FASTag
New FASTag rules to link it with Vehicle registration and mobile number came into effect from August 1, 2024.
- A device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
- It uses radio waves to identify objects by reading information contained in wireless tag from a distance.
- Flagship programme of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & NHAI.
Maritime Partnership Exercise
Maritime Partnership Exercise held recently.
- Held between India and Russia
- Participated by Indian Naval Ship Tabar
Loach fish
Recently a new species of loach fish has been found in Sonarenga, Nakama, and Chiabol caves of Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district.
- Small elongated freshwater fishes
- Native to – Central and southern Asia.
- Other features –
- Usually nocturnal fishes
- Inhabit both still and flowing waters.
- Use their barbels (Sensory Organs) to comb the bottom for worms, larvae, and other food.
Surrogate Advertisement
Ministry of Health asked Sports Authority of India and BCCI to prevent surrogate advertisement of tobacco/alcohol by sportspersons.
- Involves advertising a product that cannot be advertised openly due to legal restriction.
- It involves advertising a brand without naming the actual product that is being indirectly advertised.
- Banned under – Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022.
World Trade Statistics 2023
The WTO issued “World Trade Statistics 2023”.
- Highlights on Agriculture Export –
- Top 5 exporters – EU> US> Brazil> China> Canada.
- Collectively, the top 10 exporters represented a 71.9% share of world exports in 2023.
- India was the 8th largest exporter.
- India’s exports worth $51 billion constituted 2.24% of agriculture exports in 2023.