WBCS Current Affairs 31/10/2015 to 05/11/2015

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1. Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Colombia to strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The MoU will be signed between the Union Tourism Ministry and Ministry of Trade Industry and Tourism of Colombia. Key facts of the MoU Aims at expanding bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector and exchanging information and data related to tourism. Seeks to help encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Tour operators and Hotels in both countries. Establish an exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development (HRD) in tourism sector. In recent times, Colombia has emerged a tourism source market for India. Similarly, considering the huge outbound tourism market of India, it has emerged as a potential source market for Colombia. Thus, by signing this MoU, it will help to consider the mutual benefits in the field of tourism sector. It would also enable both countries to mutually develop and promote tourism in each other’s country for the mutual economic development.

2. Maldivian Parliament Majlis has voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Ghafoor in an extraordinary sitting. Impeachment motion: 61 parliamentarians of Majlis out of the total 85 present, voted in favour of the motion more than 57 votes required to impeach the Vice President. The main opposition group Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) remained abstained in voting. Background Adeeb is the second Vice President to be impeached in Maldives after impeachment of his predecessor Mohamed Jameel since June 2015. He has been charged with plotting to assassinate the President Yameen Abdul Gayoom in an explosion on his speedboat on September 2015. The political crisis in the island nation has intensified recently, after President Yameen had declared national emergency for one month. For treason, Adeeb Gayoom will be tried under Maldivian government’s recently passed tough terrorism law. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in jail. Several countries including United States, United Kingdom and international human rights groups have urged the Maldives government to end the national emergency. Maldives Maldives is comprises 1192 small tropical coral islands in Indian Ocean with a population of around 3.4 lakhs, mainly Sunni Muslims. Its economy is mainly based on tourist trade and is better known for its beaches and luxury island resorts. The country had a difficult transition to democracy since holding its first multiparty election in 2008 and since then it is facing numerous political crisis .

3. Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its nod Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojna (UDAY) for financial restructuring of debt of power distribution companies. The Scheme aims for financial turnaround and revival of Power Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and also ensures a sustainable permanent solution to the problem. About UDAY scheme Allows power DISCOMs in selected states to convert their debt into state bonds as well as roll out number of measures to improve efficiency at power plants. Seeks to ensure that struggling DISCOMs can shake off years of losses and start on a path to profitability. Assures the rise of vibrant and efficient DISCOMs: through four initiatives (i) Improve operational efficiencies of DISCOMs (ii) Reduce of cost of power (iii) Reduce interest cost of DISCOMs (iv) Enforce financial discipline on DISCOMs through alignment with State finances. Debt Burden: Shifts 75 per cent of power DISCOMs debt burden to states’ balance sheets. This step would result in interest cost savings to the tune of 3-5 per cent. State Power Bonds or loans: Selected states would be able to sell the balance 25 per cent as state-backed power bonds or loans which will carry interest rates of g-sec plus 50 basis points. Improve operational efficiency: by implementing will steps like (i) swapping of coal linkages (ii) monitoring aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses (iii) Focus on smart metering and feeder separation in states. Thus with nod to UDAY Scheme, Union Government seeks to accelerate the process of reform across the entire power sector in order to ensure affordable and accessible 24×7 Power for All. The scheme has been framed by Union Power Ministry as power DISCOMs in several states have been severely mismanaged, resulting in a debt burden upward of 4 lakh crore rupees. This has taken a toll on the power as well as bank sectors.

4. India’s former Ambassador to Nepal and modern Indian historian Bimal Prasad passed away in New Delhi at the age of 92. He was a close associate of independence activist, social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan who had pioneered Total Revolution Movement in 1974-75. About Bimal Prasad Bimal Prasad (born in 1925) was intellectual with socialist inclinations and was known for his postcolonial analysis of the Indian independence movement. Professor: He was professor of South Asian Studies and Dean of School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and also had taught history at Patna University. Ambassador: He was appointed ambassador to Nepal by Prime Minister Chandrashekhar (1991–1995). Books: Prasad had authored a number of books on JP’s philosophy and life including ‘Socialism, Sarvodaya and Democracy‘, ‘Gandhi, Nehru and JP, Studies in Leadership‘ and ‘A Revolutionary’s Quest.’ Other offices: He had served as the Chairman of Institute of Gandhian Studies (Varanasi), Director of Gandhi Smriti and Memorial, Honorary Fellow of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) and Honorary Director of Rajendra Prasad Academy (New Delhi). He was also Senior Fellow at the School of Oriental and African Studies at University of London and Visiting Professor at the University of Leeds.

5. Justin Trudeau of Liberal Party has sworn in as 23rd Prime Minister of Canada ending 10 years of Conservative rule. Along with him 30-member of his Cabinet also sworn-in at a public ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Canada. With this Justin Trudeau (43) became the second youngest PM of Canada after Joe Clark (40) who was youngest PM was of Conservative party and had entered in office in 1979 Justin Trudeau is eldest son of Canada’s former PM Pierre Trudeau who was in office for 16 years and led the country till 1984. With this he also became first to follow a parent into PM’s office. 4 Indo-Canadians in Trudeau Cabinet Harjit Sajjan He is Canadian Sikh who has sworn-in as Defence Minister of Canada. He is MP from Vancouver South and was decorated Lt Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces. He was born in India and later moved with his family to Canada when he was 5 years-old. He had worked as Detective for the Gang Crime Unit and later joined Canadian military. He had served in numerous foreign deployments in Bosnia, Kandahar. He was bestowed with numerous military honours including Meritorious Service Medal (2013). Amarjeet Sohi Sohi has sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. He is a former Edmonton City councillor and was in office from 2010 to 2015. In 2015, he was elected as MP from Edmonton Mill Woods and had defeated then Indo-Canadian Minister Tim Uppal. He was born in India in 1964 and had immigrated to Canada in 198 Navdeep Bains Canadian Sikh was sworn in Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. He is currently MP from Mississauga—Malton. Earlier from 2004 to 2011, he was MP Mississauga—Brampton South. Bains was born in Toronto on June 16, 1977 to entrepreneur immigrant Indian parents. Bardish Chagger She was sworn in as Minister for Small Business and Tourism. She is first time MP from Waterloo.

6. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belgium for cooperation in development of new and renewable energy technologies. The MoU will be signed between Union Ministry of Power and respective Belgian government authority at the Federal and regional level.

7. Ace Indian shooter Jitu Rai has won silver medal in 50 metre pistol event category at the 13th Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait City. With this he became India’s first senior player to win the Asian Shooting Championship. In the final, he lost to South Korea’s Park Daehun who shot record score of 199.2 to clinch the gold medal. Jitu Rai scored 189.5 points to settle at second position. In the junior events of the championships, India has bagged total four silver and two Bronze medals. In the women’s 25 metre pistol event, Gauri Sheoran, Heena Sidhu and Annu Raj Singh were not able to qualify for the finals.

8. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as World’s ninth Most Powerful Person in the Forbes annual ranking of 73 persons list of 2015. The list gives the annual ranking of the World’s 72 Most Powerful People on the basis of their financial resources, scope and use of power and the number of people they impact. Key facts For the consecutive 3rd year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been named the world’s most powerful person in the list. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was ranked 2nd overtaking US President Barack Obama. She continues her reign as the most powerful woman on the planet for consecutive 10 years. Earlier, in the 2014 Forbes list of world’s powerful people, PM Narendra Modi was placed 14th position. Other Indians: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani was placed at 36th position. Among Indian-origin people, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal ranked 55th, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is ranked 61st. New comers in the list: Dell CEO Michael Dell (59), China’s richest man Wang Jianlin (68), newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (69), billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn (70) and US Presidential candidate Donald Trump (72). 10 most powerful people in the world
Rank Name Designation
1 Vladimir Putin President of Russia
2 Angela Merkel Chancellor of Germany
3 Barack Obama President of United States
4 Pope Francis Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City
5 Xi Jinping President of China
6 Bill Gates Chairman of Bill & Melinda Foundation
7 Janet Yellen Chairperson of US Federal Reserve
8 David Cameron Prime Minister of UK
9 Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India
10 Larry Page & Sergey Brin Google founders
Indian’s in the List
36 Mukesh Ambani Chairman of Reliance Industries
55 Lakshmi Mittal Chairman and CEO ArcelorMittal
64 Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft
About the Forbes list of World’s Most Powerful People Started in 2009 by Forbes magazine. Since then annually published. The list has one slot for every 100 million people on Earth, it that in 2011 there were 70, and in 2012 there were 71 slots. Similarly 2015 has 71 slots. Slots are allocated based on the amount of human and financial resources as well as their influence on world events.

9. National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned age-old agricultural practice of straw burning in pollution-ravaged New Delhi and 4 northern western states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Ruling in this regard was given by NGT Bench headed by Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar by keeping in view the serious issue of burning of agriculture waste (straw) which contributes towards global warming and the environmental pollution. NGT has directed Respective governments of Delhi and four northern to keep check the bi-annual menace of straw burning. Imposition of 2,500 to 15,000 rupees fine on farmers indulged in straw burning. District magistrates should form a committee to carry out awareness programmes for farmers and villagers in order to educate them about the ill-effects of straw burning. It has clearly mentioned that if the directions of NGT in this regard are not complied with, the Chief Secretaries concerned states would be held liable. Straw Burning Menace Straw Burning is age-old agricultural practice followed by farmers biannually by setting fire to their fields to clear the land of residue (Straw) of one harvest and sow the next. It is mainly carried in Northern western states in the month of November to save time under the rice-wheat crop rotation and to make the land more fertile and kill pests. Effects The menace of straw burning is making the atmosphere in national capital Delhi more blinding and suffocating as smoke from it moves towards the city. The open field burning emits Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Nitrous Oxide (NO) along with particulate matter. Thus open burning of agriculture remains is considered as a serious issue contributing towards global warming and the environmental pollution. It is also principle cause of haze and air pollution putting life of people and children in danger. Earlier, Union Government had proposed to provide incentives to farmers and promoting efficient farming practices with subsidies to stop this menace. The best remedy to stop this menace is to set up bio-ethanol refineries in order to extract sustainable bio-fuel from agricultural residue with the help of private-public-partnership (PPP) and private model.

10. Ace Indian boxer Shiva Thapa has attained second rank in the latest international rankings of boxing in the 56 kilogram category. He ranked second with total 1,550 points in the 56 kilogram category, becoming the highest-ranked Indian boxer. He has moved up by five places from the previous list of rankings. Shiva had won a bronze medal at the 2015 World championships. He was next best-placed Indian at sixth position in the 75kg middleweight division. The top spot in the 56 kilogram category was occupied by Michael Conlan from Ireland with total 2150 points, who had won the gold medal at the 2015 World Championships. Rankings of other Indian boxers Satish Kumar was placed at the seventh spot in the rankings for super heavyweight (plus 91 kilogram) category. L Devendro Singh who is Asian Championships silver-medallist was placed at the 13th spot in the 49kg category. Former Asian gold-medalist Sumit Sangwan was placed 18th in the 81 kilogram division with 450 points.

11. China’s Parliament has ratified the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement which establishes the legal framework for the Bank. The ratification by China, which is the bank’s largest shareholder is considered significant step closer to the AIIB’s formal establishment. Earlier in June 2015, 54 founding members of the bank had signed the 60-article agreement provides the legal framework for Institution of AIIB. While, the remaining members are expected to sign before the end of 2015. It is mandatory for all prospective members of AIIB ratify the agreement before the end of 2016 by their respective top legislatures to formally become its founding members. It should be noted that India is also a founder member of AIIB which is tasked to finance infrastructure development projects across Asia. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Established to finance infrastructure projects including energy, transport and infrastructure projects in Asia. AIIB is seen as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) which managed by most prominent countries like US, Japan and European etc. Headquarters: It will be operational by end of 2015. Authorized capital: It will be of 100 billion US dollars. The initial subscribed capital will be around 50 billion US Dollar and the paid-in ratio will be 20 per cent. Regional character of the Bank: Its regional members (Asian) will be the holding around 75 percent of shares i.e. they will be majority shareholders. They have been allocated their capital share on quota basis i.e. based on their economic size. Voting share: for each member country it is based on the size of their economy and not on authorised capital share to the Bank.

12. Homegrown e-commerce giant Flipkart has appointed Google’s executive Surojit Chatterjee as Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Experience and Growth. In the new role, he will be responsible for all Flipkart’s consumer experience across desktop as well as mobile and will directly report to Chief Product Officer (CPO) of company Punit Soni. Prior to this appointment, Chatterjee for last 8 years was working at Google and his most recent post was the global head of Mobile Search Advertising and AdSense for Search (AFS). He is also the founding member of Google’s mobile search ads. He had helped the search engine giant to make mobile search ads a growth engine for Google which had led into a multi-billion dollar business. Chatterjee holds a BS degree in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur and MS in Computer Science from SUNY Buffalo. He also holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and is credited with total 33 granted US patents to his name.

13. Justice T S Thakur (63) will be next Chief Justice of India. His name has been recommended by current CJI Justice Dattu. Current CJI Justice Dattu will retire on December 2, 2015. Presently, Justice Thakur is the senior most judge of the Supreme Court. He would be the 43rd CJI. About Justice Thakur Justice Thakur was born on January 4, 1952 and enrolled as a Pleader in October 1972. Later, he started practising in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. His father D D Thakur was an eminent advocate who became a judge of J& K High Court and later also as a union minister.Justice Thakur worked in Karnataka High Court, Delhi High Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court. He worked as Chief Justice of both Delhi High Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court. Later on November 17, 2009, Justice Thakur was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court. He would retire as CJ on January 4, 2017. Justice Thakur was head of the bench, which dealt with IPL spot-fixing scam. He was also head of the bench which is monitoring the probe in the Saradha chit fund scam case.

14. President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen has declared state of emergency for 30 days on grounds of threat to national security. The declaration with effect to emergency has been made on November 4, 2015 as per article 253 of the constitution of Maldives. The constitution of Maldives gives president powers to declare emergency and suspend certain rights of the citizens. Background The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed, who belongs to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was convicted of charges of using the military to arrest a senior judge when in office. He was sentenced for 13 years of jail term in the March this year. The trial of the former President was criticised both locally and internationally for lack of due process. His supporters claimed that the verdict was politically motivated. In recent days, the Nasheed’s party MDP was planning to organize a mass rally to protest against the present government. The Maldivian government is of the opinion that some groups are planning to use dangerous explosives and weapons and it may disturb the public peace. Since 2012, Maldives has been hit by acute political crisis. The government has imprisoned much of the opposition leadership; prosecuting one vice president to charges of trying to assassinate the President, impeaching another vice president, removing two defense ministers and two Supreme Court judges so far. The emergency has been announced at a time when the country is facing tensions after an explosion aboard President Yameen’s speed boat on 28 September, that wounded his wife and along with two others. President was unharmed in the blast. On October 24th, Maldivian government has accused the Vice President Ahmed Adeeb for the boat blast and ordered for his arrest. About Maldives Maldives is composed of 1192 small coral islands with a population of around 3.4 lakhs, mainly Sunni Muslims. Its economy is mainly based on tourist trade. The continuing political instability in the Maldives will damage its tourist trade, a key employer and earner of foreign exchange.

15. Maharashtra Government has approved APJ Abdul Kalam Amrut Yojna scheme to provide one full hot cooked nutritious food to pregnant, lactating women in the tribal areas. It was approved by the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. About APJ Abdul Kalam Amrut Yojna Objective: To curb malnutrition among tribal children by providing nutrition to pregnant women for 6 months when the child’s growth is at its peak. The scheme is an initiative of Tribal Development department of state government. Implementation: Anganwadis falling under Women and Child Welfare Department in 16 districts of states having tribal population will implement it. Scheme Plan: To provide one full hot cooked nutritious food to every pregnant (in third trimester) and lactating mother (first three months post-delivery) in tribal areas. Meal: The nutritious meal would be served at the anganwadi centre as per the convenience of the beneficiaries. It will include pulses, fruits, vegetables, rice and boiled eggs and milk on few occasions. The scheme will replace the earlier ‘Take Home Ration‘ scheme which provided packets of sheera or upma to lactating or expectant mothers in tribal areas of state.

16. Meghalaya High Court has asked Central Government to enforce Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in militancy-hit Garo Hills region of the state. The order was issued by a full 3 bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh, Justice T N K Singh and Justice S R Sen while hearing on pending cases of militants calling bandhs in the state. The Court observed that Central government can enforce AFSPA in Garo Hills region in order to deploy armed forces to aid of civil administration to restore public order and maintain the law and order. The imposition of AFSPA would be only for the purpose of enabling the civil authorities in the state to effectively deal with militancy so that there is a regime of rule of law. Background Recently the Meghalaya state is witnessing a rise in number of militancy incidents in the region especially in Garo Hills including abduction of a Megahalya Government Officials by Garo National Liberation Army militants. Though in past decade the insurgency was more or less contained in the state, but in last 2 years there has been a rise in the number of violence as several dormant insurgent groups in state started resurfacing. About Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 Empowers armed forces to deal effectively in ‘Disturbed Areas’ declared by both state and Central government. Parliament had enacted it in 1958 to provide special legal security to the armed forces for carrying out operations in the troubled areas of 7 sisters states of North east. The act was extended to Jammu and Kashmir in 1990 in order to confront the rising insurgency in the area. The act provides army officers and jawans legal immunity for their actions undertaken disturbed areas.

17. United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) Disarmament Committee or First Committee has adopted a draft resolution calling for the abolition of nuclear arms. The resolution was submitted by Japan and was adopted by 156 member countries, while 17 abstaining and 3 voting against it including China and Russia. But it failed to secure endorsement US, Britain, France and other key powers as they abstained from voting despite supporting it. Features of Resolution Stresses the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and urges nuclear powers to be more transparent in their disarmament efforts. Calls for efforts to raise awareness of the humanitarian impact of the use of nuclear weapons. Asks world leaders to visit the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which were devastated by the nuclear attacks. Since 1994, Japan has been spearheading efforts UNGA Disarmament Committee to introduce resolutions on nuclear arms every year. The UNGA Disarmament Committee or First Committee deals with disarmament, threats to peace and global challenges that affect the international community. It seeks out solutions to the challenges in the international security regime.

18. A rare tropical Cyclone Chapala has slammed into Yemen triggering heavy flooding and causing damage in coastal region of the war racked country. The cyclone made landfall in the south eastern provinces of Hadramawt and Shabwa along the Gulf of Aden coast of Yemen in Arabian Sea bringing winds of speed more than 100 kms per hour.

19. Supreme Court has ruled that a daughter’s right to ancestral property does not arise if the father died before Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 came into force in 2005. This judgement invalidating retrospective effect of Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 was given by a SC bench comprising of Justices Anil R Dave and Adarsh K Goel. SC ruled that The date of a daughter becoming co-parcener in to ancestral property will be valid on and from the commencement of the amendment Act. Daughter can become a co-sharer with her male siblings if father was alive on 9th of September, 2005 i.e. date on which act came into force. The landmark Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 was passed to amend the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 in order to give daughters equal inheritance rights in ancestral property along with her male siblings. Prior to enactment of this act, women were just able to only able to ask for sustenance from a joint Hindu family and could not ask for a share in the property.

20. Oscar-winning British writer and actor Colin Welland passed away at the age of 81. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Welland had won an Academy Award (Oscar) for best original screenplay in 1982 for Chariots of Fire. About Colin Welland He was born on 4 July 1934 in Lancashire, United Kingdom. Prior to his acting career, he had worked as a teacher and taught art at Manchester Road Secondary Modern School in Leigh. As an actor, Welland had appeared in the BBC Television series Z-Cars, Kes (1969), as a schoolteacher (of English). His screenwriting credits include the film Yanks (1979) which has been was directed by John Schlesinger and Twice in a Lifetime (1985). Awards: As an actor, he has won a BAFTA award in 1969 for playing the sympathetic English teacher Mr Farthing in Ken Loach’s Kes.

21. All India Radio’s (AIR’s) Programme on child labour titled Nilkkam Ivarkkoppam has won the first prize at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prize ceremony. The programme has won the award under the Community Service Announcement category at the 52nd General Assembly of ABU held in Ankara, Turkey. Nilkkam Ivarkkoppam meaning Stand Beside Them is Malayalam programme. It has been scripted and produced by Biju Mathew, programme executive at AIR Thiruvananthapuram. The ABU prize is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the broadcasting industry. The award carries of a cash prize of 2,000 dollars, a certificate, and a statuette.

22. International Indigenous Terra Madre- 2015 kicked off in Shillong, Meghalaya with theme The Future We Want: Indigenous Perspectives and Actions. The five day-long unique event will bring over a 100 tribes from 58 countries including from 17 Asian countries, 14 African countries, 12 American countries, 8 European countries and 7 Oceanian countries. Key facts It has been organised as collaboration between Slow Food, North East Slow Food and Agro biodiversity Society (NESFAS) and Indigenous Partnership for Agro biodiversity and Food Sovereignty (Indigenous Partnership). The five-day international fiesta will celebrate the biological and cultural diversity of indigenous communities as expressed in their songs, folklores, dance, dress and food systems that have evolved and passed on from generation to generation in close interaction with nature. Tera Madre is a network of Indigenous food communities involved in promotion of Indigenous culture as well as conservation of bio-diversity.

23. Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Indian Premier League (IPL) Sundar Raman has resigned from his position. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally accepted his resignation in the wake of the change of regime under new President Shashank Manohar and in an effort to clean up the Indian cricketing system. It is being said that, Raman’s name had cropped up in the 2013 IPL spot- fixing scandal involving former BCCI President N Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals’ then co-owner Raj Kundra. Even Supreme Court appointed Mudgal Committee on the IPL spot- fixing scandal in its report has mentioned that Raman was decreed to have been in touch with a contact of a bookmaker eight times during IPL season. The committee in its report also had observed that Raman’s role should be further investigated.

24. Veteran CPI(M) leader and former Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly Hasim Abdul Halin passed away in Kolkata. He was 80. Halin was the Speaker of the State Assembly for a record time of 29 years from 1982 to 2011 during the Left Front rule in the state. Thus, he was the longest-serving Speaker of any Legislative Assembly in the country. About Hashim Abdul Halim Born: He was born on 5 June 1935. Political Career: He was adherent member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He was elected for the first time to state assembly as an MLA in 1977 when the CPI(M)-led Left Front came to power. In the first term of the Left Front government (from 1977 and 1982) led by Jyoti Basu, he had served as the Minister of Judicial Affairs. He was elected as Speaker for first time in 1982. Since then he remained as one during the rest of Left Front’s tenure i.e. in all its six terms till 2011.

25. The fast patrol vessel (FPV) of Aadesh-Class of Indian Coast Guard, ICGS Arinjay was commissioned in Kochi, Kerala. It was commissioned by the chief of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba. ICGS Arinjay is the 15th of the 20 vessels being constructed by Kochi Ship Yard under the of Aadesh-Class . It will be used for Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy activities and also for search and rescue operation. Fisheries protection and monitoring activities. To increase the protection level of India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). ICGS Arinjay will be also having a secondary role of providing communication link and escort coastal convoys in the times of war and hostilities. The ship will be based at Okha post after commissioning.

26. India has signed two keys Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Indonesia to strengthen it ties with its maritime neighbour. These MoUs were inked in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and his counterpart Jusuf Kala after their bilateral talks in Jakarta. MoUs signed are New and Renewable Energy sector: It would serve the commitments both nations made to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 by 35 (India) and 29 (Indoesia) per cent respectively. Cultural Exchange programme for three years from 2015 to 2018.

27. Captain Krishna Swaminathan has assumed charge as the second Commanding Officer (CO) of Indian Navy’s new and formidable aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. He will succeed Captain Suraj Berry who was holding this position since the ship was commissioned at Severodvinsk in Russia on 16 November 2013. Previously, Mr.Swaminathan had commanded many missile vessels inclduing INS Vidyut and Vinash, missile corvette INS Kulish and guided missile destroyer INS Mysore. He also had served on the staff of the Western Fleet, an instructor at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Director and Principal Director Naval Signals at Naval Headquarters. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. About INS Vikramaditya INS Vikramaditya is a Kiev class aircraft carrier which was commissioned by Russian Navy in 1987 under the name Baku and later was rechristened as Admiral Gorshkov. Under the Russian control it last last sailed in 1995 before being offered to India. Russia sold the carrier to India after it became too expensive for the country to operate it on a post-Cold War budget. Presently, the carrier is the flagship and centre-piece of the Indian Navy’s operations and is under the administrative control of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (CIC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Mumbai and is part of the sword arm of Indian Navy.

28. BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired from on board of recently inducted guided missile destroyer INS Kochi off the western coast. Test: It was overall 49th trial of the BrahMos missile. It successfully hit decommissioned target ship “Alleppey” which was stationed 290 km away after performing high-level and complex manoeuvres. Comment This successful test provides much-needed teeth to INS Kochi which is one of the India’s most modern indigenous destroyers, making it another lethal platform of Indian Navy. BrahMos as the prime strike weapon of the destoroyer will ensure its invincibility in engaging long range targets in seas. INS Kochi 7,500-tonne indigenously developed warship and was inducted into Indian Navy on September 30, 2015. It has new design concepts for stealth, manoeuvrability and survivability. It can carry total 16 BrahMos missiles in two 8-cell vertical launch systems along with other modern weapons and sensors. About BrahMos missile BrahMos supersonic cruise missile designed and developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India and Russia. Missile’s name has been derived from the names of two rivers, India’s Brahmaputra River and Russia’s Moskva River. It is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against sea and land targets. Features: It is capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kilogram and can be launched from ships, land and submarines. It has top supersonic speed of Mach 2.8. It can strike a target at maximum range of 290-km. It is two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant.

29. Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) founded by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won a critical 2015 Parliamentary Election of Turkey. In this election AKP won 316 seats of total 550 members of the Grand National Assembly of the Parliament by securing 49.4 per cent of the votes. Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) won 134 by securing 25.4 per cent votes. Backgroud The 2015 Turkish general election was snap election which was held throughout country Turkey to elect 550 members to the Grand National Assembly. The snap election was called by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in August 2015 after coalition negotiations between the ruling AKP and the opposition broke down. It was the 25th general election in the history of the Turkish Republic and elected the country’s 26th Parliament.

30. Hero MotoCorp patriarch and Doyen of Indian two-wheeler industry Brijmohan Lall Munjal passed away in New Delhi. He was 92. He was the founder and chairman of Hero MotoCorp and Hero Honda which is the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. About Brijmohan Lall Munjal Born on 21 July 1923 in Kamalia (now in Pakistan) in Punjab region of then British India. Business Career: In 1956, he had started India’s first bicycle manufacturing unit under the brand name Hero Cycles. It became the world’s largest cycle maker in 1975. In 1984, he set up joint venture (JV) company Hero Honda after tying up with Japanese automaker Honda. The Hero Honda brand had emerged as the world’s largest bike maker. The JV split in 2011 after 27 years of endured partnership. Hero now has grown into Rs. 28,000 crore group and has sold over 60 million two-wheeler. It still accounts for nearly half the motorcycles sold in India. Awards: Padma Bhushan (2005), Udyog Rattan Award, Indira Gandhi National Unity award, Punjab Rattna award for his contribution to the economy of Punjab.

31. Odisha Government has imposed seven-month ban till May, 2016 on fishing along the Puri coast in order to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. This ban comes prior to arrival of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting in winters along the east coast of Odhisha. Under this ban Trawlers and fishermen are banned to fish within 20 kms from coastline in the turtle nesting sites. State Forest Department has set up turtle protection camps including 3 offshore camps in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. It also has set up on-shore camps at 13 places in addition to 4 temporary incubation centres for safety of eggs. Every year endangered Olive Ridley turtles arrive during winters for mass nesting in Rushikulya river mouth and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary along Odisha coast. The coast is considered as the only place apart from Costa Rica to witness mass nesting by Olive Ridleys. Every year, between 5 lakh to 10 lakh turtles come to the state for mass nesting. About Olive Ridley Turtles Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea. They are also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle. Generally found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Protection Status: Listed as endangered species in IUCN Red Data Book because of their few remaining nesting sites in the world. Protected under Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.

32. India was placed at 7th position in world’s most valuable nation brands report among the 100 assessed nations. It was revealed in recently released annual report compiled by Brand Finance. Key highlights India as a world’s seventh most valued nation brand is having its brand value to 2.1 billion dollars. It has moved by one position compared to year 2014 It has brand value of 2.1 billion dollars with an increase of 32 per cent. It is highest surge among all the top-20 countries on the list. United States had topped this edition of list with a brand valuation of 19.7 billion dollars. Top 7 countries: United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, France and India. Among BRICS nations: India is the second most valued brand country among BRICS emerging economies after China and followed by Brazil, Russia and South Africa. World’s most valuable nation brands report of Brand Finance measures the strength and value of the nation brands of 100 leading countries. Its method is based on the royalty relief mechanism employed to value the world’s largest companies. The valuation is based on 5 year forecasts of sales of all brands in each nation and follows a complex process in which Gross domestic product (GDP) is used as a proxy for total revenues.

33. Indian Railways has launched Vikalp scheme to facilitate waitlisted passengers to get an alternative train accommodation. The scheme has been launched on pilot basis in trains running on Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Jammu sectors for 6 months and option will be limited to Mail and Express trains. With this scheme, Indian Railways aim to achieve the twin objectives Providing confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers. Ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation for these passengers. Under this scheme Waitlisted passengers will get confirmed accommodation in next alternative train if they opt for it while booking their tickets online. Once they opt for it passengers will get SMS alert on their mobile phone about getting confirmed accommodation in alternative train. No extra charges will be paid passenger to avail this scheme or any refund provided for the difference of fare. In the alternative train, the name of passenger who has been provided accommodation will not figure in the waitlisted charts of their original train. A separate list of passengers transferred in alternative train will be pasted along with the confirmed and waitlist charts.

34. Social media giant Facebook has partnered with the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for setting up 100 wi-fi (Wireless Fidelity) sites in rural India. In this regard both entities have inked an agreement under which Facebook will sponsor 100 wi-fi hotspots in villages across west and southern India. It will pay 5 lakh rupees for BSNL bandwidth for each hotspot per annum. The partnership will be for three years and it can be further extended for two more years. With this BSNL will be able to set up wi-fi hotspots in areas where it is not commercially feasible to run those and also extending its optical fibre connectivity services to these hotspots. The hotspots would be set up by BSNL-selected vendor Quad Zen revenue share model. This partnership will help in boosting the Union Government’s flagship Digital India to ensure that Government services are made available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity.

35. Sania Mirza (India) and Martina Hingis (Switerzerland) has won the 2015 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Women’s double category. In the final match played in Singapore, the Indo-Swiss duo defeated Spanish pair of Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro by 6-0, 6-3 score. It overall ninth World Tennis Association (WTA) doubles titles won by the Indo-Swiss pair together in 2015 season so far. The duo earlier had won the Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, Charleston Opem, Wimbledon, US Open, Guangzhou Open, Wuhan Open and China Open. They also have secured 2015’s WTA Year-End world number one ranking in Women’s double category. BNP Paribas WTA Finals Women’s Single category Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland won the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Women’s in the singles category. In the final match she defeated, Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic by 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 score to win her maiden WTA Finals title.

36. New Zealand has won the 2015 Rugby World Cup for record third time by defeating Australia. In the final match played at Twickenham, England the winning team defeated Australian team by 34-17 score. With this victory, it also became the first nation to retain the Webb Ellis Cup and it was their first victory on the foreign soil. About Rugby World Cup Rugby World Cup is contested every four years between the top international teams.

37. One of the eminent archaeologists of post-Independent India, Virendra Nath Misra passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81. He was best known as the doyen of Indian prehistoric archaeology and for his extensive field studies and excavations in Central India and Rajasthan. In these two regions, he had made several significant contributions to the reconstruction of India’s prehistoric past. About Virendra Nath Misra VN Misra hailed from Uttar Pradesh and joined Pune based Deccan College after completing his .G. degree in Anthropology from Lucknow University. He also had served as Director of Deccan College in 2000 and had retired as Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology in 1995. In 1977, he had founded a dedicated society for pre-historic studies and started an international research journal – Man and Environment. Notable achievements: Excavations at the world heritage site of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh and the 6,000-year-old site of Balathal in Rajasthan. These excavations are considered as the turning points in history of ancient India. Awards: Madhya Pradesh government had awarded him prestigious VS Wakankar Award for his contribution to pre-history of India.

38. Union Government has announced Draft Aviation Policy 2015 aimed at popularizing air travel among the people in the country. It was released by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma in New Delhi. The policy is open to comments from the industry and various stakeholders before being finalised. Key highlights of Draft Aviation Policy-2015 Improve air connectivity among the smaller cities and aims to bring India to third position from the current 10th position in the global aviation sector. Special Funds: About 300 airports and air strips in smaller cities to be operationalized and government will provide money for it by setting up a special fund. Under Regional Connectivity Scheme, under-served airstrips and build no-frills airports will be revived at a cost of 50 crore rupees. Taxation measures: Tax incentives will be given to airlines to boost the aviation sector especially in custom and not on aviation fuel. Proposed a slew of tax incentives for airlines and maintenance works. Service tax will be put at zero to promote Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in order to develop India as an MRO hub in Asia. FDI: Proposed hiking Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in domestic airlines to over 50 per cent in open skies policy, which is 49 per cent at present. Open skies policy: Under it overseas airlines can operate unlimited number of flights into and out of India. Ticketing: Airlines will not be allowed to charge more than 2500 rupees for one hour flight between two small cities under regional connectivity scheme. Proposes 2 per cent levy on all domestic and overseas tickets for funding the Scheme. Helicopters: Proposes separate regulations for helicopters from April, 2016. Union Government will support growth of helicopters for intra-city movement, tourism, remote area connectivity, disaster relief, law enforcement and medical evacuation. Other proposed reforms: Envisages greater de regulation, transparency and e governance, skill building and aviation education and promotion of sustainable aviation practices.

39. Punjab Government has announced to set up bio-ethanol refinery in the state to tackle the menace of wheat and paddy straw burning. In this regard, state government has inked MoU with consortium of Beta Renewables, Novozymes and CVC India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for project estimated worth Rs. 950 crore during the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit, 2015. Benefits of bio-ethanol refinery Would play an important role in solving the chronic problem of straw burning of leftover agro-based produce especially from wheat and rice feedstocks. Benefit farmers economically, as they would be paid for their agro-based produce to extract bio-ethanol. It would also help in preventing the loss of fertility of soil and damage to environment by reducing air pollution. What is Bioethanol? It is an alcohol derived by process of fermentation mostly from carbohydrates of plant produce and feedstocks. Commonly obtained from crops such as sugarcane, cassava, corn, potato, beetroot and recently grapes, banana and dates etc. Uses: As a quasi-renewable energy it can be blended with petrol or diesel making it a sustainable transport fuel. It can also be used an alternative fuel in manufacturing processes and cosmetic products etc.

40. National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) was observed across India on 31 October 2015 to commemorate the 140th birthday of Independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Sardar Vallabhai Patel. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Run for Unity at Rajpath in New Delhi. It was followed by similar marathons across different parts of Country to pay tribute to the efforts made by Sardar Patel to unite India. Background In October 2014, NDA Government led by PM Narendra Modi had declared 31 October as National Unity Day to mark the birth anniversary of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Born: 31 October, 1875 at Karamsand, Gujarat. He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India. By profession, he was a barrister and had successfully practiced law. Later he left law practice and joined the Indian national movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In the India’s independence struggle, he played a major role in organizing peasants’ movements on Gandhian principles in Bardoli and Kheda in Gujarat and during the Quit India movement. His biggest contribution to India was his role in the integration of the over 500 princely states with India during 1947-49. He is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern All-India services.

41. Union Government has appointed senior IRS officer Najib Shah as the chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customers (CBEC). His appointment was confirmed by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will have tenure of 2 years i.e. till March 2017, when he attains the age of superannuation 60 years. He was serving as acting Chairman of the board after retirement of Kaushal Srivastava in July 2015. Mr Shah is Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) officer of 1979 batch. Prior to this appointment he was working as Member in the CBEC board since May 2015. Earlier, he had served as Director General of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). About Central Board of Excise and Custom (CBEC) CBEC is the nodal government agency on Indirect Taxes responsible for administering Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax and Narcotics in India. Established in 1855 by the then British Governor General of India as Customs & Central Excise department. Thus, it is one of the oldest government departments of India. Currently it operates and functions under the aegis of the Department of Revenue of Union Ministry of Finance.

42. BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa signed Moscow Declaration for partnership in addressing common regional and global socio-economic challenges by utilising science, technology and innovation (STI). It was signed at the third meeting of the BRICS Ministers for Science, Technology and Innovation held in Moscow, Russia. Indian delegation to this meeting was led by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences. Key facts The joint declaration seeks to enhance co-investment of resources to support multilateral Research and Development (R&D) Projects in mutually agreed areas by BRICS nations. BRICS nations mutually have agreed on the collaboration for (i) Co-operation for large research infrastructures, including mega-science projects along with coordination of the existing large-scale national programme of member countries. (ii) Implementation and development of a BRICS Framework Programme for funding joint multilateral research projects, innovation and technology commercialisation. (iii) Establishment of BRICS Research and Innovation Networking Platform. The meeting also endorsed a BRICS Action Plan 2015-18 on BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation.

43. Union Government has nominated Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das to the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Mr. Dase is IAS officer of 1980 batch from of Tamil Nadu cadre. His nomination is effective from October 30, 2015 and until further orders. About Central Board of Directors of RBI RBI’s affairs are governed by the Central Board of Directors (CBD) which also responsible for its general superintendence and direction. Composition: There are 21-members in CBD of RBI. It comprise of Governor , 4 Deputy Governors, 2 Finance Ministry representatives. 10 Directors are nominated by Union Government in order to represent important elements from India’s economy. 4 directors are from local boards of RBI which are headquartered at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi.

44. China, world most populous country has announced to abandon its three decades-long one-child policy and changed it two-child policy. The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in this regard has issued an official communiqué at the end of party’s 4 day plenary session headed by President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The change of policy is intended to Balance population development world’s second largest economy. Address the challenge of unnatural negative demographics due rising numbers of old age population as well as concerns over declining labour force. This announcement comes amid slowdown of China’s economy which has plunged for the first time below the 7 per cent figure since the 2009 global economic crisis. Background China had introduced its One-Child Policy in 1978 and was implemented in 1980 to rein in population growth in order to alleviate social, economic and environmental problems in China. It main intention was reduce population growth of the country by limiting most urban couples to only one child. In case of rural couples it was limited to only two children if the first child was a girl. Under this policy only few ethnic minorities were exempted including Tibetans, Uighurs. The policy was considered controversial as it had forced many abortions and is still being criticised by Human Rights groups and activists. However, Chinese authorities have claimed this policy was one of the main reason for its economic prosperity.

45. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed non-resident Indians (NRIs) to subscribe to the National Pension System (NPS) enabling them access old age income security. RBI has taken this decision in consultation with Union Government under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to appease NRIs. Key facts NPS will act as an investment option for NRIs under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. NRIs may subscribe to the NPS through normal banking channels and the person is eligible to invest as per the provisions of the PFRDA Act, 2013. NRIs should pay the subscription amounts of NPS either by inward remittance through normal banking channels or out of funds held in their NRE/NRO/FCNR account. No restriction will be imposed on repatriation of the annuity or accumulated savings of NPS. About National Pension System (NPS) Governed and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). NPS was launched in 2004 and was initially introduced for the new Government recruits (except armed forces). NPS aims to institute pension reforms in the country and to inculcate the habit of saving for retirement amongst the citizens. Its objective is to provide retirement income to all the citizens. It was extended for all citizens of the country from 1 May 2009 including the unorganised sector workers on voluntary basis.

46. China has strongly condemned US warship’s passage near disputed artificial islands in the South China Sea spiraling tensions between both nations. On 22 October 2015, guided missile destroyer USS Lassen had entered the 12-nautical mile zone claimed by China around Zhubi reefs in the Spratly archipelago in South China Sea. China is claiming its full sovereignty over these disputed islands and its adjacent waters in South China Sea. China’s Argument: Patrolling and non-permitted entry of US Ship in Spratly archipelago has threatened its sovereignty and security interests and also harmed the regional peace and stability. US Argument: The warship has entered in this region as it is having right of freedom of navigation in international waters and does not require any prior permission. It is said that the US warship had undertaken this patrolling operation as part of its Freedom of Navigation programme aimed at challenging China’s claims over the artificial islands created in this disputed waters. Background of Disputes in South China Sea Disputes in South China Sea is fight mainly between China, Philippines, Vietnam over the territory and sovereignty of Spratly and Parcels islands in South China Sea along with other atolls, reefs and rocky outcrops. Importance of these islands: They are strategically located in South China Sea which is major international shipping route as world’s half merchant ships passes through it. They are also having reserves of natural resources around them including petroleum. China’s claim: It is saying that major portion of these islands belong to them as part of the historical events and area defined by Nine Dash Line. Under its claim, China already has started and even completed building artificial islands and even strategic runways for mobilising its airforce from these islands. India’s position: Explicitly supports and believes in international laws and arbitration process for resolving the disputes for regional stability.

47. Saudi blogger Raif Badawi has been selected for European Union’s prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights for year 2015. European Parliament assembly in Strasbourg, France has honoured Mr. Bidawi with this award considering him as a symbol of the fight for freedom of speech. Raif Badawi, author of the website Free Saudi Liberals received an international fame in 2012 after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes in Saudi Arabia for insulting Muslim clerics. Established in December 1988 and named after Soviet scientist (physicist) and dissident Andrei Sakharov. The first prize was jointly awarded to South African Nelson Mandela and Russian human rights campaigner Anatoly Marchenko. It is awarded annually on or around December 10, the day on which the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, also celebrated as Human Rights Day.

48. The Third India and Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) has adopted a Delhi Declaration 2015 and India-Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation. These agreements were adopted at the conclusion of third Summit which was attended by India and all 54 African countries in New Delhi. Delhi Declaration-2015 Calls for continued collaboration in the fields of peace and security between India and Africa. Provide a concrete foundation for the consolidation of our strategic partnership between both sides. Enhance cooperation for strengthening of UN counter terrorism mechanism. Enhance cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. India Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation Reaffirmed strong commitment to work together for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations system, including its UN Security Council. Make these world governing institutions more regionally representative, democratic, accountable and effective. Agreed to establish Small and Medium Enterprises and Medium and Small Industries to promote income generation and employment creation for people of both sides. Ensure access to affordable and quality treatment and medicines, particularly generic medicines to people of both sides. Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) was the largest international gathering of leaders in New Delhi after the 1983 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit. It was also one of the largest gatherings of African countries outside Africa as all 54 nations of the continent had participated.

49. John Pombe Magufuli of ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has won the 2015 Tanzanian Presidential election. With this victory he became fifth President of Tanzania since its independence from United Kingdom in 1961. John Magufuli won this Presidential election by securing 58.46 per cent of the total votes and defeated Edward Lowassa of opposition Chadema party who received 39 per cent votes. His win also continues CCM Party’s strong grip on power in Tanzania as it has governed the country since independence. CCM is the dominant ruling party in Tanzania and one of the longest reigning ruling party in Africa. About John Pombe Magufuli Born: 29 October 1959. Earlier he had served as Minister of Works (since 2010) in the Cabinet of Tanzania. He has served as a Member of Tanzanian Parliament since 1995 and was Deputy Minister of Works (1995-2000) and Minister of Works (2000-2006). He also was Minister of Lands and Human Settlement (2006-2008) and Minister of Livestock and Fisheries (2008-2010).

50. China’s first lunar rover, Yutu, has set the new record for the longest stay by a rover on the lunar surface.