GS

British authorities are exploring the possibility of creating a Central Bank Digital Currency, being touted as “Britcoin.” It is a step towards future proofing Pound Sterling (currency of the United Kingdom) against cryptocurrencies and improving the payments system. Important points: In the wake of declining cash payments in the country …

Recently, the European Union (EU) approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The renewed EU commitment to the Indo-Pacific will have a long-term focus and will be based on upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law. Indo-Pacific is a …

What is ASEAN? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization which was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states. The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”. 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day. ASEAN Secretariat …

Italy recently launched the first “Mega Food Park” in India involving food processing facilities. It is the first Italian-Indian Food Park project launched in the country. About the Project The name of the project is “Mega Food Park”. The main aim of the project is to develop an interaction between …

The Department of Science and Technology recently launched the National Climate Vulnerability Report. According to the report, eight Eastern States in the country are highly vulnerable to climate change. They are Mizoram, Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam. Key Findings of the report The report has …

The two biggest polluters of the world China and US have agreed to work together in tackling climate change issues. They recently issued a joint statement that they will work together to uphold Paris Agreement. The announcement comes days before the Earth Day Leaders Summit. The announcement was made after …

The Tiki Formation in Madhya Pradesh, a treasure trove of vertebrate fossils, has now yielded a new species and two genera of cynodonts, small rat-like animals that lived about 220 million years ago. Important points: The researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, used scanning electron microscopy to study …

Skygazers watched a rare celestial event when the moon came between Earth and Mars. The phenomenon is known as occultation. Important points: An occultation is an event that occurs when one object is hidden by another object that passes between it and the observer. The term is often used in …

China has asked Japan to take back its decision to release more than 1 million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Important points: The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is a disabled nuclear power plant located on a 3.5-square-kilometre site in the towns of …

During the 11th round of discussions between the senior military commanders of India and China on April 9, to resolve the over 11-month long standoff in eastern Ladakh, China had refused to vacate two of the four original friction points. Important points: At two friction points, Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) …

Every year, the United Nations marks April 18 as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, in many countries also celebrated as World Heritage Day. The theme for this year is “Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures”. Globally, the day is promoted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). ICOMOS …

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted an eight-member National Task Force (NTF) to combat air pollution and monitor remedial steps to improve air quality. Important points: Composition: Senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Petroleum, Transport, Power, Agriculture, Health …

Important points: World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, is being observed on 18 April every year. The day is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage through various activities undertaken by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). To mark World …

Recently, doctors in the United States have reported neurological symptoms in children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Important points: MIS-C is a rare but severe hyperinflammatory condition in children and adolescents that typically occurs 2-6 weeks after a Covid-19 infection. It is a potentially deadly condition where different …

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a Global Diabetes Compact to better fight the disease while marking the centenary of the discovery of insulin. The programme was launched at the Global Diabetes Summit co-hosted by the Government of Canada. Important points: The Global Diabetes Compact has the vision of reducing …

The team of researchers from Purdue University have created an ultra-white paint. The newer paint is whiter and keeps the surface areas it is painted on cooler and thus can act as a breakthrough in combating the woes of global warming. Important points: The new ultrawhite white paint reflects 99% …

Recently, the UK’s Home Department has approved the extradition of Nirav Modi, a diamond merchant to India in connection with the Rs. 13,758-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. India and the UK entered into an extradition treaty in 1992. Important points: Extradition is the process by which one state, upon …

Recently, the Union government told the Bombay High Court that making FASTag mandatory for all vehicles does not breach a citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of movement in any way. A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Court challenging the government’s decision to make FASTag, the electronic toll collection …

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to enable, in a phased manner, payment system operators to take direct membership in RTGS and NEFT. Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) and National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) are the Centralised Payment Systems (CPSs) of the RBI. Non-bank payment system …

Recently, the United States (US) placed 11 countries, including India in the Currency Practices Monitoring List (Currency Manipulators Watch List). India was on the list in the December 2020 report as well. In 2019, the US Treasury Department had removed India from its currency manipulator watch list of major trading …