03.04.2007

• About generations in telecom
• 1G (First Generation): Analog systems where voice was the main traffic.
• 2G (Second Generation): All the standards belonging to this generation are digital. Around 60% of the current market is dominated by European standards. 2G includes GSM, iDEN, D-AMPS, GPRS, CDMA2000
• 3G (Third Generation): This evolved to meet demands of increase in network capacity, high-speed data transfer and multimedia applications. At present transition is happening from 2G to 3G systems.
• 4G (Fourth Generation): High-speed packet based infrastructure. Will offer download speeds of 100 mbps while on the move and 1 Gbps when indoor.
• Will tight money policy help control inflation?
• Historical data of growth in money supply (M3) and inflation shows that there was a negative correlation between these two variables between April 2002 and March 2005. The trend changed in 2005-06 indicating a weaker positive correlation. A relatively stronger correlation is observed this year i.e., 2006-07.
• SAARC summit
• The 14^th summit is being held in New Delhi, beginning today.
• SAARC nations: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.
• It is very easy for us to confuse Maldives with Mauritius.
• Oil demand
• World oil output is estimated at 85.5 mn barrels per day. Whereas demand is expected to be in the region of 86 mn barrels per day.
• China’s demand is estimated to be at 7.2 mbpd (million barrels per day).
• India’s demand is estimated at 2.7 mbpd.
• New Chairperson of the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)
• Former Chief Justice of India, Rajendra Babu has taken over as Chairperson. He will have a two year tenure.
• Tennis
• ATP Miami Masters Series: Won by Novak Djokovic of Serbia. He beat Guillermo Canas in the final.
• Laureus Sportsman of the Year
• The award was won by Roger Federer for the third time in a row.
• Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva named the Sportswoman of the Year.
• Italy won the “World Team of the Year” award for its World Cup (Football) triumph in Germany.
• Serena Williams won the “Comeback of the Year” award for winning the Australian Open after an injury and long layoff.
• French tennis player Amelie Mauresmo took the “Breakthrough of the Year” award for her first Grand Slam titles at Australian Open and Wimbledon.