Recently, Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat. The cyclone has left a trail of destruction as it swept through the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Important points: It is a tropical cyclone, named by Myanmar. It means ‘gecko’, a highly vocal lizard, in the Burmese language. Typically, tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region (Bay …

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a framework for setting up a spot gold exchange. The spot exchange is where financial instruments, such as commodities, currencies, and securities, are traded for immediate delivery. SEBI is a statutory body established in April, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, …

Recently, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). For setting up the Council, a Bill has to be introduced in the Assembly and then a nod from the Governor is required. The Legislative Council in the State was abolished in 1969. Important points: India has a bicameral system of legislature. Just as Parliament has two Houses, the …

As India battles a raging second wave, cases of children losing their parents to Covid-19 are also mounting. Further, the apprehension of child trafficking in the garb of adoption has increased. Important points: Various social media posts are getting circulated with details of children who have lost either both their parents or the only living …

Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the constitution of an independent collegium to appoint members of the Election Commission. Election Commission of India It is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the …

Recently, Iran gave the Farzad-B Gas Field to Petropars, a domestic gas producer. This is a setback for India’s energy ties with Iran as ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) had discovered the gas field in 2008 and has been part of the ongoing cooperation on that front. Important points: Farzad-B Gas Field: It is located in Persian …