According to a recent report by British brokerage Barclays, India’s trade deficit has been jumping continuously since July 2021. The widening Current Account Deficit (CAD) is driven by the massive spike in commodity prices led by crude oil. The CAD is expected to reach $45 billion or 1.4% of GDP …

Recently, the Prime Minister has launched the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)- Retail Direct Scheme to open up the Government bond market for the retail investors. Important points: In February 2021, RBI proposed to allow retail investors to open gilt accounts with the central bank to invest in Government securities …

Recently, The Prime Minister has paid tributes to Acharya Kripalani on his Birth Anniversary (11th November). Important points: He was born on 11th November 1888 in Hyderabad, Sindh. His original name was Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani but was popularly known as Acharya Kripalani. He was an independence activist, Indian politician and …

Every year, 11th November is celebrated as National education day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of independent India’s first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. In 2008, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Now Ministry of Education) decided to celebrate Azad’s birthday as National Education Day. Educational institutions across India …

NASA will launch its first planetary defense test mission named the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). The DART spacecraft will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Important points: The mission is to test the new technology to be prepared in case an asteroid heads towards Earth in the …

Congress’ chief whip in the Rajya Sabha sought to move a privilege motion against the Union Culture Minister over the appointment of chairperson of the National Monuments Authority (NMA). The educational and professional background of the current chairperson of NMA does not meet the requirements of law passed by Parliament …

Recently, China handed over the first Type 054A/P frigate (warship) to Pakistan. It is named the PNS Tughril. The PNS Tughril is the first hull of four Type 054 frigates being constructed for the Pakistan Navy. Important points: The ship is a technologically advanced and highly capable platform with enormous …

Infestation of desert locusts, which has plagued a vast swathe from eastern Africa to India in recent years, has been closely linked to climate change. In this context, the Global Landscapes Forum Climate Hybrid Conference has proposed that plans to mitigate climate change must include action against pests and diseases. …

Recently, the Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. The MCDR has been framed under section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957[MMDR Act]. They provide rules regarding conservation of …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has spoken of the need to balance national security concerns with environmental issues in the context of the Army’s request to expand the CharDham Project (CDP) roads leading to the Indo-China border. The request came in the context of construction being carried out by China …