1) Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs): The Election Commission of India (ECI) brought new rules for the allocation of symbols to RUPPs.
- The new rules mandate RUPPs to furnish the following along with application for symbols
- Audited accounts of the last three financial years,
- Expenditure statements of last two elections
- RUPPs are those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the Assembly or general election to become a State party.
- It also includes newly registered parties or parties that have never contested elections after being registered.
- ECI allots symbols to political parties under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
2) Direct-to-Cell: SpaceX, an American company, launched the first batch of Starlink satellites with “Direct-to-Cell” capabilities.
- Direct-to-Cell satellites have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space.
- Current communication system is based on the land based tower for transferring signals.
- It allows Starlink to deliver direct satellite broadband connectivity on smartphones anywhere on Earth.
- It will also connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices with common LTE (Long-Term Evolution) standards.
- IoT refers to a network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software and network connectivity that allows them to collect and share data.
3) Ratle Hydroelectric Project (RHP): A Power Purchase agreement has been signed between RHP Power Corporation and Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited.
- It is a Run of River (ROR) project with a capacity of 850 megawatt (MW).
- ROR project harvest the energy from flowing water to generate electricity in the absence of a large dam and reservoir.
- It is located on the river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Chenab is formed after the merger of the two streams namely Chandra and Bhaga.
- Other major projects on Chenab and its tributaries include Dul Hasti, Pakal Dul, etc.
4) White Goods: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is planning to undertake a third-party assessment of the PLI scheme in the white goods segment.
- White goods refer to heavy consumer durables or large home appliances, which were traditionally available only in white. E.g. washing machines, air conditioners, etc.
- Some other types of goods
- Veblen good: Their demand increases as the price increases due to their exclusivity. E.g. luxury cars
- Giffen goods: Their demand increases when prices increase due to lack of substitute for them. E.g. Wheat
- Sin goods: Considered harmful to society. E.g. Alcohol
Places in News:
1) Iran (Capital: Tehran):
- India condemned the twin explosions that took place in Kerman city of Iran.
- Political features:
- Iran is a country in the Middle East or West Asia.
- Bordering nations: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iraq.
- Bordering water bodies: Caspian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf.
- Geographical features:
- Major mountain ranges: Zagros, Elburz, Caucasus.
- Highest Point: Mount Damavand (Dormant stratovolcano)
- Major deserts: Dasht-e-Kavir and Dasht-e- Lut
- Major lakes: Lake Urmia, Gahar Lake
