Vidya Balan appointed the Brand Ambassador of National Sanitation Campaign

Union Rural development Ministry of India on 4 May 2012 roped in National award winning actor Vidya Balan as the brand ambassador for improving the state of sanitation in the country. Rural Develop Minister Jairam Ramesh brought in the leading bollywood star to promote the sanitation campaign started by him. Vidya in her new role will spread awareness about the need of sanitation among the people.

As the latest census data revealed, 53 per cent of Indian households have mobiles yet only 43 per cent have toilets, there are 21 lakh toilets in India which rely on human beings to clean the waste. According to UNICEF-WHO Joint Monitoring Programme Report 2010, nearly 60 per cent of India’s 1.1 billion people still practice open defecation.

Scores of bollywood and sport stars have participated in endorsing the government sponsored social development programmes in the past. While, Amitabh Bacchan and Sachin Tendulkar featured in Polio eradication campaign, Amir Khan spotted in the incredible India campaign launched by the Tourism Ministry of India.

Kerala to have a World Class Life Sciences Park called Bio 360

Kerala to have a World Class Life Sciences Park called Bio 360 

Kerala state government on 22 August 2013 laid the foundation stone of Bio 360, a Life Sciences Park. It was initiated by state owned Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in the outskirts of the state capital,Thiruvananthapuram. The first phase of Bio 360 will come up in 75 acres of land and the project would be ready in two years. KSIDC, the premier investment promotion agency of the Kerala government, was entrusted with the task of developing life sciences as a top destination in the country for life sciences based industries and R&D institutions.

The park will be positioned as a knowledge centre of life sciences industries research institutions and is expected to attract investments (both domestic and foreign) in related areas.

The park will have state of the art office space, incubation centre and ready to occupy lab modules with support infrastructure facilities. Besides, the park would also provide developed plots for large and integrated bio companies to set up their campuses and ready-to-use modular officers, wet and dry lab space for intermediate, small and start-up companies.

Kerala is designated as one of the 34 biodiversity spots in the world. It is the land of rich biodiversity highlighted by forest and mountain ranges, numerous rivers, splendid flora and fauna, and all-enveloping verdant vegetation.

Coupled with the geographical richness, institutions like the Sree Chitra Centre for Science & Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Regional Research Laboratory, Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Central Marine Fisheries Institute, Regional Cancer Centre, Hindustan Life Care Limited and many more, make Kerala an enormously potent life sciences hub of the country.

Indian Women’s Team won Gold in Archery World Cup Stage 4

Deepika concluded the four World Stages with two golds (Medellin, Wroclaw) and two silvers (both Shanghai) and one bronze (Medellin). Deepika had returned empty-handed from Stage 2 in Antalya. Based on her performances in the four World Stages, Deepika finished inside top seven to qualify for the World Cup Finals to be held on 21 to 22 September 2013 in Paris.

Deepika qualified for the Finals for second year in a row. In her maiden appearance in Tokyo in 2012, Deepika had returned with a silver medal.

Based on their rankings after four stages of the World Cup, top seven archers in men's and women's sections make the cut for the Finals, while the hosts country (France) get a quota berth. Dola Banerjee is the only Indian to have won a gold in the 2007 World Finals.

Amitabh Bachchan joins UN global humanitarian campaign 'The World Needs More'

United Nations: The UNICEF Goodwill AmbassadorAmitabhBachchan has joined the UN and its humanitarian partners to promote 'The World Needs More' - a global campaign seeking to turn words into real assistance for communities affected by humanitarian crises.

In a new video interview released on Thursday, the Bollywood star shares his personal mission to eradicate polio.

"Each child must survive and thrive," Bachchan says. "And for that, the world needs more immunisation."

According to a UN statement, Bachchan joins a growing number of international celebrities who have supported the campaign, including Beyonce, Kid President, Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon, LL Cool J, Geena Davis, Trey Songz and Christina Applegate.

The World Humanitarian Day music video for Beyonce's song 'I Was Here' - the centre piece of last year's campaign - has been nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for 'Best Video with a Social Message'.The VMAs would be taking place on 25 August.

'The World Needs More' campaign, produced in collaboration with Leo Burnett New York, allows brands and the public to sponsor a word they believe the world could use more of.

Gucci, Intel, Western Union, Barclays Bank, and Crescent Enterprises have already sponsored words.

Novak Djokovic has won Australian Open at Melbourne

Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Recent Forbes List of Highest-Paid Athletes Beat Nadal and Bolt

The captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni  ranked at the 16th position in the recent Forbes list of highest-paid athletes. 
Dhoni’s earning stood at 31.5 million US dollar or 180 crore Rupees. The values were calculated between June 2012 and June 2013. 

In the list, he was placed above Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt. He was also placed above the F1 racer Fernando Alonso, whose rank was 19th. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand was placed at 26th place, Novak Djokovic at 28th place, Rafael Nadal at 30th and Usain Bolt at 40th rank. In the year 2012, Dhoni’s position was 31st. It is important to note that the only other Indian sportsperson to feature in this list was Sachin Tendulkar at the 31st position and total annual earnings of 22 million US dollar or 125 crore Rupees. 

The basis of the calculation is earnings estimates which include bonuses, salaries and prize money from the national teams and club along with the endorsement income. 

At the first position was golfer Tiger Woods with the annual income of 78.1 million US dollar. He was followed by the tennis player Roger Federer with the earnings of 71.5 million US dollar. Thereafter, it was basketball player Kobe Bryant with the earning of 61.9 million US dollar. 

In the list of highest-paid female athletes, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova topped the list. She topped the list for the ninth year in the row with the earnings of 29 million US dollar between June 2012 and June 2013. The second on the list was American Serena Williams with the earnings of 20.5 million US dollar, followed by Li Na, the Chinese tennis player with the earning of 18.2 million US dollar and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka with 15.7 million US dollar earnings.

Dr. APJ Kalam Launched his new book My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions

My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions by former President of India, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions by former President of India, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam, for short) was launched in the month of August 2013 by the Rupa Publication. 
What does the book include?
The book focuses on series of anecdotes and profiles of determination, courage as well as desire to excel of APJ Abdul Kalam. In his book, Dr. Kalam talked about lessons which he learnt from interaction with the people. The book describes about accounts of Dr. Kalam in the small town nearby the Bay of Bengal. It also focuses on the struggles of the former president in becoming the scientist and then the President of India. 
In his book, Dr. Kalam wrote about his dejection as well as failures and that how he overcame these failures. 
Key Features of My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is among the most respected public figures of India. He authored various best-selling titles in India. My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions is yet another book written by him. 
• My Journey: Transforming Dreams into Actions is first book authored by him which draws inspiration from the personal stories of his own life. 
• The book describes about those events of his life which are not known to a lot of people. 
• The book has an appeal for not just the old readers, but also the younger ones. The target audience is also the youth and students. 
• The book primarily also describes that he wanted to be a part of Indian Air Force, but could not pursue his dream in flying career. 
About the author- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. 
• He specialised in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology.
• He is one among the most distinguished scientists of India.
• He is a recipient of numerous awards such as the Padma Bhushan (1981), the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna (1997).
• He became the 11th President of India on 25 July 2002.

Satywart Kadian won bronze medal at World Junior Wrestling Championships 2013

Satywart Kadian of India won a bronze medal in the 96-kg freestyle category at the World Junior Wrestling Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria on 17 August 2013.
 
Satyawart Kadian produced a clinical display of freestyle combat to get the better of Turkey's Ali Bonceoglu to open India's account at the championships. Satyawart's march was halted by Armenia' Viktor Kazishvili in the semifinals, as he lost the bout in the first period itself.

Satywart Kadian Hails from Haryana's Majra village in Jhajjar district and he was trained with Olympic medallists Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt at the senior national wrestling camp in Sonepat. Satywart Kadian has also won a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Who: Satywart Kadian

Where: Sofia, Bulgaria

What: Won Bronze medal at World Junior Wrestling Championship

When: 17 August 2013

Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 on Abdul Rashid Khan and Anjolie Ela Menon

Delhi state government on 11 August 2013 conferred Lifetime Achievement Award-2013 to two veteran artists, Abdul Rashid Khan and Anjolie Ela Menon. Abdul Rashid Khan and Anjolie Ela Menon were given awards for their contribution in the field of music and visual arts. Award carries a cheque of 11 lakh rupees and a citation.
 The Award ceremony was organised by the Sahitya Kala Parishad.















  Abdul Rashid Khan is a Hindustani classical vocalist of Gwalior gharana.  He turned 106 this year. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and is the oldest person to have received this honour. He was earlier conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi award.

 Anjolie Ela Menon is India’s renowned contemporary artist whose work is recognized globally. She is considered as one of the foremost Indian artists of her generation.  She was awarded Padma Shri in recognition of her distinguished contribution in the sphere of arts.

Royal Yacht Squadron Club lifted its 200-year ban on Women Members 

The men-only Royal Yacht Squadron, a prestigious sailing club in Britain, in the first week of August 2013 lifted its 200 years ban on women becoming member of the club. Earlier, entrance of the queen, its patron, was not allowed into the club. The ban was lifted after the agenda of change in club rules was voted. 

The Duke of Edinburgh (husband of the Queen himself) is the Admiral of the club and the Queen Elizabeth II herself is a patron of the club. But officially, she isn't the member of the Yacht club.

About the Royal Yacht Squadron Club

Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron is the most prestigious yacht club in the United Kingdom and arguably the world. Its clubhouse is located in the 16th Century Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. The club’s patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the club’s Admiral is Prince Philip. In 1833 William IV renamed the club, The Royal Yacht Squadron.

Japan Unveils Biggest Warship Since WWII

Japan on 6 August 2013 unveiled its biggest warship since World War II called Izumo. Izomo is a flat top destroyer and it bears a strong resemblance to a conventional aircraft carrier. The ship has a flight deck that is nearly 250 metres (820 feet) long, is designed to carry up to 14 helicopters.
It will be used particularly in anti-submarine warfare and border-area surveillance missions. Moreover, it can enhance Japan’s ability to transport personnel and supplies in response to large-scale natural disasters, like the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Its unveiling comes as Japan and China are having a dispute over several small islands located between southern Japan and Taiwan. For months, ships from both nations are conducting patrols around the isles, called the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.

Maria Sharapova topped the Forbes List of Female Athletes

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova topped the Forbes list of highest-paid female athletes for the ninth straight year. According to Forbes, Sharapova earned 29 million US dollars between June 2012 and June 2013. The 26-year-old's earnings came from prize money and endorsement deals. The Forbes list was released on 6 August 2013. American Serena Williams is second on the list with earnings of 20.5 million US dollars, followed by Chinese tennis player Li Na on 18.2 million US dollars and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka on 15.7 million US dollars. Besides being a successful athlete, Sharapova also launched a candy business in 2012 and looks forward to expand into fashion, accessories and make-up. She has also launched her own brand of sweets, Sugarpova. Sharapova, number 22 in the top 100 list, earned more than the current men's number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia (26.9 million US dollars) and Spain's Rafael Nadal (26.4 million US dollars).

India won its first ever Bronze Medal at Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013

captain Sushila Chanu 

Indian Junior Women Hockey team won its first ever Bronze medal in ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup at Monchengladbac, Germany on 4 August 2013. India beat England by 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out. The tournament was played at Mönchengladbach, Germany from 27 July to 4 August 2013. India ended at third position in the tournament. 

In the third-fourth place playoff match, both the teams India and England had scored 1-1 in regualtion time of 70 minutes. Defender Sushila Chanu captained the Indian side and Shona McCallin captained the English side. Indian forward Rani was declared the Best Player of the ERGO Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2013.

The Vice-Captain and forward Rani scored India's only goal in the regulation time. Navneet Kaur's strike helped India a 3-2 lead in the shoot-out.

Earlier, India lost to defending champions the Netherlands in second semi-final match on 2 August 2013.

The Netherland team won the final against Argentina 4-2 in the shoot-out and clinched the trophy for a record third time.

Top Four Places won by
1.    Netherland: Gold Medal was captained by Renske Siersema  
2.    Argentina: Silver Medal was captained by Florencia Habif
3.    India: Bronze Medal
4.    England

The coach for the Indian team was Neil Hawgood.  

After this win, Hockey India announced a cash prize of one lakh rupees for the each member of India's junior women hockey team and coach. 50000 rupees was announced for the support staff

Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi, the chess player from India won the Denmark's Politiken Cup on 5 July 2013 at Copenhagen, Denmark -

Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi, the chess player from India won the Denmark's Politiken Cup on 5 July 2013 at Copenhagen, Denmark by gaining 9 out of the total possible 10 points. He defeated the seventh seed, Italian Sabino Brunello in just 31 moves of Ruy Lopez. Earlier, he won the same tournament in 2009. 

Parimarjan was the only Indian participant to the Denmark Politiken Cup that featured about 600 players from across the world. He scored eight wins and two draws (with Cheparinov and David Bekker Jensen) in the Open tournament. 

This was the second title won by Parimarjan in last three outings, which includes DC International Open and he tied for the top place in the World Open. The performance rating of Parimarjan Negi was 2769 and this would help him to gain about 16-18 valuable ELO points and move past 2660.

Further, he will participate in the World Cup 2013 scheduled to begin on 10 August 2013 at Tromso in Norway. 

About the Parimarjan Negi

• He is a chess grandmaster from India
• He won his international master at the Sort International open chess tournament in Sort, Spain
• At the age of 13, in 2006, he became the second-youngest GM ever, second only to Sergey Karjakin, when he earned his third and final GM norm at the Chelyabinsk Region Superfinal Championship at Satka in Russia
• At the Hastings Chess Congress in January 2006, he won his second grand master norm 
• He became the youngest Grandmaster in India in July 2006 after drawing with Russian Grandmaster Ruslan Sherbakov and finished with six points from nine rounds of the Chelyabinsk Region Superfinal chess tournament in Satka. He replaced Pendyala Harikrishna as India's youngest ever Grand Master

Ruy Lopez
Ruy Lopez is the Spanish Opening in the game of chess that is characterized by the moves: 

    1. e4 e5
    2. Nf3 Nc6
    3. Bb5

The term Ruy Lopez in chess is associated with the name of the Spanish priest Ruy Lopez de Segura of 16th Century. Being one among the few most popular openings, it includes a vast number of variations in the encyclopedia of Chess Openings with all codes from C60 to C99, which is assigned to it.