# Ukraine

• Russia said on Tuesday some of its military units were returning to their bases after exercises near Ukraine.
• This comes at a time when American officials are warning that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time.
• German Chancellor Olaf scholz is on a diplomatic mission to Russia to difuse situation.
• India on Tuesday advised its citizens in Ukraine, particularly students, to temporarily leave the country in view of escalating tensions with Russia.

# Anti-lynchings bill

• Bills passed against lynchings in the past four years by atleast four states including one BJP ruled states have not been implemented.
• Central government has taken the view that lynching is not defined as a crime under the Indian penal code.
• Lynching incidents are generally dealt with under section 300 and 302 of the IPC which pertains to murder.
• The four states which have passed anti lynching bill are Jharkhand, Manipur (BJP), West Bengal and Rajasthan.

# Exports

• India’s merchandise exports touched $34.5 billion in January, 25.3℅ higher than a year ago.
• Imports grew at a lower pace, which took trade deficit to a five months low of $17.4 billion.
• Gold imports fell sharply during January to just $2.4 billion, recording a 40℅ decline from last year.

# Digital mapping

• India plans to prepare digital maps of all its six lakh villages and pan India 3D maps will be prepared for 1000 cities.
• An ongoing scheme, piloted by the panchayati raj ministry called SVAMITVA (Survey of villages mapping with improvised technologies in village areas) was launched by Prime minister Narendra Modi in April 2020.
• The Updated guidelines help private companies prepare a variety of maps without needing approvals from a host of ministries.