Recently, the people of Bangalore witnessed a bright rainbow ring around the sun for a few moments – a rare optical and atmospheric phenomenon called “22 degree circular Halo”. Important points: The phenomenon popularly known as the 22 degree circular halo of the sun or occasionally the Moon (also called a moon ring or winter …

Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are calling on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to set up a permanent commission to report on human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. The move comes in the wake of the latest surge in violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Important …

Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that Assets Under Management (AUM) under the National Pension System (NPS) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), crossed the milestone of Rs. 6 trillion. AUM is the total market value of the investments that a person or entity handles on behalf of investors. Important points: National Pension System: The Central …

Recently, the Ministry of Power has decided to set up a National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based thermal power plants. Important points: The proposed National Mission on biomass will also contribute to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). It would further support the energy transition in the country and our targets …

The Uttarakhand High Court has reprimanded the State government for stopping some Van Gujjar families on the way to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and said their right to life is being violated by the authorities. Important points: The Van Gujjars pursue seasonal migration from the Terai-Bhabar and Siwalik region of Uttarakhand to the higher bugyals in the Western …

Recently, the Ministry of Finance amended Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015 and clarified on the final rules for increased FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the Insurance Sector. Parliament had passed the Insurance Amendment Bill 2021 to increase the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 74% from 49%. The Ministry of Finance has notified ‘Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment …

The Supreme Court of India (SC) has directed the Central Government and the State Governments to complete the registration process of unorganized workers so that they can avail the welfare benefits given under various government schemes. Important points: It has asked states and Union territories to keep a record of the returning migrant labourers, including details …

Recently, messaging platform WhatsApp has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the traceability provision in the New IT Rules 2021 Earlier the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) had sent a notice to WhatsApp asking it to withdraw a controversial update to its privacy policy which might be a threat to Data Protection of …