The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has threatened tech giant Apple to desist from using what it calls “blood minerals” drawn from the impoverished Central African country or face legal action. (Source: Down To Earth)
Category: PRELIMS TERMINOLOGY
Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT)
According to a recent report, 18 of the EU’s 27 nations have put in place domestic laws for the global minimum tax as per a EU directive.
Rampage missiles
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly bolstered its air combat capabilities with the induction of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missiles.
Bambi Bucket
Recently, Indian Air Force’s MI 17 V5 helicopter was deployed to extinguish the raging forest fires in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
Veddas of Sri Lanka
Scientists have found a distinct genetic link between the Veddas of Sri Lanka and India, opening a new chapter in genetic studies. Source: BL
Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES)
Exporters have urged the government to extend the interest equalisation scheme (IES) that is set to expire on June 30. About Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES)
Special 301 report
The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2024 Special 301 report has once again included India in the ‘priority watch list’ of countries, along with China, Russia, Venezuela, and three others, for alleged problems related to IP (intellectual property) protection and enforcement. Read More …
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
The Union Ministry of Finance has assigned the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to the gems and jewellery sector. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
Inheritance taxes
A debate has arisen in India over ‘Inheritance tax’ following remarks by some politicians, however, the concept is not new in India. About inheritance taxes Estate Duty in India Gift Tax Wealth tax (Compiled from The Hindu, ET and Business Read More …
Warming planet and tundra environments
According to a recent study titled “Environmental drivers of increased ecosystem respiration in a warming tundra”, the warming planet may alter the characteristics of tundra environments and could transform them from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Key highlights Tundra ecosystems
The 1951 Refugee Convention
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the key legal documents that form the basis of UNHCR’s work. Key points
Indian Air Force successfully tests Crystal Maze-2 missile
The Indian Air Force achieved a significant enhancement in its capabilities by successfully conducting a test firing of an air-launched ballistic missile. Key points
Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft
NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft was lifted off from the launch pad aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket at the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand on April 24. About ACS3 Solar Sail technology
Nеptis philyra
A dеdicatеd group of buttеrfly lovеrs stumblеd upon thе rarе Nеptis philyra butterfly hiddеn in thе pristinе wilds of Talе Vallеy Wildlifе Sanctuary, locatеd in thе Lowеr Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals
On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. Key points Schengen Visa Read More …