1. The second Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvette INS Kadmatt has been formally handed over to Indian Navy at Kolkata, West Bengal. It has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and would be inducted into the Eastern Fleet shortly. About ASW Corvette Kadmatt INS Kadmatt is super-sophisticated frontline warship. It is 109 metres long with a displacement of 3200 tonnes. The basic design of the ship was developed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) while the detailed design was made GRSE’s in-house design department. Maximum speed: 25 Knots with an endurance of over 3,400 NM at 18 knots speed. Ship crew: Designed to accommodate 17 officers and 106 sailors. Advance Technology: Equipped with total atmospheric control ventilation system which makes warship fully capable to fight in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare environments. Ship’s main role: Protect nation’s maritime interests against possible submarine attack. Provide potent platform for neutralising the enemy submarines using deployed weapons like torpedoes, rocket launchers and helicopter. GRSE is tasked to build 4 ASW Corvette class ships for Indian Navy under the strategic P-28 Project. INS Kamorta was the first in this class to be handed over to the Indian navy in 2014.
2. Distinguished Tamil scholar and historian of South India and South Asia, Noboru Karashima from Japan passed away in Tokyo. He was 82. His research has rewritten the economic and social history of medieval South India and had published number of writings on them. He also had played a critical role in developing Indo-Japan cultural ties.
3. Australia and New Zealand have created history by playing first day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval Cricket Stadium with a pink Kookaburra ball. The first day-night test match was the third match of the series between Australia and New Zealand played for 2015 Trans-Tasman Trophy. This Test match numbered 2188 has a five-day limit and six-ball overs bowled with bright pink Kookaburra ball to ensure proper visibility in floodlights. This match is being played as per recommendations of the MCC World Cricket Committee to keep the test cricket alive. Background: The idea of playing day-night test matches par with One Day Internationals (ODIs) was mooted by Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland. It was approved by International Cricket Council (ICC), an apex body for regulating cricket in July 2015.
4. Union Urban Development Ministry has approved an investment of over Rs 3000 crore for boosting urban infrastructure in 102 cities across five states. Decision in this regard was taken by Inter-Ministerial Apex Committee chaired by Urban Development Secretary Madhusudhan Prasad. Key facts The infrastructure investment under Action Plans for 2015-16 was approved under the flagship Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Scheme. The five states are: Haryana, Chattisgarh, Telangana, Kerala and West Bengal. These funds under Action Plans for 2015-16 would be used to enhance water supply, sewerage network and availability of public spaces in these selected 102 cities State wise annual action plan: Haryana as 18 AMRUT cities and approved investment is Rs 438 crore; for Chattisgarh for Chattisgarh is Rs 573 crore. Besides Rs. 416 crore rupees for Telangana and Rs 588 crore for Kerala. The highest allocations of Rs.1,105 crore has been made to West Bengal. AMRUT Scheme: It is an urban transformation scheme with the focus of the urban renewal projects to establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewerage networks and water supply.
5. Bihar Government has banned sale of liquor in the state from 1st April 2016. This decision would make Bihar 6th dry state/UT in the country. It was announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the occasion of liquor prohibition day. This decision was taken in lines pledge made Mr. Kumar during the 2015 assembly elections to ban liquor if voted to power again. To implement the ban state government officials of the excise department are working on new liquor policy as ruling government does not want a parallel alcohol economy in the state. Presently, liquor consumption is prohibited in the states of Gujarat (1958), Nagaland (1989), Manipur (1991) and Kerala (2014) and Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
6. Homegrown app-based cab operator OlaCabs has appointed Rajiv Bansal as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as part of its expansion drive in the country. He will succeed Mitesh Shah who will henceforth lead strategic finance initiatives of Ola as part of Rajiv’s team.
7. Atonio Costa, the leader of Portugal’s Socialist Party was named Prime Minister of Portugal. He was appointed as PM by President Anibal Cavaco Silva and has tasked him to form a new government due to political instability caused by an inconclusive 2015 general election results. With this, for the first time in history of Portugal Socialist government came to power with the support of Communists parties after dictatorship was overthrown in 1974. Background After Portugal’s 2015 general election, moderate Socialist Party in coalition with the Communist Party and Left Bloc was able to secure a 122-seat majority in the 230-seat parliament. This coalition had forced then ruling centre-right coalition government led by Pedro Passos Coelho to resign as the election mandate did give a clear majority to any Party.
8. Delhi Assembly Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services) Amendment Bill, 2015 aimed at providing citizens with time bound delivery of Government services. The bill amends Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services) Act, 2011. Key provisions of Amendment Bill Seeks to make the life of common man hassle free by providing services in a time bound manner. Ensure mandatory and automatic compensation for citizens if government services are not provided to them in time. Mandatory for each government department, local body and public authority will issue a ‘Citizen’s Charter’. They would set out in detail the time stipulated for provision of citizen-related services and the officer responsible for providing it. Imposes penalty on officials for delay in providing services.
9. Marathi film Katyar Kaljat Ghusali and Bengali film Cinemawala are among the twelve films shortlisted for prestigious 2015 UNESCO Fellini Medal. Katyar Kaljat Ghusali has been directed by actor-turn director Subodh Bhave, while Kaushik Gangualy has directed Cinemawala. International Film Festival India (IFFI) 2015 in collaboration with the Paris based International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) will present a Fellini Medal for first time in India. The award will be bestowed upon film, which reflects the ideals promoted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
10. Indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile was successfully test-fired by the Indian Army. The missile test was carried out by Strategic Force Command (SFC) from a mobile launcher at launch complex-3 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. About Prithvi-II Missile Prithvi-II is a tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has been developed under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) and currently deployed by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The missile is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads. It has been designed to operate with both liquid and solid fuel twine engines and has strike range of 350 km. It has the ability to dodge enemy missiles and uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target. The missile was inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003.
11. The ‘Constitution Day’ of India is being observed on 26th November to spread awareness of Indian Constitution and its architecture Dr. B R Ambedkar. Significance of the Day: On the day in 1949, constitution of India was adopted which came into force on January 26, 1950 marking the beginning of a new era in the history of free India. Key facts 2015 Constitution Day is the first edition of this day and part of year-long nationwide celebrations of 125th birth Anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Constituent Assembly. Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) is the nodal Ministry for celebration of Constitution Day. It has organised number of activities on the occasion of the first Constitution Day in order to spread awareness the supreme law of the country and living document which makes the government system work effectively. Background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared 26 November as Constitution Day after laying the foundation stone of Dr Ambedkar Memorial at Indu Mills Compound in Mumbai, Maharashtra on 12 October 2015.
12. Every year 26 November is being observed as National Milk Day (NMD) to mark birth anniversary Father of the White Revolution Dr.Verghese Kurien. Background: The idea of observing National Milk Day was first mooted by Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in 2014 on the lines of World Milk Day observed on June 1 under the aegis of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The first NMD was observed on 26 November 2014 by all Indian diary sector majors including National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), IDA along with around 22 state level milk federations. About Dr.Verghese Kurien Verghese Kurien was born on 26 November 1921 in Calicut in then Madras Presidency of British India. He had died on 9 September 2012. Operation Flood: As a social entrepreneur he had started billion-litre idea-Operation Flood which was the world’s largest agricultural development programme. Operation had helped to transform India from a milk-deficit country into the world’s largest milk producer. Milk Co-operatives Movement: He had founded around 30 cooperative institutions of excellence (like AMUL, GCMMF, IRMA, NDDB) which are owned, managed by farmers and run by professionals. As the founding chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Dr. Kurien was pioneer in establishment and success of the Amul brand of dairy products. Milk powder: Under his chairmanship, Amul achieved key invention of milk powder processed from buffalo milk. Awards and Honours: Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963), World Food Prize (1989), Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1999).
13. Every year on 25th November is observed as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) across the world. Significance of Day: Raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end the violence against the women. Show that prevention is possible against violence of women. Key facts On occasion of this day, hundreds of monuments across the world were lit in orange to galvanise support for global action to end violence against women and girls. The orange colour symbolise a bright and optimistic future to free from violence against women and girls and will help unify the large-scale social mobilisation. Prevention is the theme of this year’s UNiTE campaign of IDEVAW which would be a 16 days-long activism against gender-based violence till 10th December 2015 i.e. till International Human Rights Day. Background: IDEVAW was commemorated in the memory of the Mirabal sisters who were three political activists from the Dominican Republic. They were brutally assassinated during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship (1930-1961) in 1960.
14. Former world long jump champion Anju Bobby George was appointed as the Chairperson of Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) by Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. She will succeed Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament and Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) who had resigned from this post. About Anju Bobby George Anju Bobby George was first Indian athlete who had won bronze medal in the World Athletics Championships (Paris) in 2003.
15. India and Singapore have signed a joint declaration envisaging a Strategic Partnership to elevate bilateral relations of both countries. It was signed along with 10 bilateral agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Singapore as part of his second leg of two nation’s visit of South-East Asia viz. Malaysia and Singapore. The focus of the visit included ‘five S plank‘ i.e. scaling up trade and investment, smart cities, speeding up connectivity, skills development and state focus. Key facts The strategic partnership aims to catalyse the strategic relations between both countries ranging from political, defence and security cooperation to economic, cultural and people-to-people contacts. It would broaden and deepen engagement in existing areas of cooperation between both countries in various sectors. The various sectors are defence relations, economic and cultural cooperation, skill development and capacity building. Bilateral agreements signed are MoUs on curtailing drug trafficking and improving cybersecurity. Collaboration in urban planning and wastewater management. Extending of long-term loan of Indian artefacts to the Asian Civilisations Museum of Singapore. Cooperation in the fields of arts, museums, archives and monuments. MoU for cooperation in civil aviation services and airport management beginning with Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports. Operationalization of the Technical Agreement on sharing white-shipping information to enhance bilateral maritime security. Singapore-India Relations Singapore, one of the fastest growing economy is Southeast Asia region has approximately 3.5 lakh-strong Indian diaspora out of its total population of 5.5 million. India’s bilateral trade with Singapore is about 17 billion dollars and number of Singaporean companies are active in India since early 1990s. Singapore is the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment into India at about 35.9 billion dollars (from 2000 to 2015), which is about 13.9 per cent of India’s total inbound FDI. Singapore’s strategic location in Southeast Asia along with status as a financial, aviation and maritime hub is important aspect for India. Thus, presence of a large Indian diaspora, flow of investments and its expertise in urban development and skill development make it a very valued strategic partner for India.
16 Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) have signed a MoU on bilateral cooperation and technical assistance. The MoU was signed by SEBI chairman U K Sinha and BSEC Chairman M Khairul Hossain in the presence of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed,. Key facts The MoU seeks to promote further development of economic links and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. It also aims at enhancing investor protection and creating conditions for effective development of securities markets in both countries. It will further ease the training and technical assistance programme between the two different market jurisdictions. The MoU was signed by SEBI as part of its active engagement with the equities and commodities markets regulators in the SAARC region. So far, the equities and commodities market regulator SEBI has signed 20 such bilateral MoUs with other countries.
17. The nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile was successfully test fired from warship Subhadra, off the Puri coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal. The test was conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and it was a perfect mission as the missile hit the target point with high degree of accuracy. About Dhanush missile One of the five missiles indigenously developed by the DRDO under its strategic Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The surface-to-surface missile is a naval variant of Prithvi-II missile and can carry both conventional as well as a nuclear payload of 500 kg. The missile has a length of 8.53 meters and is 0.9 meter wide. It is single-stage, liquid propelled which can hit both land and sea-based targets upto strike range of 350 kms. The missile already has been inducted into the armed Services. Naval variant of the missile was first successfully tested in 2012.
18. Union Government has reduced the deadline for completion of flagship Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural connectivity through all- weather roads from 2022 to 2019. The annual allocation of the Central release for PMGSY works during year 2015-16 also has been increased by 5,000 crore rupees. With this, the total Central allocation to states under PMGSY would now be 15,100 crore rupees. Key facts By providing enhanced financial allocation through a modified funding pattern in the PMGSY scheme, Government is seeking to accelerate the implementation of rural connectivity. It is also considering giving financial incentives to the states achieving the targets allocated to them under the PMGSY. Government also has accepted the recommendation of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored on modified sharing pattern. Recommendations: The sub group has recommended that fund sharing pattern of PMGSY between the Centre and States for all states will be in the ratio of 60:40. But for all land locked 8 North Eastern states and 3 Himalayan states, the fund sharing pattern of PMGSY between the Centre and States will be in the ratio of 90:10. About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) PMGSY was launched in year 2000 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Objective: To provide single all-weather road connectivity to all eligible unconnected rural villages (habitations). Nodal Authority: Union Ministry of Rural Development. It was fully funded by the central government. Implantation: Under phase I of PMGSY, 1,78,184 unconnected habitations were identified. So far, 1,12,550 identified habitations which accounts for 63 per cent of the target have been connected with the PMGSY roads. Presently, about 37 per cent of identified habitations as per the mandate of the scheme are yet to be connected with the PMGSY roads.
19. Japan has successfully launched its first commercial satellite on 24 November 2015 as part its national space programme. Japanese H-IIA rocket carrying Canadian TELSTAR 12V communications and broadcasting satellite for operator Telesat was successfully lifted off from Tanegashima Space Centre (TSC). With this, Japan is entered into the commercial satellite launch business which is mainly dominated by European and Russian companies. Key facts The first commercial satellite launch was overseen by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan is aiming to become a major player in the commercial satellite launching business which is worth 2.5 billion dollars a year. In this regard, it has tried to improve its H-IIA rocket in order to cut the cost of each launch to make its programme competitive. Some Facts: India had launched its first commercial satellite successfully in 2007 using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) carrying Italian satellite AGILE for space exploration. With this, India had joined the elite club of nations comprising US, Russia, China, Ukraine and European Space Agency (ESA) having capacity to deploy their space exploration resources for commercial use. Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) is the marketing arm of ISRO. It oversees commercialization of space exploration resources for commercial use developed by ISRO.
20. China is building the world’s biggest animal cloning factory to recreate sniffer dogs, racehorses, pets and beef cattle. In this regard, Chinese scientists have signed a deal to create a commercial animal cloning centre in Tianjin, north-eastern China. Key facts The factory would be built in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area (TEDA) which is a business development park sponsored by the government. It is joint project of Chinese biotechnology firm Boyalife and South Korea’s Sooam Biotech. Peking University and Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine are also part of it. The cloning factory will include cloning laboratories, a gene bank and a science education centre and will be constructed at the cost of 31 million US dollars. It would produce cloned animals such as pet and police dogs, racehorses and cow to be sold on the open market on an industrial scale. The factory would produce 100,000 cattle embryos annually and later expand the annual output to one million. It would help to produce enough beef to meet increasing demand. It should be noted that China’s first commercial animal cloning centre was established in 2014 in the eastern Shandong Province. Since 2000, Chinese Researchers have cloned sheep, cattle and pigs but not for non-scientific research. In 2009, South Korea’s customs service had deployed the world’s first cloned dogs.
21. US drugs giant Pfizer Inc. has struck upon a deal to buy Ireland based Allergan for 160 billion dollars making it the biggest pharmaceuticals merger deal in history of healthcare sector. The blockbuster merger would create the world’s biggest drugmaker to be called Pfizer Plc with its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Under this deal, Allergan shareholders will receive 11.3 shares in the merged company for each of their Allergan shares. Currently Pfizer Inc is selling flagship pharmaceutical products like Viagra and cholesterol drug Lipitor, while Allergan is best known for selling anti-wrinkle treatment drug Botox, Alzheimer’s drug Namenda and dry-eye medication Restasis. Comment Analysts have suggested that this deal will allow Pfizer. Inc to escape relatively high US corporate tax rates (around 35%) by moving its headquarters to Dublin where corporate tax is as low as 12.5 % (Lowest among major countries). It should be noted that such kind of merger deals to evade the high corporate tax is termed as corporate inversion deals. US Treasury is concerned about losing tax revenue because of this deal and is taking steps to clamp down on tax inversion deals. Corporate Inversion Deals These merger deals are undertaken by a company by re-incorporating itself overseas in order to reduce the tax burden on income earned abroad compared to home country. For this, company shifts its base to a country that has lower tax rates and less stringent corporate governance requirements.
22. India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan has been successfully lighted with solar power generated form first ever project of its kind undertaken in the country. The floodlights, along with fencing and border posts managed by Border Security Force (BSF) were supplied with the solar power generated from 5 MW solar power plant installed at Tata area, Jaisalmer. Key facts The solar energy vapour plant was installed by the Union Home ministry at a cost of 6 crore and 45 lakh rupees in sarkari tala area of Jaisalmer. The pilot project was set up the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Power generated from the plant would be sold by SECI at the rate of 5 rupees 45 paise per unit. If this project is successful, all the international borders of the country will be powered with solar lighting and fencing by installing such solar plants. The major advantage of final implementation of this method would save crores of rupees on power bills of the government and end the huge diesel expenses for running the generator sets.
23. Noted labour economist Dr. T.S. Papola passed away in New Delhi. He was 74. He had served as an advisor with the erstwhile Planning Commission of Union Government for eight years from 1987 to 1995.
24. Conservative opposition candidate Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party has won Argentina’s 2015 Presidential election. Mr Macri had secured more than 53 per cent votes defeating his rival Daniel Scioli of ruling Peronist Party who secured 47 per cent votes and ended the 12 years of leftist rule. He will succeed Christina Kirchner who had ruled the South American country since 2007 and reached the end of her two-term limit. About Mauricio Macri Born on 8 February 1959 in Tandil, Argentina. He is son of Francisco Macri who is one of Argentina’s richest men. Prior to entering politics, Mr Macri had a long career in business and holds civil engineer degree. Prior to getting elected as President, he was representing City of Buenos Aires in the lower house of the Argentine congress since 2007. In 1995, he was elected as president of Boca Juniors Football Club, one of the most popular football clubs in Argentina. He used his success at the club as a springboard for his political career and later was re-elected as President of Club in 1999 and 2003. Earlier in October 2015, Mr. Macri who is the mayor of Buenos Aires had lost to Mr.Scioli who is the governor of Buenos Aires province in the first round of voting.
25. Sri Lankan Government has announced that they would not any country to set up naval base on its territory. This announcement was made by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe while he was speaking at the International Maritime Dialogue at Galle, Sri Lanka.
Significance of this announcement The statement of Sri Lankan Prime Minister ends the apprehensions that Sri Lanka may allow China to use all or part of any of its harbours or ports for strategic naval military use. Major setback for Chinese strategy to increase its geopolitical influence of soft diplomacy in Asia, East Africa connectivity and so called String of Pearls Theory. Possibly stop Chinese long term plan to extend its sea power and geopolitical influence in the Indian Ocean. Thus, benefiting India’s influence in strategically important maritime regions connecting west with east. Under the so called String of Pearls Theory China was building special diplomatic and military relationships with Pakistan and Sri Lanka for extending its reach down the Indian Ocean and secure its energy security sea lines. It was seeking to encircle India by setting up new strategic ports, airfields in Pakistan (Gwadar), Sri Lanka (Hambantota) and Bangladesh (Chittagong). Chinese intentions was to increase its geopolitical influence in the Indian Ocean region mainly to overcome several major maritime choke points for its sea lines such as the Strait of Mandeb, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz and Lombok Strait.
26. Delhi Assembly has passed the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (Delhi Amendment) Bill, 2015. The bill amends section 176(1) of the CrPC Act, 1973 and widens the scope of magisterial inquiry into cases of suspicious death, rapes in police custody and suspicious disappearances. Thus, it empowers Delhi government to initiate a magisterial inquiry to cover any other cases in police custody and suspicious death. However, the passage of is consider as another Centre-state flashpoint because Opposition has argued that it challenges the authority of Parliament as Delhi Assembly is empowering itself by passing the bill. The Ruling Delhi Government has mentioned that CrPC Act, 1976 enacted by Parliament is a subject in the Concurrent list (having 52 items) in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and having power to amend it.
27. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders have signed a declaration for launching ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which would be similar to European Union (EU)-style regional economic bloc. In this regard, Kuala Lumpur declaration on the establishment of the AEC was signed by the leaders of 10-nation grouping chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at its 27th Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was signed in front of world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. About ASEAN Economic Community AEC would make ASEAN a single market with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labour in the region. Integrate Southeast Asia’s diverse 10 economies which has combine population of 620 million people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.4 trillion US dollars. Abolish tariffs on imports within the bloc member countries and promote the liberalization of service industries such as retailing and tourism. Calls for more free movement of and skilled labour within the region including of doctors, architects and others with special skills. Focus on creating an integrated and well-connected economy of ASEAN member countries which would be business-friendly, trade-facilitative and market-driven. The new economic bloc will be launched in December 2015 and would make ASEAN’s growing GDP, 4th-biggest in the world. ASEAN 2025 declaration Apart from this AEC, ASEAN leaders also adopted the declaration on “ASEAN 2025, forging ahead together”. The ASEAN 2025 document charts the path for building AEC over the next 10 years. The declaration calls for ASEAN members to work towards building a community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible. ASEAN 2025 declaration calls to work with external partners to strengthen cooperation in combating non-traditional security challenges like terrorism, human trafficking, drug related crimes and maritime issues through various initiatives and projects. About Association of South East Asian Nations ASEAN is a group of 10 South Asian nations which was brought into existence on August 8, 1967 after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok declaration). Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community” 10 Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Founder countries of ASEAN were: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand Enlargement: The group was expanded by adding 5 more nations which are Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. Cambodia was the latest entry in the group in 1999.
28. Indigenously developed supersonic Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile was successfully test fired from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. Test facts: The supersonic interceptor missile was launched after getting signals from tracking radars. The missile moved through the trajectory path and destroyed the incoming electronically prepared target missile in mid-air at an endo-atmospheric altitude. During the test, the kill effect of the interceptor missile was analysed from data collected by multiple tracking sources. About Advanced Air Defence interceptor missile The interceptor AAD missile has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Ballistic Missile Defence Programme. AAD missile is capable of destroying any incoming ballistic missile at lower (endo-atmospheric) altitude, giving full-fledged multi-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system to country. Features: It is a 7.5-meter tall and single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It is equipped with a navigation system along with a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. It also has its own mobile launcher, sophisticated radars and independent tracking system to secure data link for interception and homing capabilities.
29. India-born Swati Dandekar has been appointed as the United States director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She was nominated to this position by US President Barack Obama and was designated with rank of an ambassador. She would replace Robert M Orr who has held this position since 2010.
30. French President Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day parade of January 26, 2016. The announcement might have been finalised during the talks between French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and his counterpart Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The visit of Mr. Hollande to New Delhi for the mega event will be symbolic. It would also send a strong message of a worldwide solidarity among the democratic countries against terrorism of the Islamic State (IS) which had staged barbaric attacks on November 13, 2015 in Paris. Mr. Francois Hollande would be the 5th highest dignitary from France to be Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day parade after Prime Minister Jacques Chirac (1976), President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (1980), President Jacques Chirac (1998) and President Nicolas Sarkozy (2008). With this invitation, France now holds distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum five times of Indian Republic Day parade followed by Bhutan (four times); Mauritius and USSR/Russia (three times each). Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parades: 2015- Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012- Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono(Then President of Indonesia).
31. A special cleanliness drive, Swachh Delhi Abhiyan has been launched in the national capital Delhi to remove debris and garbage lying in various localities. The drive was launched by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and shall continue in New Delhi till the end November 2015 month.
32. Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious Clean UP, Green UP initiative has earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Under state government’s green drive initiative 10 lakh saplings were planted in one day within a span of eight hours on November 7, 2015 at 10 locations in the state. This new record has surpassed the earlier record for plantation of maximum number of tree that was 8 lakh 50 thousand trees in a single day. The certificate for UP Government’s record-setting performance was awarded to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the function held in Saifai in Etawah district. On the eve of state government’s ‘Clean UP, Green UP’ initiative Chief Minister himself had planted peepal plant at Maudaha dam in Hamirpur district. The initiative was executed through coordinated efforts of state forest, irrigation departments along with Noida and Greater Noida Authority. Apart from CM, large number of women, teachers, students, armymen, villagers and others had planted sapling of sheesham, pakar, neem, kanji, imli, aonla, bargad, arjun, chilbil and peepal at different pre-decided spots across state.
33. 10 day state of emergency was delcared in the Mali by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita following terrorist attack in country’s capital city Bamako. Apart from declaring state of emergency, President also has declared three days of national mourning to condemn this terrorist attack. Background On 20th November 2015, Islamist militants in the Islamic Maghreb called al-Murabitoun group, affiliated to Al-Qaeda had attacked on a Radision Blu hotel in the capital Bamako killing 21 people. In this terrorist siege of hotel, more than 130 hotel guests and staff including 21 Indians were held hostage by the terrorists. Later they were freed when Malian Special Forces, French Special Forces and off-duty US servicemen after they stormed the hotel to break the siege. About Mali Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa and is the eighth-largest country in the African continent. The country falls in unstable Sahel region of North Africa which comprises countries affected by terrorism, ethnic conflicts and instability. In 2012, a military coup led by ethnic Tuareg rebels in Mali had overthrown the democratically elected President and destabilised the northern half of the country by seizing it. The coup was followed by fighting between Tuareg and Islamist rebels. Later Malian government forces along with the Western troops under a United Nations (UN) mandate led by France were able to reduce the insurgency. They also had held a democratic election to replace the military government, but the new government has little control in the northern part of country.
34. The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has constituted a 13 member expert committee exclusively on Sanskrit in its attempt to revive interest in the ancient Indian classical language Sanskrit. The expert committee would be headed by former chief election commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami. He is currently, Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth (RSV) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Other members of the Committee: Bibek Debroy (NITI Aayog member), Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation Dr Ramadorai, V V Bhat, Delhi University professor Ramesh Bharadwaj, Chamu Krishna Shastri, UGC Chairman Ved Prakash.
35. India’s junior men’s hockey team has won the Eight edition of Men’s Junior Asia hockey cup. In the finals played at Kuantan (Malaysia) India defeated arch rivals Pakistan 6-2 goals. For Indian team Harmanpreet Singh scored highest four goals followed by Armaan Qureshi and Manpreet Singh scoring 1 goal each. Captain of Indian team was Harjeet Singh, while Captain of Pakistan team was Ahmad Shakeel Butt. In the history of this Cup which is considered as Asia’s Premier Junior tournament both arch rivals had reached the final of for record six times in the last 27 years. South Korea won the bronze medal by defeating Japan by 2-1 goal score in this edition of Cup. Eight international teams had participated including India, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, Pakistan, Oman and Bangladesh in the 8ht Men’s Junior Asia Cup. Other Awards of Cup Top goal scorer: Harmanpreet Singh of India. He had scored 14 goals. Man of the Match: Harjeet Singh (India). Best Player of the Tournament: Shahril Saabah (Malaysia). Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Vikas Dahiya (India). Fair Play Award: Japanese Team.
36. Union Railways Ministry has inaugurated the landmark Silchar-Lumding broad gauge rail line in Assam. It was inaugurated by Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu by flagging off a passenger train from New Delhi via video-conference. Key facts Silchar-Lumding broad gauge rail line brings Assam’s underdeveloped but strategically important Barak Valley on the broad gauge map. The broad gauge line is also a milestone for connectivity in the northeast region and one of the largest gauge conversion projects of Indian Railways. The line has 75 major bridges and 340 minor bridges along the track. It passes through 21 tunnels. The entire project cost was around 3, 500 crore rupees. It would play an important role in accelerating development in Barak Valley of Assam and other Northeastern states like Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram as it would act as lifeline. Background The Lumding-Silchar Gauge Conversion Project was sanctioned by Government of India in 1996-97 under the Northeast Frontier Railway. The strategic project was declared as a National Project in 2004. The project was hit by insurgency from 2006 to 2009 but later the Territorial Army was deployed to take on the insurgents.
37. Harshavardhan Neotia has been elected as the President of industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He shall have one year term as President i.e. for the year 2016 and presently is serving as Vice President (VP) of FICCI. He will succeed incumbent FICCI President Jyotsna Suri during the chamber’s AGM in December 2015. Jyotsna Suri is chairperson and Managing Director of Bharat Hotels Ltd. About Harshavardhan Neotia Harshavardhan Neotia is the Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group which covers wide spectrum of the Real Estate industry including housing, health care, hospitality and education. Presently, he is also a member of West Bengal Chief Minister’s Core Committee on Industry and the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Advisory Council. Government of India has conferred Padma Shri on him for his outstanding initiative in social housing. About Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organization in India. It is a non-governmental and non-profit organization. Establish: 1927 Headquarters: New Delhi. Mission: To enhance efficiency and global competitiveness of Indian industry. To expand business opportunities both in domestic and foreign markets through a range of specialized services and global linkages.
38. Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani won the 2015 IBSF World Snooker Championship. In the final match played at Hurghada (Egypt), he defeated his Chinese opponent Zhua Xintong by 8-6 score in the best-of-15 final. He had entered the finals of the Championship after defeating Alex Borg of Malta by 6-0 score. With this victory, Pankaj Advani has won the World Snooker Championship for record 15 times. He also became the first person in history of Snooker to take the short (6-Red) and the long snooker format in the same calender year. Earlier in September 2015, he had won the 2015 IBSF World Billiards Championship. Presently he is ranked world number 1 in 6-red snooker and World Team Billiards.
39. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (Chinese Navy) conducted several naval drills in disputed South China Sea (SCS) by employing its major destroyers and frigates, carrier-based helicopters and new submarines. Key facts The naval exercise was based out of the Sanya training base of the Chinese Navy which mainly focused on anti-submarine warfare. It was conducted as part of a regular annual naval drill aimed at implementing President Xi Jinping’s call for a military that is capable of fighting and winning wars. Chinese navy claims that these drills have vigorously improved the Chinese navy’s anti-submarine combat abilities based on informationalised systems. However, they have not disclosed the details of the exact time and places for the maneuvers of these drills. Comment These naval exercises were conducted after United States (US) President Barack Obama and leaders of other Asian Countries bordering SCS had recently voiced their concerns and pressurised China over its giant land reclamation projects in disputed waters of SCS during the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in Manila, Philippines. China is claiming its territorial sovereignty over the entire SCS including the adjacent waters of its Asian neighbours including Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan which in turn is harming the regional peace and stability.
40. India and China vowed to deepen their bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and fighting transnational crime. The breakthrough was achieved after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs (CPLA) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on a wide range of issues. Following issues were discussed India and China should enhance their bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism and fight transnational crime. Both countries should coordinate to improve border entry and exit administration in order to facilitate people’s travel and promote stability in the region. Indian is willing to deepen its bilateral cooperation with Chinese law enforcers to strengthen their relations. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is on a six-day official visit to China and is the first Indian Home Minister to visit China in a decade. Last Home Minister who had visited China in 2005 was Shivraj Patil. Rajnath Singh’s visit to China comes in the backdrop of steady improvement of relations between both nations while they are seeking to streamline mechanisms to address the vexed border dispute.
41. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a Resolution 2249 (2015), calling on all nations to re-double and co-ordinate action to prevent further attacks by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and other extremist groups. The resolution has been not drafted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter which empowers UN to give a green signal to the use of force. The French-sponsored resolution has Urged UN member-states to intensify their efforts to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters in Iraq and Syria. Also called upon member-states to prevent and suppress the financing on terrorism groups and other extremist groups. Mentions ISIS group constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security and expresses its determination to combat it by all means. It should be noted that this is the 14th terrorism-related resolution adopted by the UNSC since 1999. Background The resolution was adopted by UNSC a week after ISIS extremists had launched a coordinated barbaric gun and bomb assault in Paris (France) on 13 November 2015 which had killed 130 people. ISIS also has claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in Beirut (Lebanon) which had killed 43 people and for bombing of Russian airliner which was crashed over Egypt’s Sinai peninsula killing all 224 people on board.
42. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged to provide 120 million dollar loan in order to finance cross-border electricity link between Bangladesh and India under SASEC Programme. In this regard, loan agreement was signed by ADB Country Director Kazuhiko Higuchi and Mohammad Mejbahuddin, Senior Secretary of Bangladesh Finance Ministry. The loan fund would be used for Second Bangladesh-India Grid Inter connectivity project under the ambitious South Asia Sub-regional Economic Co-operation (SASEC) Programme. The projects under SASEC Programme aim to promote regional prosperity through improved cross-border links in trade, power, road and rail links between India and Bangladesh. The second project under will double the existing capacity from 500 MW to 1000 MW of the inter-connectivity link connecting power grid at Bheramara in western Bangladesh and the grid of eastern India at Bahrampur (Odisha). It should be noted that the networks under the first project were connected in 2013 and was financed by ADB under the SASEC Programme. About South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program Set up in 2001 to bring together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka in a project-based partnership. This sub-regional partnership aims to Strengthening regional economic cooperation Boosting trade among member countries. Promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border connectivity. Build a better quality of life for the people of the subregion. Since its establishment, SASEC member countries have implemented over 37 regional projects worth more than 6.75 billion dollars in the energy, trade facilitation, transport and ICT sectors. Manila (Philippines) based Asian Development Bank (ADB) serves SASEC Secretariat for the member countries.
43. Russia has signed two agreements with Egypt to finance and build its first nuclear power plant at Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast in the northwest of the country. As per one of the agreement, Russia will extend a loan to Egypt to cover the cost of construction of the nuclear plant which is expected to be completed by 2022. Under the agreement Russia will grant a 35-year loan to the Egypt which is the Arab world’s most populous country. However in the agreement the loan has been not disclosed as the details of the credit agreement are still under discussion. Dabaa Nuclear plant will be third-generation plant with four reactors with total capacity of 1,200 MW. On completion the plant will make Egypt a regional leader in terms of civil nuclear technology. Background Since 1980s, Egypt has been pursuing its plan to have a peaceful nuclear programme for the production of electricity at Dabaa. But the North African country had frozen its nuclear programme plans after disputes with local residents due to the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. However in 2006, under the dictatorial President-ship of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt once again had announced plans to revive its dream of peaceful nuclear programme. But the President was overthrown in 2011 revolution and its nuclear programme plans were stalled. The newly elected President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in February 2015 had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to go ahead with the civil nuclear programme.
44. Republican-dominated US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted to bar Syrian and Iraqi refugees from entering the United States over the security concerns. The bill was overwhelmingly voted by 289 in favour to 137 opposed and bill now needs to be passed by the Senate. It seeks to impose more stringent security provisions on already robust screening of Iraqi and Syrian refugees entering US. The passage of bill is consider as a major setback for the Obama administration as the US President had opposed such a move and also because a large block of Democratic lawmakers voted in favour of the bill. The bill was also passed amid of threat by President Barack Obama to veto it. Comment The passage of Bill by US House of Representatives also follows the barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris (France) on 13 November 2015 by seven Islamic State radicals which left 129 people dead. One of these seven perpetuators is thought to have been a Syrian refugee who entered Europe via Greece along the other refugees. Earlier in September 2015, Obama administration had announced its plan to resettle around 10,000 Syrian refugees in the US till September 2016. Since Syrian civil war which began in 2011 to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad regime, millions of Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries and to Europe.
45. Syrian woman journalist Zaina Erhaim has won the prestigious 2015 Reporters without Borders Prize for her defence of press freedom. She was singled out for this prestigious award for her determination and courage covering news in in civil war and conflict ravaged Syria which is deemed the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. Presently, Zaina Erhaim lives and works in Aleppo (Syria). She has trained about 100 citizen reporters (third of them are women) from Syria in past two years. She also has helped in establishing new, independent newspapers and magazines in the war-torn country. About Reporters Without Borders Prize It is an annual award established in 1992 by Paris (France) based NGO Reporters Without Borders (RWB). It is bestowed upon journalists who have made a significant contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom.
46. Senior Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Nitish Kumar has sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar for the record fiftth time. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind at oath taking ceremony held at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Apart from him, Governor also administer oath of office to 28 ministers from Grand Alliance comprising RJD, JD(U) and Congress parties. First time MLA Tejaswi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav who are sons of RJD president Lalu Prasad were also sworn in as ministers. Background Grand Alliance comprising of RJD, JDU and Congress (INC) had emerged victorious in the 2015 Bihar state assembly elections by winning 178 seats of total 243 assembly seats. RJD led by former Union Minister Lalu Prasad had emerged as largest party in the Grand Alliance by winning 80 seats. It was followed by JDU which had won 71 seats and Congress 27. About Nitish Kumar Born on: 1st March 1951 in Bakhtiarpur District of Bihar. Political career: He had started his political career by taking part in the mass movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan between 1974 and 1977. Kumar was elected to Bihar legislative assembly for first time in 1985. He was elected to Lok Sabha for 4 consecutive times, first in 1989 than in 1991, 1996 and 1998. Union Minister: In 1990, for a brief stint he had served as Union Minister of Agriculture. In 1998-99, he had served as Union Minister for Railways and Surface Transport and Minister for Agriculture. He also had served as Union Cabinet Minister for Railways in the NDA Government led Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2001-2004. CM of Bihar: In 2000, he was made CM of Bihar for first time but had resigned within 7 days. In 2005 for second time he was sworn in as the CM of Bihar and for third time in 2010. For fourth time he was sworn-in as CM in February 2015 till November 2015 state Assembly election.
47. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been chosen for the prestigious 2015 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. The prestigious award has been bestowed on office of UNHCR in recognition of its Immense contributions in assisting millions of refugees in their rehabilitation and resettlement. For working under difficult circumstances to bring about changes in order to reduce the flow of refugees. UN Refugee Agency was chosen for this edition of award by the international jury of the prize, headed by Vice President Hamid Ansari. It was declared on the occasion of 98th birth anniversary of India’s Iron Lady Indira Gandhi who was first women Prime Minister of India (in office from 1966–1977 and 1980–1984). About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and support refugees. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. Established: December 14, 1950. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Initially it was established to help people displaced by World War II. But later it became the principal agency that has helped displaced persons all over world. Mission: Safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. Seek lasting solutions to the plights of refugees. Awards: It has won two Nobel Peace Prizes, first in 1954 and second in 1981. About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development Since 1986, the prestigious award accorded annually by Indira Gandhi Trust. Awarded to: Individuals or organizations in recognition of their creative efforts towards promoting international peace, development. It is also bestowed upon them for creating new international economic order and ensuring that scientific discoveries are used for the larger good of humanity and enlarging the scope of freedom. Award carries: The prize consists of monetary award of 25 lakh and a citation. Some of the awardees: UNICEF (1989), Rajiv Gandhi (1991), M S Swaminathan (1999), Kofi Annan (2003), Angel Merkel (2013) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (2014) .
48. Union Government has launched the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund (TADF) under the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), 2011. It was launched by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce & Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. Key facts TADF will facilitate Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) to acquire clean, green and energy efficient technologies. It will also catalyse the manufacturing growth in MSME sector with an aim to contribute to ‘Make in India’ initiative. Implementation: The scheme will be implemented through Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) which is a joint venture company of CII and Department of Science & Technology. GITA was launched in 2007-08 to stimulate private sector’s investment in Research and Development. Direct Support for Technology Acquisition: Proposals will be invited for reimbursement of 50 per cent or up to 20 lakh rupees of technology transfer fee from Indian industry. In-direct Support for Technology Acquisition through Patent Pool: TADF will provide financial support to MSME’s to acquire patent from across the world based on applications. Patent/Technology would be licensed to selected MSME’s and they will get a subsidy of 50 per cent of mutually agreed value or upto 20 lakh rupees. Technology/Equipment Manufacturing Subsidies:TADF will support manufacturing of equipment for reducing energy consumption, controlling pollution and water conservation. In this regard, subsidy of up to 10 per cent of capital expenditure and machinery will be provided to the manufacturing units subjected to a maximum of 50 lakh rupees. Green Manufacturing–Incentive Scheme: TDAF seeks to facilitate resource conservation activities in industries located in National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ). In this regard, financial support for under incentive or subsidy schemes will be provided for construction of green buildings, energy or water audits and implementation of waste treatment facilities.
49. The second World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) has started in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The 4-day conference was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and was attended by Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Kiran Rijiju.
50. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has decided to pay a production-linked subsidy of Rs 4.50 per quintal directly to sugarcane farmers in the current crushing season. Decision in this regard was taken at CCEA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key facts This decision aims at helping cash strapped sugar mills clear arrears and would cost public exchequer about 1,147 crore rupees. The production subsidy would be given to offset the cost of sugarcane and facilitate the timely payment of cane prices to farmers. Currently, Sugar mills across the country are facing a liquidity crunch due to low prices of the sweetener in retail markets and they owe about 6,500 crore rupees to cane farmers. In the last two crushing seasons, Union Government had given sugar export subsidy to millers in order to help them clear cane dues to farmers. But it was discontinued this season due to World Trade Organisation (WTO) objections. Extension of Lines of Credit to African and other developing countries The CCEA also gave its approval to the extension of Lines of Credit to African and other developing countries for another five years from 2015-16. The Lines of Credit will be provided under Indian Development and Economic Assistance (IDEA) Scheme which has been in operation since 2005-06. IDEA scheme attempts to promote India’s strategic political and economic interest abroad by positioning it as an emerging economic power and partner for developing countries. The Union Government would make a budgetary provision to the tune of around 3,772 crore rupees for this scheme. It should be noted that Lines of Credit are an important component of India’s diplomatic strategy. It has been very useful tool in generating goodwill and building long term partnerships with different countries.
51. 50 districts out of total 75 in Uttar Pradesh have been declared drought-hit by the state government led by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Decision in this regard was taken by state government on the recommendation of a natural calamity committee. These 50 drought hit districts have received lesser than 60 per cent rain during the 2015 Monsoon period from June to September 2015. In these drought hit districts more than 33 per cent crops were ruined due to poor monsoon season. In order to provide relief to farmers from these districts, state government has suspended recovery of all dues from them by the end of current financial year 2015-16. State Government has asked District magistrates of these districts to chalk out a plan to deal with the drought situation and ensure that farmers are not harassed in the name of revenue realization. State government also has directed respective departments to start relief works in the identified districts in order to provide all help to the farmers.