Volatility index Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Econo VIX (Volatility index) is an index used to measure the near term volatility expectations of the markets. Volatility signifies the rate and magnitude of change in the stock price or index value. The movement in the VIX index reflects the overall market volatility expectations over the next 30 days. Given the nature of the index, it is also known as ‘fear gauge’ or ‘fea

US Cancels Red Flag

The US Cancels Red Flag Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- IR Recently, the U.S. Air Force cancelled the Phase-I of Red Flag due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise meant to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment over the Joint Pacific Alaska range complex. It is USA’s flagship multilateral air exercise. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was also to take part in the

Gond Tribals

Gond Tribals Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- Governance While people are struggling for masks and sanitisers in the urban areas, Gond tribal people living in Panna, Madhya Pradesh have devised their own way to make masks to fight coronavirus. Tribal people are making masks with medicinal leaves and following traditional ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Gond Tribe Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups i

30 March, 2020
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Laser Surface Micro-Texturing

Laser Surface Micro-Texturing Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- S&T The International Advanced Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI) has developed ultrafast laser surface texturing technology, which can improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The technology helps to control friction and wear. Key Points Laser surface micro-texturing offers precise control of the size, shape and density of micro-surface texture features. In thi

27 March, 2020
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107th Indian Science Congress

107th Indian Science Congress Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- S&T Recently, the Prime Minister has inaugurated 107th Indian Science Congress. It is scheduled to take place between January 3-7, at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Key Points The theme of the congress for 2020 is “Science & Technology: Rural Development”. Indian Science Congress is a major focal point for scien

27 March, 2020
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Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)

Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the continuation of the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) from 1st April 2020 onward until it is merged with the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP). Continuation of RoSCTL beyond 31st March 2020 is expected to make the textile sector competitive by rebating all taxes/levies which are currently not being rebated under