PM vows relook at 1950 Treaty with Nepal

with an intent of opening a new chapter in ties with Nepal, India on 04-Aug-2014 announced a slew of sops for it focusing on 4Cs cooperation, connectivity, culture and constitution amid PM Narendra Modi's promise to review any aspect of the 1950 Treaty.

Indian PM wound up his two-day historic visit during which he sought to allay Nepal's apprehensions, India announced its decision to expeditiously assist in building of some key roads, cooperate in power sector and increase the number of scholarships from 180 to 250.

Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Nepal in 17 years, stressed the importance of the ongoing peace process and Constitution-writing to the Nepalese leadership with a promise to help them with a "pace and manner at which they are comfortable

Kerala Tourism, UNESCO sign MoU to retrace Spice Route

The memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kerala Tourism Secretary, Suman Billa, and UNESCO Director and Representative to India, Shigeru Aoyagi, in the presence of State Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar and K M Chandrasekhar, Vice Chairman, Kerala State Planning Board.

The spice Route project is a new milestone in the growth of tourism in Kerala. It is a revival of the ancient spice route that connected 31 countries," Anil Kumar said.

"For the project to be successful, it needs the support from all the 31 countries. That is why we have sought the cooperation of UNESCO," he said.

Under the agreement, the Spice Route Initiative of the state government will form the bedrock of the cooperation and partnership between the two sides along with protection of promotion of historical areas of Kerala

World Bank pledges USD 200 million to fight Ebola

The World Bank has said that it would provide up to USD 200 million to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to help the West African nations contain a deadly Ebola outbreak.

2011 Civil Service aspirants may appear again in civil services exam in 2015

MoS Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a brief statement Singh said, "Candidates, who appeared in Civil Services Examination 2011, may be given one more attempt in 2015."


Government is of the opinion that in the Civil Services Preliminary examination, Paper-II, the marks of the question section on 'English Language comprehension skills' should not be included for gradation or merit," MoS Personnel Jitendra Singh said seeking to mollify the agitating candidates.

Kerry-Swaraj joint Press address

- There is growing global partnership to the relationship, says Sushma Swaraj.

-India and US are indispensable partners in 21st century. There are incredible possibilities in our relationship: John Kerry.

-In weeks to come, we will take series of steps to pave the way for PM Narendra Modi's visit to US in September: John Kerry.

- We raised the issue of snooping and conveyed that such spying was not acceptable, says Sushma Swaraj.

- We are encouraging India to reach a compromise formula on WTO deal, says John Kerry.

Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag takes over as new Army Chief

Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag took over as the head of the 1.3 million strong force succeeding Gen Bikram Singh.

Gen Suhag assumed charge after his predecessor handed over to him the Chief of Army Staff baton in his South Block office in New Delhi.

The new Chief takes over at a time when the force is facing challenges of modernsation in its artillery, infantry and air defence arms and is also preparing itself for facing a possible multi-front war.

Committee submits report on civil services exams

A committee formed to look into the possibilities of bringing changes in pattern of civil services examination among others submitted its report to the government on 31-07-2014

The three-member committee under the chairmanship of former Secretary of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Arvind Varma was formed in March this year to look into demands of students for changes in the pattern of civil services examination.

The report will be examined by the government before taking a final view, official sources said, adding a decision whether to postpone the August 24 civil services preliminary examination will be taken after perusing it. The students have been demanding that the pattern of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) be changed to give level-playing field to those coming from rural areas.

There are two compulsory papers of 200 marks each in the preliminary examination. These papers are also known as CSAT I and CSAT II.

The CSAT-II paper carries questions on comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem- solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension skills (of Class X level).

Students have been objecting to the level of aptitude and English language questions being asked in the examination claiming they are much above the standard prescribed for the examination.

The civil services examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in three stages--preliminary, main, and interview--to choose candidates for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

Source : ddinews.gov.in
.