Current Affairs March 2013

1.  A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and UK to strengthen their  cooperation in Earth Sciences and environmental research on 1 March 2013 in New Delhi. The MoU will allow the two countries to share information on meteorology, hydrology and climate variability.

1.  Shamim Khan of Delhi on 1 March 2013 defeated Mukesh Kumar of Mhow in the playoff to win the PGTI Players Championship title at the Classic Golf Resort. S Chikkarangappa of Bangalore came third with an aggregate of 11-under-277.

1.  Mukesh Gadhvi, the Congress MP from Banaskantha passed away on 1 March 2013 in Ahmadabad because of multiple organ failure. Mukesh Gadhvi was 50 years of age.

1.  The Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari released a book titled Walking with Lions: Tales from a Diplomatic Past, written by K. Natwar Singh, the former Union Minister for External Affairs on 1 March 2013.

1.  Vijitha Bandara of Sri Lanka won Eighth NCR Cup Golf Tournament at Delhi Golf Club on 1 March 2013. Vijitha Bandara shot four-over 76 for a total of 293 in order to win the tournament. With the victory of this tournament, Bandara became the second Sri Lankan to clinch this title. The first one to win this title was N Thangaraja in 2012.

2.  World Number one Novak Djokovic on 2 March 2013 won the ATP Dubai Open Tennis title 2013. He defeated third seed Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-3 in the finals in Dubai.

2.  Rafael Nadal defeated top seed and defending champion David Ferrer 6-0, 6-2 on 2 March 2013 in the final match of the ATP Mexican Open 2013 tennis tournament.

2.  Sona Polo Team won the General Sparrow Centenary Polo Cup-2013 played at Jaipur Polo Ground on 2 March 2013 by defeating Sailors team.The Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari on 2 March 2013 presented prizes to the winners of the General Sparrow Centenary Polo Cup-2013 at Jaipur Polo Ground. Sona Polo Team won the Centenary Polo Cup after defeating Sailors team in the final game.

3.  SK Varma, the former news editor of The Indian Express died on 3 March 2013 in New Delhi following a cardiac arrest. Varma was aged 90 years. SK Varma began his career during Quit India movement with the Patna Times. Thereafter, he moved to Indian Nation. By the end of World War II, he shifted to the Punjab Mail and also worked with the Daily Herald as a sub-editor.

3.  In the final of the 67th Santosh Trophy on 3 March 2013, Services won the soccer contest by   defeating hosts Kerala 4-3 on penalties at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

 

3.  James Strong, the chairman of local organising committee of the 2015 World Cup died at the age of 68 years on 3 March 2013 in Sydney. ICC World Cup chief executive John Harnden, in the meanwhile announced that Strong’s successor would be made in a due course of time.

4.  Microsoft, the Software giant launched new version of Office 365 for the businesses  running in India, on 4 March 2013. Office 365 will facilitate sharing the data seamlessly across the computers and mobiles with the help of cloud computing technology.

4.  A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and Republic of Portugal on 4 March 2013 at New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.

4.  The Patiala House Court, New Delhi on 4 March 2013 framed charges of allegedly attempting to commit suicide during her fast until death in the Capital in 2006 against Irom Sharmila Chanu, the Iron Lady from Manipur.

4.  Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya resigned from the State Cabinet on 4 March 2013 in the wake of the killing of the DSP in Pratapgarh district. He submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav at Lucknow and Governor of the state, B.L. Joshi accepted his resignation.

 

4.  The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was on 4 March 2013 conferred with the Liberation War Honour Award by the President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman. The award was conferred upon him for his contribution to 1971 war.

5.  MRP Rao took over as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) in National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) on 5 March 2013.

5.  Mukul Manda Sangma of Congress was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the second term on 5 March 2013. He took oath for the second term as 26th Chief Minister of the state.

5.  Neiphiu Rio 63, of Naga People’s Front (NPF) party was sworn in as Chief Minister of Nagaland for the third straight term on 5 March 2013 along with 11 ministers by the Governor Nikhil Kumar at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima.

5.  Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died on 5 March 2013 at a military hospital in Caracas at the age of 58 due to Cancer. He died after battling from cancer for two years during which he underwent several surgeries and chemotherapy in Cuba.

5.  The President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on 5 March 2013 jointly inaugurated the locomotives and tank wagons being supplied to Bangladesh under the 800 million US Dollar line of credit that was provided by India.

6.  The European Union slapped a fine of 561 million Euros or 731 million US dollars on Microsoft Corp on 6 March 2013 for breaking its browser promise. Microsoft Corp failed to offer its customers the choice of the browser, which is why it was slapped with the fine by EU.

6.  The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) on 6 March 2013 cleared the investment proposal of AirAsia, the Malaysian budget carrier to launch the new airline along with Tata Group and Arun Bhatia's Telestra Tradeplace.

6.  At the ABP News-IPSOS Best City Survey and Awards 2013 event in New Delhi on 6 March 2013, Nagpur won the award for most liveable Indian city. Delhi was declared as the best city for primary education and roads. Nagpur won the award for most liveable Indian city for top health care services, green cover as well as best public transport. Rajkot was declared as the city with the best law and order. This city also ranked at the top most position in terms of cleanliness and sanitation as well as women safety.

6.  Smriti Mehra, the veteran golfer, on 6 March 2013 won her second title in the fourth leg of Hero Women`s pro golf tour 2013 in Mumbai.

7.  The US President, Barack Obama on 7 March 2013 signed into law, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization 2013 in Washington. The Violence Against Women Act was first passed in 1994. Reauthorised since then, the new Act offers support to the organisations which serve to the victims of domestic violence. Usually, the local authorities are responsible for criminal prosecutions of abusers, but now the Act made a stricter sentence for stalking under the federal law.

7.  Deborah from India won a Bronze medal in the final of women's juniors of 500m cycle event in Asian Cycling Championship on 7 March 2013 in New Delhi. 19-year-old Deborah helped India claim its second medal in the Asian Cycling Championship 2013 which is ongoing.

8.  International Women's Day is celebrated across the world on 8 March 2013. The theme for 2013 International Women's Day is- A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.

8.  The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 8 March 2013 released the Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sahir Ludhianvi on occasion of his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

8.  Venezuelan Vice- President Nicolas Maduro on 8 March 2013 was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president, despite the Opposition resistance as it is being considered to the violation of the country’s constitution.

8.  The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 8 March 2013 cleared Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) by civil and military users, which was unsettled for last few years.

8.  The country's top four financial regulators on 8 March 2013 signed an agreement among each other for co-operation on consolidated supervision and monitoring of financial groups identified as financial conglomerates- large banks and other key players.

8.  Union Minister of Communications & IT, Kapil Sibal on 8 March 2013 inaugurated the First All Women Employees Post Office of India at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi.

8.  India and Bhutan on 8 March 2013 signed a currency swap agreement for up to 100 million US dollars to strengthen economic co-operation between both the countries.The currency swap arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB).

8.  India Tourism Film, Find What You Seek claimed First Prize at 11th Golden City Gate Awards.Ministry of Tourism’s new film Find What You Seek received first prize at the 11th Golden City Gate Tourism Media Awards Ceremony held in Berlin on 8 March 2013.

9.  Uhuru Kenyatta, the Deputy Prime Minister who faces trial for alleged crimes against humanity, clinched victory in a tightly fought race for Kenya's presidency, on 9 March 2013.

9.  86 years old Former West Bengal Governor and industrialist Viren J Shah died in Jordan on 9 March 2013 after a heart attack. Viren Shah went on for holiday to Jordan with his wife where suffered the heart attack.

9.  62 year old Former CBI Director, Ashwani Kumar on 9 March 2013 appointed as Governor of Nagaland. Ashwani Kumar was the Director of the agency from August 2008 to November 2010. He will be the first head of the agency to be appointed as a Governor.

9.  Pakistan’s parliament on 9 March 2013 passed a bill for the setting up of a new organisation that is supposed to integrate counter-terrorism efforts by different bodies in the wake of criticism of civilian law enforcement agencies by the powerful army.

9.  C J George the Managing Director of Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd, on 9 March 2013 elected chairman, CII Kerala State Council for 2013-14.

10.  Swedish Princess Lilian Davies died in Stockholm on 10 March 2013. She was aged 97 years. Swedish Princess Lilian was married to Prince Bertil.

10.  Tine Baun won the women’s singles title in the All England Open Badminton Championships 2013 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England on 10 March 2013. With this victory, the 33-year-old Baun became the oldest All-England women’s singles champion of Open Era. She defeated three-time world junior champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-14, 16-21, 21-10.

10.  Neha Tripathi defeated Thailand's Pennapa Pulsawath to win BT Pro Am of Champions golf tournament 2013 in Manesar on 10 March 2013. After initially tying up at a score of 141, Neha won the match in second playoff on 18th hole.

10.  India's Deborah and Manorama Devi on 10 March 2013 won a bronze in the team sprint on the second to last day of the Hero Asian Cycling Championships in New Delhi.

10.  Shrinivas won 42nd Senior National and Inter-State Carrom Championship at Akola. He defeated world no. 3 Yogesh Pardeshi in the men’s final 8-25, 25-18, 25-4.In the women’s final, Rashmi Kumari defeated I Ilavazhaki 25-9, 25-18 to win the women’s title. This was the fifth title of her career.

11.  The US as well as South Korea started their annual military drills called Key Resolve on 11 March 2013 despite tensions with North Korea in context with the UN sanctions vote. The annual military drills came just a few days after UN approved the new sanctions on North Korea after it carried out the nuclear test in February 2013.

11.  The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean Trade Promotion Agency (KOTRA) on 11 March 2013 in New Delhi for setting up Korean industrial zone at Ghilot in Neemrana.

11.  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari on 11 March 2013 launched a 7.5 billion dollar gas pipeline project which will link Iran's gas pipeline to that of Pakistan.

11.  Reliance Games on 11 March 2013 acquired two gaming companies, one each in Japan and South Korea. Reliance Games which is the key content initiative of Reliance Entertainment fully acquired a Japanese mobile game distribution company, Funnel Japan, and pulled out upto 51 per cent stake in Busan, Korea-based gaming development and publishing company Bluesom Inc. which marked the  company’s foray into two top markets.

11.  Laureus World Sports Awards 2013 were organised in Rio de Janeiro on 11 March 2013. Prestigious awards were claimed by sports stars- Jessica Ennis, Andy Murray and Sebastian Coe.

12.  Mauritius celebrated its 45th Independence Day on 12 March 2013. The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest at the 45th Independence Day celebrations of Mauritius.

12.  The UK Government on 12 March 2013 opened its first ever Mobile Biometric Clinic (MBC) in Goa. The Mobile Biometric Clinic is meant to save the time of locals from travelling to distant places like Mumbai to apply for visa to the country. Mobile Biometric Clinic is an initiative by the UK Border Agency providing convenience to the citizens of Goa with the localised option of applying for a UK visa.

12.  76 years old legendary painter Ganesh Pyne on 12 March 2013 died after a heart attack at a city hospital in Kolkata.

12.  The Union Government and RBI on 12 March 2013 decided to introduce one billion pieces of 10 Rupees bank notes made of plastic on a field trial basis in five cities.A 10 Rupees note in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis will be introduced first; Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena said it in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

12.  Japan on 12 March 2013 announced that it had extracted the natural gas from frozen methane hydrate successfully off the central coast. With this, Japan became the first country to do so in the world. A Japan official from Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry announced that this was the first offshore experiment of producing natural gas from methane hydrate in the world.

12.  In the Asian Archery Grand Prix, the men’s compound team of India won a gold medal while men’s recurve trio won a bronze in Bangkok on 12 March 2013. The men’s compound team comprised of Jignas Chittibomma, Sandeep Kumar and Abhishek Verma. It defeated Vietnam team 226-218 to clinch gold.

12.  The Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit launched a comprehensive five-in-one vaccine on 12 March 2013 in order to provide protection to children against certain diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and pertusis.

12.  Welspun Energy, the country’s biggest developer of solar projects on 12 March 2013 commissioned Asia’s largest solar power project of 50 MW at Jodhpur district in Rajasthan.

12.  Tata Steel Ltd. on 12 March 2013 announced that Tata Steel Minerals Canada Ltd. (TSMC) acquired stake in Canadian company Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Ltd. (LIM) for 163 crore Rupees.

12.  The Union government on 12 March 2013 informed that state-run Coal India Ltd. (CIL)signed fuel supply pacts with 56 power plants so far.Minister of state for coal, Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in his written reply to Lok Sabha mentioned that, Coal India Ltd has signed 56 fuel supply agreements (FSAs) with the power plants as on 2 March 2013.

12.  The entertainment and media industry of India will become twice of its present size by 2017, as per the report released by FICCI-KPMG (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) on 12 March 2013 in Mumbai. An inaugural ceremony of FICCI Frames 2013 was organised in Mumbai. It was announced that entertainment and media industry has a current size of 91700 crore Rupees, which would increase to 166000 crore Rupees by 2017.

12.  Jagat Singh Negi, the Congress legislator from Kinnaur was elected as the Deputy speaker of Legislative Assembly of Himachal on 12 March 2013. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh announced Negi’s name for the post of Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly. Jagat Singh Negi was therefore elected unanimously as the Deputy Speaker.

12.  The Union Government on 12 March 2013 decided to provide a financial assistance of 41.21 crore rupees to protect Pashmina goat which produces world-famous fine luxury fibre. The idea of providing assistance came in light of concern over the recent deaths of thousands of Pashmina goats in the Ladakh region.

13.  The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church chose Argentine Jorge Bergoglio on 13 March 2013 as the new Pope. The new pope chose Francis as his Papal Name. He is the first non-European pope in almost 1300 years and first pontiff from the Americas. A Pope sits in the Vatican City.

13.  Prof Veer Bhadra Mishra, the noted environmentalist as well as the acclaimed Hero of the Planet of TIME Magazine in 1999, died at Sir Sundarlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University on 13 March 2013. He was aged 75 years.

14.  The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas on 14 March 2013 announced Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards for the year 2011. The Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Awards are given every year by Bureau of Indian Standards for encouraging the service as well as manufacturing organisations so that they strive for excellence. These awards give recognition to those who are considered as the leaders of quality movement in the country.

14.  Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan on 14 March 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Jaipur for setting up a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Barmer, Rajasthan. The project will be a joint venture between HPCL and Rajasthan State Refinery Limited, apart from other equity partners.

14.  The new leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping on 14 March 2013 was appointed as the President of China. It is important to note that Xi Jinping, 59, was also chosen as the General Secretary of CPC in November 2012. He overtook the office from Hu Jintao.

14.  Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal on 14 March 2013. Khil Raj Regmi will be the head of interim government which will have its elections by 21 June 2013. He took over the office from Baburam Bhattarai.

14.  The Union Cabinet on 14 March 2013 cleared a Bill providing for severe punishment for rape, acid attack, stalking and voyeurism more to the point reducing the age of consent for sex to 16 years. The bill which was named the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2013 lowers the age of consent for sex from 18 to 16 years with making of rape as a gender-specific offence under which men only can be charged for it. The Bill is brought in line with the Indian Penal Code, but at variance with the Child Protection Act, 2012, which raised it to 18.

14.  Tan Twan Eng on 14 March 2013 was announced as a winner of the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize. With this, he became the first Malaysian author to win the most prestigious literary prize of Asia. Tan Twan Eng won the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel The Garden of Evening Mists. This is only a second time that the prize has been given to the novel written originally in English. The previous winners had won the award as English translations.

14.  Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal on 14 March 2013. Khil Raj Regmi will be the head of interim government which will have its elections by 21 June 2013. He took over the office from Baburam Bhattarai.

14.  The UN Human Development Report 2013 was released on 14 March 2013, according to which India has poor Gender Inequality Index, apart from the overall poor Human Development Index (HDI).

14.  India won a total of eight medals in the inaugural Asian Grand Prix Archery Championship at Bangkok on 14 March 2013. India won two gold, two Silver and four bronze. In the category of compound Men's individual, Ch. Jignas clinched the Gold after he defeated China's He Ying 145-142. In the Compound Men's trio category, Ch. Jignas, Abhishek Verma and Ritul Chatterjee won the Gold, registering a victory over Vietnam, 226-218.

14.  The United National Development Programme (UNDP) on 14 March 2013 at Georgetown Club, United States released its UNDP Human Development Report 2013. The report in its findings revealed that South Asia leads the world in improvements in human development. The report clarified that the South Asian Countries achieved widespread gains in terms of human development across the developing world from 2000 to 2012.

15.  World Consumer Rights Day was observed on 15 March 2013 for creating awareness in terms of consumer protection measures as well as consumer rights. The theme for 2013 World Consumer Rights Day was Consumer Justice Now.

15.  Kallam Anji Reddy, the main behind Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (DRL), the second-largest drugmaker of India died on 15 March 2013 at Hyderabad’s Apollo Hospital. Anji Reddy was the founder and chairman of DRL. He was aged 72 years. He died because of liver cancer. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

15.  Neha Tripathi won her second title in Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour 2013 on 15 March 2013 when she finished with three over 75 in the final round of the fifth leg. She defeated Smriti Mehra with an aggregate of 224. This is her second title of the season. Earlier, Neha Tripathi had won in the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour 2013 on 31 January 2013.

15.  The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on 15 March 2013 released a commemorative postal stamp at XXXIII Convocation of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) at Chandigarh. The President attended the 33rd Convocation of PGIMER.

16.  Bobby Ghosh, the eminent Indian Journalist was appointed as the editor of Time International on 16 March 2013. He is the first non-American World Editor in the history of the Times. His appointment to the post was confirmed by the editor in Chief, Martha Nelson and Managing Editor Rick Stengel in a joint email.

16.  The Eurozone finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund signed a deal on 16 March 2013 in Brussels to aid Cyprus with a bailout worth 10 billion Euros. It is important to note that Cyprus is the fifth country to go to Eurozone for the financial aid because of sovereign debt crisis that kicked off in 2010.

16.  Pakistan's government made history on 16 March 2013, with the parliament becoming the first democratically chosen body to complete its five-year term. Pakistan has faced three military coups and persistent political turmoil.The election will be held within 60 days as per the constitution of Pakistan. Meanwhile, there will be an interim government to manage the affairs of the country.

16.  In Madhya Pradesh, Union power ministry on 16 March 2013 inaugurated a Spice Park in Mawan area of Guna district. This spice park has been built at a cost of fifty five crore rupees.  farmers from Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch, Ratlam, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Bara and Jhalawad districts of Rajasthan will be benefited by the spice park. Products will be processed and packaged in the park and will be exported to different countries.

16.  B Ashok Reddy, the Infotech Enterprises President (Human Resources and Corporate Affairs), was elected as the new chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Andhra Pradesh, for 2013-14. C Suresh Rayudu, the Srinivasa Hatcheries Group Managing Director was elected as the vice-chairman of CII, AP. Both of them were elected on 16 March 2013 in Hyderabad.

17.  In the Avantha Masters golf tournament at Jaypee Greens course in Greater Noida on 17 March 2013, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar finished at the runners-up position. Thomas Aiken of South Africa won the Avantha Masters golf tournament. At the third position was China’s Liang Wen-Chong who finished two spots behind Bhullar.

17.  Muradian Khalmuratov of Uzbekistan clinched second gold by winning the 156.2 km individual road race event in the men's category of Asian champion's title on final day of Hero Asian Cycling Championship on 17 March 2013.

17.  Kimi Raikkonen, the Australian driver of Formula One team Lotus won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix 2013 on 17 March 2013. Kimi Raikkonen started at the seventh spot in Finland and adopted just two pit stops technique for winning the race.

17.  Australia, the World Champions won the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament title for the seventh time on 17 March 2013. Australia defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the final match in Malaysia. South Korea came at the third position. It is important to note that Malaysia came at the runner-ups position for the fourth time.

17.  Rafael Nadal of Spain won Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open 2013 on 17 March 2013. Nadal defeated Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final. After winning Tokyo Open in October 2010, this is the first hard court victory of Nadal. With this, Nadal became number 4 in the world ranking.

18.  The Goa Legislative Assembly on 18 March 2013 decided to have year-long celebrations for marking 50 years of its inception. The Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Rajendra Arlekar made an announcement of the celebrations. First Legislative Assembly of Goa was convened on 9 January 1964, three years after liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule. In 1961, the Portuguese rule in Goa ended, after which it was placed under the military administration that was headed by Lt Gen Candeth.

18.  The 60th National Film Awards were announced on 18 March 2013. Films such asKahaani and Paan Singh Tomarwere given some of the big awards at National Film Awards which are said to be the most popular film honours in Indian Cinema.

18.  The Union Government on 18 March 2013 approved a bill that is directed towards providing access to all central and state government services such as passport, ration card and driving licences electronically, especially the Internet, within eight years.

18.  Toyo Ito, the Japanese architect was declared as the winner of 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize on 18 March 2013. The Pritzker Architecture Prize is said to be the most prestigious and richest award of architecture. Often, this prize is also referred as the Nobel Prize of Architecture.

18.  Madhya Pradesh on 18 March 2013 bagged two national tourism awards. One for the best civic management of a tourist destination and other for the most innovative and unique tourism project in the 23rd National Tourism Award. Madhya Pradesh which is known for tourism hotspots received the awards from President Pranab Mukherjee at a function held for National Tourism Awards 2011-12 in New Delhi, at Vigyan Bhawan.

18.  Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, the Finance Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 18 March 2013 presented the budget for the year 2013-14 to the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly.Different new initiatives were launched by the Government in light of Integrated Rural and Urban development Programme.

18.  Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, the Finance Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 18 March 2013 presented the budget for the year 2013-14 to the Andhra Pradesh legislative asembly.Different new initiatives were launched by the Government in light of Infrastructure, Industry and Commerce.

19.  The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2013 was passed in the Lok Sabha on 19 March 2013. Now the bill will be the tabled in the Rajya Sabha where the voting will take place.The bill encompasses features that will provide stringent punishment for crimes against women such as rape, acid attacks, voyeurism and stalking. The punishments range from life term to death penalty for the repeated offenders.

19.  S. Venkata Mohan a scientist of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, on 19 March 2013 won the National Bioscience Award for 2012 in Hyderabad.

19.  Mannheim regional court, a court in Germany passed a judgement in favour of Nokia on 19 March 2013 in the case involving infringement of Nokia’s power-saving patent. The court, while passing the judgement observed that certain devices made by HTC infringed on the power-saving patent.

19.  The First Woman President of India, Reinventing leadership, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil written by Professor Sunaina Singh.The Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari on 19 March 2013 released a book titled The First Woman President of India, Reinventing leadership, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

19.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 19 March 2013 cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.5 per cent from 7.75 percent in its mid-quarter review of the monetary policy. The change of the Repo rate is aimed to prompt growth and revive investment.

19.  The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on 19 March 2013 approved the National Food Security Bill.The food security bill approved is directed towards giving the right to food to around 67 per cent of India's 120-crore population. The amendments to the Bill will guarantee 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month, while families in the poorest of the poor will continue to get 35 kg of grains per month.

20.  The President of Egypt Dr. Mohamed Morsy visited India from 18 March 2013 to 20 March 2013. He was accompanied by his senior ministers as well as business delegation. It is important to note that bilateral trade between India and Egypt increased in past few years and this stands at 5.5 billion US Dollars. India is also the seventh largest trading partner of Egypt as well as the second largest source of the exports. The cumulative investments of India in Egypt are over 2.5 billion US Dollars.

20.  India on 20 March 2013 successfully test fired itssubmarine-launched version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile of the over 290 km-range in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of the southern port city of Visakhapatnam.

20.  The President of Bangladesh, Zillur Rahman passed away on 20 March 2013 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. He was 84 years of age. The Government of Bangladesh announced three-day mourning in the country. Zillur Rahman was undergoing treatment for kidney as well as respiratory complications.

20.  The Election Commission on 20 March 2013 announced that single phase assembly elections in Karnataka will be held on 5 May 2013. Counting of the votes will be held on 8 May 2013. There are 4.18 crore voters in Karnataka and voting will take place at 50446 polling stations.

20.  The United Nations on 20 March 2013 declared 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. This was the first edition of the happiness day observed by the world. 20 March was declared as the International Day of Happiness with an aim to acknowledge the importance of happiness and encourage Governments of different nations to consider well-being of its citizens as the common agenda other than focusing on the economic growth only.

21.  Pietro Mennea, the Italian athletics died in Rome on 21 March 2013. He was 60 years of age. He died because of some incurable disease.

21.  21 March 2013 is observed as the World Forestry Day across the globe. This day is celebrated for raising as well as promoting awareness about the value of forests. Importance of ecosystem and the forests is stressed upon on this day.

21.  The Supreme Court of India, on 21 March 2013 sentenced Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt to a sentence of 5 years in jail because of his association with the 1993 bombings in Mumbai. The decision was given by a bench of Justice PS Sathasivam and BS Chauhan. Sanjay Dutt, 53, was held for acquiring illegal weapons for Mumbai bombings in 1993 which killed 257 people.

21.  Kolkata’s Neha Tripathi won sixth leg of Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour 2013 in Panchkula on 21 March 2013. This is the third victory of Neha Tripathi in 2013 season. With this victory, Neha Tripathi overtook Smriti Mehra in the Hero Order of Merit 2013.

22.  World Water Day is celebrated across the world on 22 March every year. This day was first celebrated back in the year 1993. World Water Day is an initiative of United Nations for celebrating the value of freshwater in the world.

22.  Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 22 March 2013 notified the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) Amendment Regulations:2013. The amendment regulation was notified for ensuring quality of service and protection of consumers’ interests.

22.  The Prime Minister of Lebabon, Najib Mikati on 22 March 2013 announced resignation of his Government. The decision came after the cabinet failed to approve the commission to oversee elections, scheduled in June 2013 and refusal of the cabinet in extending the tenure of the Police Chief Major General Ashraf Rifi, who will retire in April 2013.

22.  Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC)headed by Justice BN Srikrishna in its final report submitted to the Union Government of India on 22 March 2013 recommended constitution of unified financial sector regulator by deriving powers from Indian Financial Code including Commodity Derivatives Market.

23.  Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on 23 March 2013 got their own High Courts. Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, Judge of Chhattisgarh High Court took oath as the first Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on 23 March 2013. Gurbachan Jagat Governor of Manipur administered his oath for the office in Imphal.

23.  India and the World observed on 23 March 2013 observed the Earth Hour that was organised by World Wide Fund for Nature. Earth Hour is celebrated every year to create awareness about conservation of energy and climate change.

23.  Nikhil Kumar, former Nagaland Governor on 23 March 2013 sworn in as the 20th Governor of Kerala. Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Justice Manjula Chelloor administered the oath of the office and secrecy at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram to him.

23.  The United States on 23 March 2013 agreed to transfer the control of the prison that houses insurgents and other dangerous inmates adjacent to Bagram Airfield to Afghanistan. The agreement of to transfer to Afghan Control reached to an agreement after a week’s long intensified negotiations between the officials of both the parties.

23.  Commercial production of Aishwarya Oil Field at Barmer in Rajasthan has started on 23 March 2013. The commercial production of natural gas will take place from the Rageshwari Well of Barmer region. It’s expected that every day production of the oil field shall be 25000 barrels of Crude Oil and 50000 lakh cubic feet of natural gas. The gas field was dedicated to the nation by Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot.

23.  The Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy commissioned a biogas plant in the Government Secretariat campus in Thiruvananthapuram on 23 March 2013. The biogas plant was installed by Bio Flame-Biogas and Energy Pvt Ltd.

 

23.  Kartar Lalvani, the NRI entrepreneur was conferred with theHealthcare Businessman of the Year Award 2013 at the Asian Business Awards ceremony in Central London on 23 March 2013. The honour was given by UK's Home Secretary Theresa May. On behalf of Kartar Lalvani, founder-chairman of Vitabiotics received this honour. Vitabiotics is the largest supplier of vitamin supplements as well as minerals in UK.

24.  India on 24 March 2013 won the fourth and the final test with 6 wickets remaining against Australia in the Alan Border Series – Australia Tour to India, at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi. India won the series 4-0.

24.  The opposition Coalition President of Syria, Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib announced his resignation from Syrian National Coalition (SNC), the opposition of Syria, on 24 March 2013. Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib declared that he was resigning so that he could work with more freedom which was devoid to him in the official institution.

24.  Reliance Life Insurance Company (RLIC) announced on 24 March 2013 that it launched new healthcare product called Reliance Life Care for You Advantage Plan, which provides a comprehensive coverage to a family under single scheme.

24.  Navneet Kaur Dhillon was crowned Pond’s Femina Miss India 2013 on 24 March 2013 in the grand finale of 50th edition of the beauty pageant in Mumbai. 20-year-old Navneet Kaur belongs to Punjab and is a media student at present. Navneet Kaur was also given the title Miss Glowing Skin.

24.  The former President of Pakistan, Gen. Pervez Musharraf returned back to Pakistan on 24 March 2013, ending four years self-imposed exile. He declared that he was going back for the political future of Pakistan, despite threats from Pakistani Taliban. He came back to Karachi from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

25.  Justice Retd. Mir Hazar Khan Khoso took oath as the sixth caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan on 25 March 2013 in Islamabad. The oath was administered by President Asif Ali Zardari at the ceremony which was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

25.  Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance on 25 March 2013. This is the growth-oriented MoU which sets the ambitious Sales target of 3407 crore Rupees as well as the Gross Operating Margin target of 511 crore Rupees for 2013-14 fiscal year.

25.  Two-time Pulitzer winner Anthony Lewis, whose New York Times column championed liberal causes for three decades, died on 25 March 2013 in Boston. He died from due to complications of heart and renal failure. He was 85 years old.

25.  Tiger Woods won the third PGA Tour title 2013, Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge; Orlando, Florida on 25 March 2013. His score was 69-70-66-70 and he defeated Justin Rose to win 1080000 US Dollar cash prize.

26.  Despite a lot of poaching activities taking place in the Kaziranga National Park, Rhino population in this world heritage site saw an increasing trend, according to the recent census which ended on 26 March 2013.

26.  Brazil and China signed the currency swap agreement on 26 March 2013 in Durban, South Africa. The agreement is designed specifically for providing safety against the future global financial issues. The currency swap agreement was first announced in 2012. The agreement will enable the central banks of two countries to swap the local currencies worth 190bn Yuan or 60bn Reais, i.e. 30 billion US Dollar. The agreement will enable smooth bilateral trade irrespective of the financial conditions at the global level.

26.  Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi resigned on 26 March 2013 in the wake of a dispute with India over the 2012 killing of two Indian fishermen by two marines while there are on anti-piracy duty.

26.  Educomp Solutions Ltd, the India’s largest education company, on 26 March 2013 announced completion of the sale of its entire 50% stake inEurokids International Limited to a group of investors led by GPE India. Educomp had earlier finalised the stake sale on 8 January 2013 and the transaction has been completed on 26 March 2013, after meeting the expected conditions precedents.

28.  India and Liechtenstein signed the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on 28 March 2013 at Bern, Switzerland. The agreement was signed between Indian Ambassador in Switzerland and Ambassador of Liechtenstein in Switzerland.

28.  The 2nd National Photo Awards for the year 2011-2012 were given away on 28 March 2013 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The awards were conferred by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar to eminent photojournalists.

28.  Harmanpreet Kaur was named as the Captain of the Indian women's Cricket team for the limited-overs series against Bangladesh, on 28 March 2013. The limited-overs series against Bangladesh will start in India from 2 April 2013. She replaced Mithali Raj to be the captain of the Indian women's Cricket team.

28.  Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on 28 March 2013 passed eight bills the major of which is associated to juveniles in conflict with law. A Bill to consolidate and amend the law related to juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection was moved by Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo, which was passed by voice vote after minor changes.

28.  Actor Richard Griffiths, the renowned Vernon Dursley of Harry Potter died on 28 March 2013 at University Hospital in Coventry, central England. His age was 65 years. He died because of complications in the heart surgery.

28.  Aurobindo Pharma, the leading pharmaceutical research company in India, announced on 28 March 2013 that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) lifted import alert on the Hyderabad-based antibiotics facility. This would enable Aurobindo Pharma to export nine products in all from its Hyderabad-based facility to US market.

28.  Mercedes-Benz and Sahara Force India signed a long-term agreement for the Silverstone-based team on 28 March 2013 in order to make use of the full powertrain of Mercedes-Benz from 2014 season onwards.

29.  The Union Government on 29 March 2013 decided to set up 2000 telecom towers in tribal areas  with a cost of  around 3000 crore Rupees. With over 93 crore mobile connections in use, the next e-governance revolution would be expected to happen around mobile telephones. The government has created special programmes to ensure that all the services being provided now online through kiosks can be provided through mobile phones as well.

30.  The London Olympic Park reopened to the visitors on 30 March 2013. 20000 tickets were sold to visitors who wanted to see London Olympic Park in Stratford, east London where Olympics took place in 2012.

30.  NTPC Ltd on 30 March 2013 commissioned a 5-MW solar photo-voltaic power project at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The new solar photo voltaic power project is the first grid-connected project in these islands and also the first greenfield renewable solar PV project of NTPC.

30.  World No. 1 Serena Williams on 30 March 2013 won Miami masters open Tennis Tournament for record sixth time in Key Biscayne Serena Williams claimed the record equaling sixth title by winning the last 10 games to sweep by Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

31.  Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on 31 March 2013, re-inducted into the Central Parliamentary Board, top decision-making body of BJP. Narendra Modi is the beame the only serving Chief Minister to be included in the Parliamentary Board by BJP President Rajnath Singh, who announced his new 76-member team.

31.  The Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Enterprises Rajan Bharti Mittal on 31 March 2013 appointed as the President of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) India. The appointment of Rajan Bharti Mittal came at the conclusion of 82nd Annual General Meeting of ICC India.

31.  Gujarat clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Championship title after defeating Punjab in the six-wicket victory on 31 March 2013 at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Punjab won the toss and elected to bat first. The team scored 122 runs in 20 overs with a loss of 8 wickets. Gujarat accomplished the score with 13 balls remaining.

31.  British second seed Andy Murray on 31 March 2013 won the ATP Miami Masters by defeating Spanish third seed David Ferrer  by 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) in Miami, Florida. It was Andy Murray’s 26th career tour title, and second of the year after having wining the Brisbane International in a tough two hours and 45 minutes.