Cairn India will partner US-based Halliburton to start shale exploration in the Lower Barmer Hill formation, Western Rajasthan. Important points: The key difference between shale oil and conventional crude is that the former, also called ‘tight oil’, is found in smaller batches, and deeper than conventional crude deposits. Unlike conventional …

Recently, the Prime Minister delivered the keynote at the inaugural Sydney Dialogue via video conferencing. He spoke on the theme of India’s technology evolution and revolution. Important points: The international order should ensure cryptocurrencies do not end up in the wrong hands. Citing the unregulated nature of the crypto market, …

According to the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief, India has become the world’s largest recipient of Remittances, receiving USD 87 billion (a gain of 4.6 % from previous year) in 2021. India is followed by China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt. The United States being the biggest source, accounting …

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its approval for continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I and II (PMGSY-I and II) upto September, 2022 for completion of balance road and bridge works. The CCEA also approved continuation of Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Working Group (WG) Committee has made recommendations pertaining to Digital Lending, including a separate legislation to prevent illegal digital lending activities. The RBI constituted a WG on digital lending including lending through online platforms and mobile apps in January, 2021. The panel was …

Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched the e-Governance for Civil Aviation (e-GCA) online platform through which the Civil Aviation will provide 298 services including pilot licensing and medical examination. The launch of the e-GCA project under DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) was part of the 100-day plan …

The Odisha Government is expected to soon lay the foundation stone of the Puri heritage corridor, which is being developed at a cost of Rs 800 crore. The project is a part of the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme for developing Puri as …

Recently, Bribery Risk Matrix 2021 was released by TRACE, an anti-bribery standard setting organisation. Important points: It measures business bribery risk in 194 countries, territories, and autonomous and semi-autonomous regions. It was originally published in 2014 to meet a need in the business community for more reliable and nuanced information …

Recently, the Ministry of Rural Development inaugurated ‘Bhumi Samvaad’ – National Workshop on Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). The Ministry also launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) portal and Dashboard. Important points: The DILRMP was approved by the Cabinet on 21st August, 2008. For modernization of …

Recently, the 16th edition of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2021) survey was released. The survey analysed the impact of Covid-19 on learning. It shows an increase in dependence on private tuitions and an absence of ready access to smartphones. Specific attention is needed to help make up …