The Union Budget for 2013-14 aims to increase India's growth rate to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The Finance Minister made three promises: to empower women through the Nirbhaya Fund and establishing India's first Women's Bank, to enhance the employability of 10 lakh youth through skill development programs, and to roll out the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme across India.

1. The Union Budget for 2013-14 aims at higher growth rate leading to inclusive and sustainable
development as „mool mantra‟.
Finance Minister makes three promises: to women, youth and the poor.
Nirbhaya Fund to empower women and to keep them safe and secure.
Proposal to set up India‟s first Women‟s Bank as a public sector bank.
Rs. 1,000 crore for skill development of ten lakh youth to enhance their employability and
productivity.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme to be rolled out throughout the country during the term
of UPA Government.
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday approved the new format for the Civil Services exams,
which will give more weightage to general studies.
The decision came in on the recommendation of a Committee constituted by the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC), which conducts the examination annually.

2. At present, the civil services (main) examination has general studies Paper I and II of 300 marks
each, including compulsory and optional subjects, but as per the new changes, both the general
studies papers will have more weightage.
The report of the Committee, under the chairmanship of Prof. Arun S. Nigavekar, former chairman,
UGC, was examined by the Department of Personnel and Training, and then put up before the Prime
Minister for final approval.
RAILWAY BUDGET 2013-14
67 new Express trains to be introduced
26 new passenger services, 8 DEMU services and 5 MEMU services to be introduced
Run of 57 trains to be extended
Frequency of 24 trains to be increased
First AC EMU rake to be introduced on Mumbai suburban network in 2013-14
72 additional services to be introduced in Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata
Rake length increased from 9 cars to 12 cars for 80 services in Kolkata and 30 services in
Chennai
500 km new lines, 750 km doubling, 450 km gauge conversion targeted in 2013-14
First ever rail link to connect Arunachal Pradesh
Some Railway related activities to come under MGNREGA
For the first time 347 ongoing projects identified as priority projects with the committed
funding
Highest ever plan outlay of Rs. 63,363 crore
Loan of Rs. 3000 crore repaid fully.
A new fund-Debt Service Fund set up to meet committed liabilities.
Freight loading of 1047 MT, 40 MT more than 2012-13
Passenger growth 5.2% in 2013-14
Gross Traffic Receipts – Rs. 1,43,742 crore i.e. an increase of 18,062 crore over RE, 2012-13
Dividend payment estimated at Rs. 6,249 crore
Operating Ratio to be 87.8% in 2013-14
Supplementary charges for super fast trains, reservation fee, clerkage charge, cancellation
charge and tatkal charge marginally increased
Fuel Adjustment Component linked revision for freight tariff to be implemented from 1st April
2013
Enhanced reservation fee abolished
Elimination of 10797 Level Crossings (LC) during the 12th Plan and no addition of new LCs
henceforth
Introduction of 160/200 kmph Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains
„Aadhar‟ to be used for various passenger and staff related services
Internet ticketing from 0030 hours to 2330 hours

3. E-ticketing through mobile phones
Project of SMS alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status
Next –Gen e-ticketing system to be rolled out : capable of handling 7200 tickets per minute
against 2000 now, 1.20 lakh users simultaneously against 40,000 now
Introduction of executive lounge at 7 more stations: Bilaspur, Visakhapatnam, Patna, Nagpur,
Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru
Introduction of „Azadi Express‟ to connect places associated with freedom movement
Four companies of women RPF personnel set up and another 8 to be set up to strengthen the
security of rain passengers, especially women passengers
10% RPF vacancies being reserved for women
1.52 lakh vacancies being filled up this year out of which 47000 vacancies have been
earmarked for weaker sections and physically challenged
Railways to impart skills to the youth in railway related trades in 25 locations
Provision of portable fire extinguishers in Guard-cum-Brake Vans, AC Coaches and Pantry Cars
in all trains
Pilot project on select trains to facilitate passengers to contact on board staff through
SMS/phone call/e-mail for coach cleanliness and real time feedback
Provision of announcement facility and electronic display boards in trains
Providing free Wi-Fi facilities on several trains
Chapter : Vice - President of India
Vice-President
The Vice-President of India is the second highest constitutional office in the country.
Art. 63 declares: “There shall be a Vice-President of India”. That is the office cannot remain
vacant.
Election Qualifications
A person cannot be elected as Vice-President unless he
A person cannot be elected as Vice-President unless he
has completed the age of 35 years, and
is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).