9 PM Current Affairs Brief – 2nd November, 2017

Nirmala flags Indian Ocean issues:  Context: India has expressed concern at the increased militarisation in the Indian Ocean. Concerns have also been raised against the extra-regional nations setting up a frequent presence in the region. International activities in the maritime domain:   China has set up or acquired stakes in a series of infrastructure facilities… Continue reading Nirmala flags Indian Ocean issues: 

India, Bhutan security indivisible: President: Context The President Ram Nath Kovind said that the security of India and Bhutan is “indivisible and mutual”, indicating a closer engagement between India and Bhutan. Token of Thanks The President conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in… Continue reading India, Bhutan security indivisible: President:

Speed up trial of politicians, says SC:  Context: A Supreme Court bench directed the Centre to frame a scheme for setting up special courts exclusively to deal with criminal cases involving political persons. Why this scheme has been directed by SC? The effort has been initiated to cleanse politics of criminality and corruption. It takes… Continue reading Speed up trial of politicians, says SC: 

Scientists mine ‘star scar’ in France: Context: An astrobleme was made by a massive space rock that crash-landed more than 200 million years ago in Rochechouart , has intrigued scientists since its discovery in the 19th century. What is an Astrobleme? An astrobleme, literally means ‘star scar’ It is the name given to traces left… Continue reading Scientists mine ‘star scar’ in France:

India mulls national e-commerce policy:  Context: India is considering drafting a comprehensive national e-commerce policy to develop an ecosystem that would support exports and protect consumer interests. Introduction: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) was working on a paper on e-commerce, which will soon be put in public domain for debates and comments.… Continue reading India mulls national e-commerce policy: 

UN says carbon emissions gap could affect climate target:  Context: Paris Agreement pledges leave deficit that could raise temperature by 3°C Introduction: In its annual review, the UN says the gap between carbon cutting plans and the reductions required to keep temperature rises below 2 degrees Celsius is “alarmingly high”. The goal of the Paris… Continue reading UN says carbon emissions gap could affect climate target: 

Mass bathing in Ganga aggravates anti-microbial resistance woes:  Context: Mass bathing in the Ganga during pilgrimages may be contributing to Anti-microbial resistance (AMR), say a government-commissioned report on the threat from AMR. Introduction: The government report – Scoping Report on Antimicrobial Resistance in India — made public on Wednesday  and cites compilation of all scientific… Continue reading Mass bathing in Ganga aggravates anti-microbial resistance woes: