1) Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD): Recently, a death has been reported in Karnataka due to KFD virus (KFDV).
- It derives its name from Kyasanur Forest Range of Karnataka where it was first spotted.
- It is a zoonotic disease caused by KFDV.
- KFDV is transmitted through the bite of ticks.
- It is also known as Monkey Disease/Monkey Fever as Bonnet, and black-faced langur monkeys are highly susceptible.
- They play a significant role in the spread of the virus in the human population
2) Dark Fibre: Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has quashed SEBI’s order of imposing a fine on the National Stock Exchange in the dark-fibre case.
- A dark fibre (unlit fibre) is an unused optical fibre which is not connected to any active equipment or has no traffic or service running on it.
- They are named dark because no light pulse is transmitted through these cables.
- Even after these fibres are used, they are referred as dark fibre, as they are independent of other network cables.
- Benefits: Low latency, high security etc.
3) Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme: Government announced to bring Series III of Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGBs) (2023-24).
- Objective: Reduce the demand for physical gold.
- SGB are government securities and issued under Government Securities Act, 2006.
- Issued by: RBI on the behalf of Government of India.
- SGBs are restricted for sale to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Family (HUFs), Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.
- Tenor: Period of eight years (has premature redemption after 5th year)
- Minimum investment: One gram.
- Maximum limit: 4 Kg for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts per fiscal year.
4) Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB): TIWB launched a programme in Saint Lucia and India has been chosen as the Partner Administration. India will provide Tax Experts for this program
- It is a joint initiative of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- It facilitates the transfer of tax audit knowledge and skills to developing country tax administrations using a practical, “learning by doing” approach.
Places in News:
1) Iran (Capital: Tehran):
- Iran has decided to unilaterally cancel visa requirements for Indian visitors.
- Political Features:
- It lies in the South-western Asia.
- It is bordered by Armenia and Azerbaijan (North), Turkmenistan (North East), Afghanistan and Pakistan (East), and Iraq and Turkey (west).
- It also borders with Caspian Sea (North), and Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman (South).
Geographical features:
- Major Mountains: Elburz and Zagros
- Major Rivers: Karun, Karkeha and Zayandeh
- Major Deserts: Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut
- Highest Point: Mount Damavand
