi and UN Under Secretary General and UNDP Associate Administrator, Ms. Rebeca Grynspan. Senior officials of ECI and UNDP were present on the occasion.

Anil Kumble appointed head of ICC cricket committee

Former India captain Anil Kumble has been named the new head of theInternational Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee, replacing former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd, the global governing body said on Thursday.

Why to save the tiger?

The number of tiger in india  estimation done once in every four years. In 2006 , estimated tigers in India around 1411 but in 2010 it value increase slightly to 1706.On hearing a PIL filled by conservationist Mr. Ashoke Dubey ,the Supreme court order to ban the tourism activities in core zone or core areas of tiger reserve till final decisions come and court also warned to contempt proceeding and impositions of fine in case of failed to provided buffer zones in tiger reserves. Previously , also court directed to create a buffers zone in tiger reserves to protect tiger from poaching but states  failed to do so. The apex court also imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 each on Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Maharashtra and Jharkhand for not complying with its directions.

Following the resistance in ban in core areas of tiger reserves by state governments , NGOs , Interseted parties and tourism organization , the supreme court on august 29 2012 permitted centre to  review the existing  norms and come up with comprehensive guidelines on ‘Tiger Project’ and ‘sustainable tourism.