A rift of the size of the Grand Canyon has been discovered under the Antarctic ice sheet. According to the scientists the rift is contributing to ice melt and a consequent rise in the sea level. The rift is around 1.5 kms deep, 10 kms wide and 100 kms long.
Scientist believe a melting West Antarctic Ice Sheet is the cause for about 10 % of climate-change-induced sea level rise, which if unstopped may cause flood in many coastal cities within a few generations.
The ice sheet which is 4 kms thick that covers the land surface and expands into the sea, is melting faster than any other part of Antarctica.

In order to prevent double taxation and fiscal evasion, India and Indonesia signed double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA).
The relationship b/w both countries is excellent and has strong historical and cultural ties. Both countries hope to achieve the trade target of 25 billion US Dollars by 2015.

India and Indonesia are partners in the Non Aligned Movement and the ASEAN grouping.
Both the countries also discussed on the issue of South China Sea. Indonesia wants a code of conduct for the region.

India had made its stand clear on the issue of code of conduct regarding South China Sea and favors resolution of all differences for the well-being of the region and in line with international law.

The London Olympics 2012 opened with a spectacular opening ceremony. Head of State Queen Elizabeth II declared the Games open amidst boisterous spectators in the capacity crowd of 80,000, signaling the launch of the biggest sporting event, which the Britain is hosting after a gap of 64 years.

• This is the 30^th Olympics event.
• As per the tradition Greece entered first into the arena for the march past while Great Britain as the host nation was the last contingent to enter the stadium.
• Indian contingent was lead by Beijing Bronze winning wrestler Sushil Kumar who held high the Indian Flag.
• The magnificent show at the opening ceremony was orchestrated by Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle.

Aleppo, the city in Syria which was considered relatively safe government bastion, has now become the latest centre of the revolt against President Bashar Al-Assad. It is the largest city in Syria. The capital of Aleppo Governorate is the most populous Syrian governorate.

The Supreme Court of India slashed the VIP quota for Haj pilgrimage from 5050 seats to 300. The remaining 4750 seats will be added to the general category.

As per the ruling of the court under the reduced quota, the President of India can recommend 100 pilgrims, the vice-president 75, the prime minister 75 and the Minister for External Affairs 50 pilgrims, while, the 200 seats would be reserved for the Haj Committee of India (HCI).

For Haj 2012, 11000 seats have been reserved under government quota. After cutting the seats under discretionary quota and the HCI, the rest of the seats would go to the Haj committees of various states and Union territories.