Recently, Ukrainian police has accused Russian forces of launching phosphorus bomb attacks (chemical weapon) in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions of eastern Ukraine, collectively known as the Donbas. International law prohibits the use of white phosphorus shells in heavily populated civilian areas, but allows them in open spaces to be used as cover for …
Read More »Monthly Archives: March 2022
INTEREST RATE CAP ON MFI
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed Microfinance Institutions(MFI) the freedom to set interest rates they charge borrowers, with a caveat that the rates should not be usurious. The guidelines will take effect 1st April 02022. Earlier in 2021, the RBI proposed to lift the interest rate cap on MFI. Highlights of the Guidelines The RBI …
Read More »MEDICAL AND WELLNESS TOURISM IN INDIA
Recently, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. The policy envisages promoting India as a Medical Value Travel (MVT) and Wellness destination. Medical & Wellness tourism may be defined as ‘activities related to travel and hosting a foreign tourist who stays at least one night at the destination …
Read More »SYLLIPSIMOPODI BIDENI
Recently, a fossil unearthed in central Montana (US) of a species named Syllipsimopodibideni represents the oldest-known relative of today’s octopuses and boasts 10 arms, with two twice as long as the other eight. It has been named after the US president, Joe Biden. Characteristics of the Species Syllipsimopodi, about 12 cm long, had a torpedo-shaped body and …
Read More »NATIONAL CRIME RECORDS BUREAU
Recently the 37th Foundation Day of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was celebrated (11th March 1986) . National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) NCRB, headquartered in New Delhi, was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in …
Read More »BLOCKCHAIN GAMING
The vast scope and potential of blockchain technology has attracted the gaming industry over the past few years. In India too, gaming industries are exploring this option. Blockchain is a decentralised database that stores information. It relies on technology that allows for the storage of identical copies of this information on multiple computers in …
Read More »BAHINI SCHEME
The Sikkim government is set to announce a scheme (Bahini) to install vending machines to provide free sanitary pads. This is the first time that a state government has taken a decision to cover all girls studying in Classes 9-12. Purpose of the Scheme It aims at providing “100% access to free and safe …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Recently, after Russia invaded Ukraine, the US imposed sanctions on Russia including a ban on transfer of technology and on Russian banks. Following this, the Russian space agency Roscosmos held that the State Corporation will not cooperate with Germany on joint experiments in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). Russia’s role in maintaining the …
Read More »PNTR STATUS
US and other members of the Group of Seven (G7) will revoke Russia’s “Permanent Normal Trade Relations (Pntr)” status to punish Russia for war over Ukraine. The move would pave the way for the US to impose tariffs on a wide range of Russian goods, heightening pressure on an economy on the brink of deep recession A recession is …
Read More »NEW LUNAR CRATER
Recently, a leftover piece of a spacecraft flying (of Chang’e 5-T1 – a lunar mission of China) through space reportedly hit the surface of the moon creating a new crater that may be around 65 feet wide. This is the first recorded unintentional case of space junk hitting the moon. The speed, trajectory, and time …
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