Current Affairs Section
- Sevdalinka is a traditional Bosnian love song that has recently gained recognition, and added to UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The song, often referred to as the Balkan Blues, reflects a rich cultural history and emotional depth.
- Sevdalinka dates back to the 16th century.
Category: International
- On January 1, 2025, Pakistan commenced its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
- This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member council, succeeding Japan as the Asian representative. Ambassador Munir Akram emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to playing an “active and constructive” role in addressing global challenges.
Category: International
- Effective January 1, 2025, Russia introduced a new tourist tax, replacing the earlier resort fee.
- This initiative, implemented through amendments to the Russian Tax Code, aims to strengthen regional tourism infrastructure.
- The phased plan will initially charge travelers 1% of their lodging costs, with the rate set to increase to 3% by 2027.
- The tax applies to hotels and other accommodations, with costs indirectly passed to tourists.
- Regional authorities are empowered to implement this as a local levy, making it a key step in enhancing Russia’s tourism landscape.
Category: International
- Schengen areas facilitate free travel for the nationals of the member countries to travel to another country for work, business, tourism, etc purposes without any checks and border restrictions.
- Romania and Bulgaria have officially become the full member of the European Union’s (EU) Schengen area Until now both countries had partial membership of the Schengen area
- Now 25 out of the 27 member countries of the European Union are members of the Schengen area except Cyprus and Ireland.
- Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007.
- They partially joined the Schengen area in March 2024 and their citizens were allowed to enter the Schengen area through air or sea freely.(Romania and Bulgaria Joins Schengen after 13 years )
Category: International
China has launched its first next-generation amphibious assault ship, Named Sichuan after a southwestern Chinese province.
* Type 076 ranks among the world’s largest amphibious assault ships
Date: 02-01-2025Category: International
Kessler Syndrome is a hypothetical scenario proposed by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978 which predicts that when the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO)-roughly 100-1,200 miles above our planet reaches a certain critical level, it could lead to a chain reaction of collisions which could render the orbit unfit for human use and halt the space age.
Date: 02-01-2025Category: International
SEOUL COURT APPROVES ARREST OF PRESIDENT YOON SUK YEOL OVER THE IMOPSITION OF MARTIAL LAW
Date: 02-01-2025Category: International