Today's Headlines

Today's Headlines - 17 April 2024

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Reforms needed in the voting process

GS Paper II

News Excerpt:

The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

NOAA, ICRI confirm fourth global mass coral bleaching event in 2023-2024

GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

The world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event, with significant bleaching documented across major ocean basins since February 2023.

Why has RBI allowed FIIs to invest in green bonds?

GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

In a significant move towards promoting India's green initiatives, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently allowed Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS) to invest in Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs).

Arctic a ‘hemispheric sink’ for chemicals & plastics

GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

According to a new report, the Arctic is a ‘hemispheric sink’ for chemicals & plastics accumulating in the region from local as well as global sources.

Also in News

Bumblebee species

News Excerpt: 

Scientists have revealed queens of the common eastern bumblebee, a species widespread in eastern North America, can withstand submersion for up to a week when hibernating.

World Chagas Disease Day

News Excerpt:

World Chagas Disease Day is a global healthcare event observed on the 14th of April every year.

Gaia mission: Milky Way’s ‘most massive’ black hole

News Expert:

Astronomers have detected the largest stellar black hole in the Milky Way galaxy, with a mass 33 times that of the Sun. It is also the second closest black hole to Earth, sitting just 2,000 light years away from the planet.

RBI now allows gold hedging in overseas markets

News Excerpt:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a significant policy amendment, enabling residents to diversify their hedging strategies against gold price volatility in overseas markets.

India imposes port restrictions on supply of prohibited/restricted export items to Maldives

News Excerpt:

Amid tensions between Maldives and India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade  issued a notification imposing port restrictions for export of essential commodities to the island nation during the fiscal year 2024-25.

Fish species spotted using tools

News Excerpt:

Three fish species that live in the Laccadive Sea, off the southwest corner of the Indian coast, are capable of using tools.