Recently, the Assam Cabinet announced that Gaon Buras, village-level functionaries of the district administration, will be called ‘Gaon Pradhans’. The government has reasoned that a number of young men (and women) become Gaon Buras, and thus, the word ‘Bura’ (meaning old in Assamese) is no longer appropriate. Important  points: Gaon Buras are the village …

Recently, the city of Liverpool, England has been removed from UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list of world heritage sites. Earlier six Indian places were added to the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Important  points: The port city was included in the prestigious list for its architectural beauty and in …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on a phased implementation strategy for its own digital currency and is in the process of launching it in wholesale and retail segments in the near future. A high-level inter-ministerial committee set up by the Finance Ministry had recommended Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) with changes in the legal …

Recently, the US has approved the Germany-Russia Nord Stream 2 Pipeline (NS2P) project – which significantly increases Europe’s energy dependence on Russia. The US had previously imposed sanctions to prevent the completion of this gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. Important  points: This is a 1,200-km pipeline that runs from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald …

Recently, the scientists for the first time have decoded the reference-grade whole genome sequence of a highly salt-tolerant and salt-secreting mangrove species, Avicennia marina. This study was led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar. Important  points: It is one of the most prominent mangroves species found in all mangrove formations in …

Recently, the Union Minister of Law and Justice informed the Rajya Sabha regarding the appointment of judges in various high courts. The minister pointed out that filling up vacancies in the higher judiciary is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and the Judiciary. It requires consultation and approval from Constitutional authorities at the State as well as Central level. Important  points: Article 217 of the …

Recently, the government introduced the Essential Defence Services Bill, 2021 in Lok Sabha. It seeks to replace the ordinance issued in June 2021 and prohibits any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services. Important  points: It includes any service in any establishment or undertaking dealing with production of goods or equipment required for defence related …

Recently, a global collaborative investigative effort has revealed that, at least 300 individuals in India, were potentially identified for targeted surveillance using sophisticated spyware called Pegasus. However, the government has claimed that all interception in India takes place lawfully. Communication surveillance in India takes place primarily under two laws – the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Information Technology …