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Indian Army and Air Force Join ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’

India’s Indian Army and Indian Air Force are preparing for the 7th installment of Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ in Kazakhstan. This exercise, which initially started as “Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK” in 2016, has seen significant development over the years, elevating from a company level to a bi-service exercise. The event will take place in Otar, Kazakhstan, from 30th October to 11th November 2023, where both sides will identify and practice counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate.

Origins and Evolution of Exercise KAZIND

The Indo-Kazakh military cooperation began under the name “Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK” in 2016. After the second edition, it was renamed “Exercise KAZIND”. In each subsequent year, the exercise saw several advancements, including upgrading from a company-level exercise to a bi-service exercise with the inclusion of the Air Force component. The focus of these exercises is largely on honing skills for counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment.

The Causes of the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquakes Revealed

In February 2023, devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, causing unprecedented damage and loss of life. A recent study published in the journal Science highlighted the role of tectonic forces in triggering these disastrous events. Fault lines, formed due to interactions such as collisions, separations, or sliding between tectonic plates, were crucial factors. Particularly, the East and North Anatolian Fault Lines, stretching over 700km and 1500km respectively, played pivotal roles. The paper further unraveled that a seismic cascade, a chain reaction of ruptures in the Earth’s crust interrupted the conversation between these fault lines, resulting in massive earthquakes.

“Dark Pattern” Sales by Airlines: A New Form of Cybercrime?

The dubious business practices within airlines and online travel agencies, termed as “dark patterns”, have caught the attention of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation. Dark patterns are deceptive design strategies used in websites or apps to trick users into taking actions that might not necessarily be in their best interest. IndiGo, a major carrier, has been specifically nudged by the government to rectify such practices related to seat selection and additional fees.

PFRDA Introduces Mandatory Penny-Drop Verification for NPS

In its latest move to ensure seamless fund transfers, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has made ‘penny drop’ verification mandatory for National Pension System (NPS) subscribers. This verification process involves Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRA) checking the active status of the savings bank account and cross-referencing the subscriber’s name. Any discrepancy in the verification process can hinder exit/withdrawal requests and modifies subscriber bank account details, which calls for CRA’s collaboration with nodal offices for rectification.

Last Modified: February 22, 2024

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