As per a latest study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , the 4000 year old Harappan civilization ruined due to the climate change. The study reveals that decline in monsoon rains led to weakened river dynamics, and played a critical role both in the development and the collapse of the Harappan culture which was dependent on river floods to fuel their agricultural surplus. Harappan civilization was one of world’s largest and oldest urban civilizations It was spread over an area of more than 386000 sq miles (1 million sq km) covering plains of the Indus River from the Arabian Sea to the Ganges. It is believed that 10% of the world population lived in the civilization.

• Govt of Assam is setting up a Science City at Sonapur
• Project titled: “Mini Assam”
• Set up at the cost of Rs 100 crore with the help of Centre in collaboration with the National Council of Science Museum
• Includes establishing a Tribal Research Centre and tourist facilities in order to promote research on the lives and culture of various tribes living in the state

Objective: To promote Science education in Assam

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar started the new innings as member of Parliament. He took oath as member of Rajya Sabha to which he was nominated on April 2. He took oath in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari.

• Tendulkar had created history by smashing 100 international centuries in March 2012

As per the FICCI, the economic situation is grave with its low growth, high inflation, high fiscal deficit and the highest ever trade account deficit and it needs urgent addressal in the form of refoms. The body has called for bold steps like allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, Rate-cuts, and limit funding of welfare programs to instill growth.

Suggestions by FICCI:

• Timely implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) which can change the dynamics of Indian industry and exports. It can also add 2% to the GDP. It will also increase Tax administration and Tax collection
• Immediate moderation of monetary policy and reduce interest rates by 2% points ,CRR by 1% point, Repo rate by 1%
• Re-examine the Land Acquisition Bill, as the bill restricts the use of irrigated multi-cropped land for infrastructure development
• To decontrol the prices of diesel and other oil products
• Repatriation of black money immediately that could alleviate the balance of payment situation
• immediate halt on any additional welfare spending with efficacious distribution of already allocated fund
• To take measures to provide accelerated depreciation and to scrap MAT for infrastructure projects
• Setting up of a coal regulator and allowing coal swapping as an instrument to optimize physical movement of coal in the country
• To bring new policies including the National Manufacturing Policy and the National Electronics Policy to foster manufacturing

Government announced the formation of a panel to implement the Dharmadhikari Committee Report.

What does Dharmadhikari Committee Report relates to?

• It relates to matters relating to integration of erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines employees including pay, allowances and career progression structure.
• Government had set up Dharmadhikari Committee to examine and make recommendations regarding the issues concerned with the integration of staff of erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines into Air India Ltd.

More on Dharmadhikari Report