Daily Current Affairs: 17 March 2014

1) Crimea breaks away from Ukraine: Crimea’s Parliament on Monday declared the region an independent state, after its residents voted overwhelmingly to break off from Ukraine and seek to join Russia. Crimea declared independence from Ukraine and applied to rejoin Russia, hours after its residents overwhelmingly supported the historic passage in a referendum on Sunday. Nearly 97 per cent of voters said “yes” to revert to Russia, from which Crimea had been separated when the Soviet Union broke up just over 20 years ago. A mere 2.5 per cent voted in favour of staying with Ukraine.

2) Mahela Jayawardene to retire from Twenty20 cricket after World Cup: Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene said he will retire from international Twenty20 cricket after this month's World Cup in Bangladesh, days after a similar announcement from long-time team-mate Kumar Sangakkara. In comments posted on the International Cricket Council website, the 36-year-old said he had taken the decision as he knew this tournament would be his last World Cup and he did not want to block a younger player.

3) IPL 2014: Bailey to captain Kings XI Punjab: George Bailey, Australia's T20 captain, will lead Kings XI Punjab in the IPL this season. Bailey will be the second Australian to lead Kings XI after Adam Gilchrist, who lead the franchise in the last two seasons before retiring last year. Bailey was one of the four Australians purchased by the franchise at the player’s auction on February, along with Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh.

4) Djokovic beats Federer to win Indian Wells ATP Masters: World number two Novak Djokovic of Serbia outclassed Roger Federer by tiebreaker to win the Indian Wells ATP Masters title for the third time. The Serb beat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) Sunday to add another title to those he captured in the California desert in 2008 and 2011.

5) NMPT gets new chief: PC Parida assumed charge as Chairman of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) on March 15. Prior to this, he was Deputy Chairman of Chennai Port Trust since January 2011. He also worked as Deputy Chairman of Mormugao Port Trust from November 2008 to December 2010.

6) India is the world’s largest arms importer: SIPRI- A new data on international arms transfers released that India’s import of weapon systems is three times more than Pakistan and China. The report published by as Swedish Think Tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has claimed that India continues to be the largest buyer of arms in the world.

7) Director Gyan Correa bags Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013: Gyan Correa, the debutant director of Gujarati movie 'The Good Road', has been selected for the Gollapudi Srinivas National Award 2013. The film was selected from 20 nominations across many languages including Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu and Kannada, a press release from the Gollapudi Srinivas Memorial Foundation said. The award has been instituted in memory of late Gollapudi Srinivasa, who died while directing his first film Prema Pustakam (Book of Love) in 1992.

8) India nominated Rani-ki-Vav and GHNP for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Status: India nominated Rani-ki-Vav located in Patan, Gujarat and the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Status for 2014. The World Heritage Committee will convene in Doha, Qatar, in June 2014 to review the nomination and take a final decision.

Source : http://www.currentaffairs4examz.com/

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Result of the Examination for promotion of LGOs to the cadre of PAs/SAs held on 15.09.2013 - Karnataka / Delhi / Maharashtra Circle

1. To view the result of Karnataka Circle, Please CLICK HERE.

2. To view the result of Delhi Circle, please CLICK HERE.

3. To view the result of Maharashtra Circle please CLICK HERE.

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Latest Solutions for the issues in SanchayaPost 7.5

Sanchay Post Version 7.5
Before going for installation of Sanchay Post version 7.5, latest backup of all the databases should be taken and kept in safe. If the execution of "Upgrade_DB" completes with error and forgot to click 'Restore to Previous version', no solution is available with SDC.
S. NO	Questions	Solutions
1	Issue is due to  missing tables or database : While Upgarding DB, Error " one or more tables are missing.check table_list_log.txt for more errors.kindly contact SDC chennai to fix these errors before running the tool" occurs	Pl check for missing tables of all databases using latest DBAnalyser.  (Solution for missing tables is available in SDC site under 'known issues - patches').  Pl check name of all the SO databases with corresponding entry in  'SOdb_name' table of POST database .If any irrelevant entry in that table, pl remove the same after obtaining prior permission from concerned authority.
2	Invalid object name 'dcl.misc' / table missing : 'dcl.misc'	"update_report" ( available in SDC site under known issues - patches)
3	Problems in Intialisation in the DE certificates/ working in DE Module	Detailed Procedure Document is available in SDC site. Ensure that the blocks  assigned in DE Module does not overlap with the one in Online Module.
4	Error while running Upgrade DB:  Invalid object name 'dcl.temp_scs_ledger' . The object 'PK__accountopen_thro__2077C861' is dependent on column 'scheme'	Click on "Restore to Previous Version" and contact SDC . If forgot to do this, Uninstall Sanchay Post version7.5 & install Sanchay Post version 7.0.   Restore the latest backup available with you (before going to 7.5) and make dataentry for remaining days. Then, contact SDC.
5	Error While Upgrading DB : But forgot to click "Restore to Previous version" and continued with Sanchay Post Version 7.5.	Uninstall Sanchay Post version7.5 & install Sanchay Post version 7.0.   Restore the latest backup available with you (before going to 7.5) and make dataentry for remaining days. Then, contact SDC with log files created.
6	Error while running Upgrade DB:  post : Cannot resolve the collation conflict between "SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS" and "Latin1_General_CI_AI" in the equal to operation.	This issue was due to user database having different collation settings in databases. The below query needs to be executed in databases having collation issue using SQL  Query Analyzer. ALTER DATABASE [POST] COLLATE SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS
7	Rs. 50000 denomination is not available  in KVP DE Module	Pl run the patch (1) released on 28.01.2014 in our SDC site
8	Error : "Amount doesn't tally" while issuing NSC IX through cheque in Online module	Pl run the patch (1) released on 28.01.2014 in our SDC site
9	In certificate Data Entry Module, KVP & NSC is not working.	Pl run the patch (1) released on 28.01.2014 in our SDC site
10	While runnning "upgrade_DB" tool,  error: Processing XXXX…. XXXX: Database changes related to NSC IX deployed sucessfully XXXX: Database changes related to NSC IX not deployed sucessfully	Click "Restore to Previous Version" button. Then check whether you are having more than one entry for this sub office  in "sodb_name" table of POST database. If so, remove one of the entry after obtaining prior permission from concerned authority. Try to run the tool again.
11	While runnning "upgrade_DB" tool,  error: Processing POST POST: Database changes related to NSC IX deployed sucessfully POST: Database changes related to NSC IX not deployed sucessfully	Click "Restore to Previous Version" button. Then check whether you are having any entry like'POST' in "sodb_name" table of POST database. If so, remove that entry after obtaining prior permission from concerned authority. Try to run the tool again.
12	Error: "You are not authorised to login" in Certificate DE Module	This issue was due to unsuccessful upgradation of one or more databases . Follow the instructions given at Sl.No:4.
13	NSC IX Agent Commission , TDS - not shown while generating Agent Commission Report	Initialize the commission details -- through Initialization >>>Init comisn ,TDS amt (Form no 0412) by logging in as SUPER and then try to generate reports.
14	Multiple user in Data Entry Module(Error: Invalid Regn No).  For Ex: You are having 15000 KVP regn numbers to enter and ready to deploy 5 persons to complete this work by allotting regn no as 1 to 3000 for user1, 3001 to 6000 for user2 and so on.	Login as DESUPER>>> Certificates Single Entry>>> Initialisation >>>Account Number>>> Add ; Enter the details as 'Starting-1' , 'Ending-3000', 'Latest -0' . Then, add one more row and enter the details as 'Starting - 3001', 'Ending-6000', 'Latest-3000'  and so on. This will solve your problem.
15	Invalid Column name "aadhar_id"	Pl check whether you have run "upgrade_DB' successfully without any error.
16	Arithmatic Overflow Occurred (while doing NREGS Credit Entry)	Patch (SP_UpgradeNREGAEMO_fix_04Feb2014) has been released in our SDC Site.
17	Missing tables like "usp_indexreg" etc	"update_sp" ( available in SDC site under known issues - patches)
18	Processing POST POST: Database changes related to NSC IX not deployed sucessfully.Please rerun it. Cannot insert the value NULL into column 'acrint', table 'POST.DCL.scs_ledger'; column does not allow nulls. UPDATE fails.	Click on "Restore to Previous Version". If forgot to do this, Uninstall Sanchay Post version7.5 & install Sanchay Post version 7.0.   Restore the latest backup available with you (before going to 7.5) and make dataentry for remaining days.                                                          Also, check in latest DBAnalyser >>> Database Discrepancy / CBS Additional Discrepancy 1 / CBS Additional Discrepancy II  >>> POST>>> SCS. If any discrepancies found under any category, correct them with the help of solution document and try to run "upgrade_DB" again. (Same procedure may be applicable to SO databases)
19	Invalid object name 'DCL.Udf_TotalDays'	Go to control Panel - PROGRAMS & FEATURES. Uninstall Sanchay Post 7.5. Install Sanchay Post 7.5 again. DO NOT run UPGRADE DB again.
20	POST : Cannot insert the value NULL into column 'scheme', table 'POST.DCL.dataexp_soho_filelog'; column does not allow nulls. UPDATE fails	Click on "Restore to Previous Version". If forgot to do this, Uninstall Sanchay Post version7.5 & install Sanchay Post version 7.0.   Restore the latest backup available with you (before going to 7.5) and make dataentry for remaining days.                Check whether any value as "NULL" under column 'scheme' in table 'post.dcl.dataexp_soho_filelog'. If so, update it after obtaining prior permission from concerned authority. Try to run 'Upgrade_DB' again (Same procedure may be applicable to SO databases)
21	Problems in SOSB reports	Patch 2 dated 19.02.2014 has to be installed (available in SDC site)
22	System Hanging Problem in Sanchay Post Version 7.5 Data Entry Module	Patch 2 dated 19.02.2014 has to be installed (available in SDC site)
23	NREGA FTO Print Problem (s)	Patch 2 dated 19.02.2014 has to be installed (available in SDC site)
24	Slow NREGA FTO Process	Patch 2 dated 19.02.2014 has to be installed (available in SDC site)
25	Provision for additional ID Proof(s) for NSC IX issue	Patch 2 dated 19.02.2014 has to be installed (available in SDC site)
26	Data not getting saved in SQL 2008 Express Edition	Run DBAnalyzer(use latest exe). Select 'DBUtilities' option. Select 'Update to SQL 2000/2005' option. Enter SA password and click on 'ok'. Select the databases one by one and click on 'Update' and wait till the message 'Updated successfully' is displayed.    (OR)
		Stop SQL Server agent. Then try to move the files (mdf / ldf files or dat files) of your POST database to a different folder from the folder where it is existing. Then, start SQL server agent and try to attach the files using 'attach database' option. You can also try attaching it without the ldf file if the first option does not work.  (OR)
		Take the backup of all databases . Uninstall SQL 2008 Express Edition. Reinstall SQL 2008 Express Edition again with server collation  as "SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS". Restore all the backup(s). If any problem, contact SDC. (044 - 28524482)
27	OSQL error while upgrading DB	Check whether "SCS_Principal_Amount_Int_post.csv"  file is available or not in /SP5/UpgradeDB folder. If not, check whether COMMAND PROMPT (Start>>>Run>>>cmd) is working in your server. If not, rectify the problem first with the support of your Technical team & contact SDC.
28	Problem in  Installation of patches	Check whether COMMAND PROMPT (Start>>>Run>>>cmd) is working in your server. If not, rectify the problem first with the support of your Technical team & contact SDC.
Patch 1 dtd 28.01.2014 has to be installed in all systems in which Sanchay Post Version 7.5 was insatlled.   Patch 2 dtd 19.02.2014 has to be installed in all systems in which Sanchay Post Version 7.5 was insatlled.  Patch (SP_UpgradeNREGAEMO_fix_04Feb2014) - has to be run only once ie, in SERVER (not in all clients)

Source : http://tamilnadupost.nic.in/sdc/index.htm

[ https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B25bTWT2-kXgYlF2UTFpX1I4a0U&usp]

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Madan Sabnavis underestimated the manpower of India Post

Madan Sabnavis (Chief Economist and General Manager of Credit Analysis & Research Limited) wrote an article, Why 'Post Bank of India' is not a workable idea, in Business Standard on 11/03/2014 without studying  anything about India Post and its rich manpower.  Most of the newly recruited employees of India Post are engineering graduates and other professional degree holders.  Shri. Madan Sabnavis underestimated the quality and efficiency of Postal staffs.  Postal staffs are the only employees who handle number of software and web application at a time in the same office to perform different types of duties.  Bank employees are doing transactions related to small number of products and they are handling one or two web applications.  Software handling capacity and technical knowledge of Postal Staffs are very high compared to Bank employees. Shri. Madan Sabnavis actually knows nothing about what is going on in India Post. Every bank is depending completely on third party institutions for technical and software support but India Post has one or two dedicated software development centers that develops software for foreign countries also.  Shri Madan Sabnavis should watch at least one or two postal blogs maintained by postal staffs to know something about the technological changes happening in Postal Department or he should get in touch with any Postal staffs before publishing blunders as research material.

From the article it can clearly see that Shri. Madan is a spokesman of Corporate and banking lobby and he has some hidden agenda in regard.  All such persons are making campaign for preventing India Post from getting banking licence from RBI. They actually fear the entrance of India Post in banking sector directly or indirectly.

Comments posted against the original article are quite interesting and some of them are very correct reply to the author and it depicts the unawareness of the author about the new concept, Post Bank of India.  

Extract from the article, Why 'Post Bank of India' is not a workable idea by Madan Sabnavis

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/madan-sabnavis-why-post-bank-of-india-has-few-assets-114031001057_1.html)

(.......................) On the operational side, there are even more interesting puzzles. First, the 474,000-strong workforce consists of 263,000 dak sevaks, and another 203,000 gazetted Group C staff. The so-called office cadre would not be more than 7,000. Most of the others would be barely literate and could classify and stamp documents but may not be expected to go beyond that. In fact, they would more likely be conversant with only the regional language. Can they actually pick up banking and go through the normal training courses and exams that bankers are expected to undertake?

 Second, none of the staff members would know how to garner and use deposits. At present, customers come and deposit money and the postal official really does not care if it happens. The quality of service is quite mediocre in a monopoly-cum-government set-up that lacks incentive to perform and where the "baksheesh" culture dominates for many transactions. A metamorphosis is needed as far as mindsets and culture are concerned - it is a challenge and costs money. If we replace the entire staff with trained bankers, what will happen to the existing ones?

 Third, specialised functions, such as treasury, lending, investment and balance sheet management, require skill sets that even the existing gazetted officials do not possess. This will mean wholesale recruitment where the logistics will be mind-boggling. The only way out is if it becomes a payments bank a la the recommendation in the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) report on inclusion. But then, it is already performing this function and need not be converted into a new bank.

 Fourth, most of these post offices in rural India are too small, probably just a little room where stamps and letters are dispensed and letters picked up and distributed. They may not be stand-alone branches for a bank.

 Fifth, starting the business will be complex, considering that the balance sheet has a size of Rs 6 lakh crore on the liabilities side, with no assets as such, with these funds being provided to the government. Based on just the deposits, the size of this department would be as large as that of Bank of India or Canara Bank. How does one reckon capital adequacy when there are only liabilities and no assets? At Rs 6 lakh crore and with a capital adequacy ratio of 10 per cent, the government will have to put in Rs 60,000 crore. Where will this money come from?

 Once we put all these considerations together, it seems an India Post Bank will probably not work. Several regulatory and logistic issues have to be surmounted. One line of thought is that if the infrastructure is the premise on which post offices can become banks, then these post offices should ideally be leased wherever possible to banks on rent - which will help the department cut its losses. Moreover, this will get us out of our predilection to create new structures instead of integrating the existing ones with the present system. In FY 2012, India Post reported a loss of Rs 5,805 crore. In fact, the new banks, which are expected to allocate at least 25 per cent of their new branches in unbanked rural areas, could leverage these structures so that it becomes a win-win situation for banks, the RBI and post offices

Courtesy: http://www.business-standard.com

( Source : http://postbankofindia.blogspot.in/2014/03/madan-sabnavis-underestimated-manpower.html )

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