Lokayukta Investigation in Karnataka: Lokayukta is State-level anti-corruption body tasked with investigating complaints of corruption and maladministration against public officials. It is inspired by the Ombudsman system in Scandinavian countries. It was recommended by the first Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966 chaired by Morarji Desai. The first Lokayukta was established in Maharashtra in 1971. Lokpal and […]
Calyptocephallela gayi
Calyptocephallela gayi: A giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi is now losing ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat. It is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs). It is […]
Specialised Investment Fund
Specialised Investment Fund: SEBI has introduced a new asset class called Specialised Investment Fund (SIF). It is designed for informed investors willing to take on riskier investments. Specialised Investment Fund (SIF) bridges the gap between mutual funds (MFs) and portfolio management services (PMS). It requires a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh, with lower thresholds […]
Dark Comet
Dark Comet: NASA scientists are closely studying a new class of celestial objects known as “dark comets”. They are celestial bodies which lack the glowing tails (a typical feature of comets) and resemble asteroids. They are often small, just a few meters to a few hundred meters wide. They have less surface area for material […]
20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions
20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions: It was established by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) Act 2004. It is a quasi judicial body and has been endowed with the powers of a Civil Court for the purpose of discharging its functions under the Act. It aims to […]
Standing Committee on Railways : Report
Standing Committee on Railways : Report The Standing Committee on Railways presented its latest report in Parliament, highlighting inefficiency in Railways. Standing Committee Report on Railways: Freight Train Speed: Average speed over the past 11 years: 25.14 km/h. Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC): Eastern DFC: Completed. Western DFC: 102 km section to be completed by December […]
Varmam Therapy
Varmam Therapy: The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) has set a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously. It is a unique and traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine, has long been revered for its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. It is a drugless, non-invasive, simple therapy […]
Loan Write-Offs by Banks
Loan Write-Offs by Banks: A large-scale loan write-off by banks over the past few years has contributed to a significant reduction in non-performing assets (NPAs).As a result, banks have achieved a 12-year low NPA ratio of 2.8% of advances by March 2024.Between FY2015 and FY2024, Indian commercial banks wrote off loans amounting to Rs 12.3 […]
Oilfields Amendment Bill 2024
Oilfields Amendment Bill 2024: The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed by the Rajya Sabha, aiming to encourage domestic production of petroleum and mineral oils while attracting private investment.This bill seeks to amend the existing Oilfields Act of 1948 by clearly delineating the governance of oil production from mining activities.The Bill broadens […]
RBI Enhances Collateral-Free Loan for Farmers
RBI Enhances Collateral-Free Loan for Farmers: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the collateral-free loan limit for farmers from Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh to support small and marginal farmers amidst rising input costs.Over 86% of farmers, primarily small and marginal landholders, are expected to benefit.Includes loans for allied agricultural activities, […]
