9 PM Current Affairs Brief – 6th November, 2017

The new oil game:  Context The global importance of China’s oil imports will be an increasingly pressing worry for India What will China do to mitigate its dependence on oil supplies from the Middle East? China is the world’s largest net oil importer, comfortably outstripping the US, and much of its crude comes from countries… Continue reading The new oil game: 

Beyond big game hunting:  Context India by accepting the invitation to join the Quadrilateral grouping to provide alternative debt financing for countries in the Indo-Pacific, has taken a significant turn in its policy for the subcontinent. The Quad pivot The Japan-proposed, U.S.-endorsed plan, including Australia, it is necessary that India analyze the impact of this… Continue reading Beyond big game hunting: 

Warring over disarmament in the UN:  Context: The United Nations diplomats from all member-states gather to deliberate on disarmament and international security, promote national interest. Introduction: The deliberations of the First Committee have sought to bridge difference and seek common ground. These events include tensions over North Korea between the US and China, differences over… Continue reading Warring over disarmament in the UN: 

Centre plans to set up more commercial courts:  Context: Union government proposed to establish commercial courts in districts to further improve the parameters of ease of doing business. Indian’s performance within the legal framework according to the World Bank’s Ranking and the government’s take on it: India’s performance has been varied within the legal framework.… Continue reading Centre plans to set up more commercial courts: 

Seize the opportunity:  Context: The Supreme Court has recently ordered the Centre to frame a scheme to establish special courts exclusively to try cases against politicians. The court has handed down many rulings that make legislators and holders of public office accountable for corruption. What are factors to be taken into concern before setting up… Continue reading Seize the opportunity: 

Marooned once more   Context Chennai’s meeting with the northeast monsoon resulted into all-round relief since the water fortunes of more than eight million residents of the metropolitan region depend on this weather system. What are the issues? The larger issue of how the city deals with flood and drought cycles remains unaddressed. Chennai is… Continue reading Marooned once more  

INSV Tarini on second leg of circumnavigation: Context: The all-women crew of the Indian Navy sailboat, which is on a challenging expedition of circumnavigating the globe, left port city of Fremantle in Western Australia for its onward journey to New Zealand. Introduction: The vessel had reached Fremantle recently after completion of the first leg of… Continue reading INSV Tarini on second leg of circumnavigation:

Navy to use U.S. aircraft launch system in ship: Context: The Navy is likely to go with an advanced catapult-based aircraft launch mechanism (CATOBAR) from the U.S. for its second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II). India has been exploring the possibility of installing the U.S. electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). What are the significance of EMALS?… Continue reading Navy to use U.S. aircraft launch system in ship:

Demonetisation: A resounding success:  Context: Massive economic reforms like demonetization cannot be measured solely by using economic parameters but need to take into account the structural shift that such reforms induce in society. Introduction: On the economic front a heated debate is under way whether demonetisation has been a success or not. Several reputed economists… Continue reading Demonetisation: A resounding success: 

India is right to focus on ease of doing business:  Context The World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2018 report ranks India at 100 out of 190 countries. India’s jump in ease of doing business rankings will hopefully be a spur for further reforms, for a better business environment and greater prosperity for all What is… Continue reading India is right to focus on ease of doing business: 

Decoding GST forms:  Context The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council extended the deadlines for filing GSTR-2 and GSTR-3 forms for July by a month each to November 30 and December 11 respectively.                                             … Continue reading Decoding GST forms: 

PSU banks may get ₹70,000 cr. via recap bonds in four months:  Context: The Finance Ministry may infuse about Rs. 70,000 crore through recapitalisation bonds in the NPA-hit public sector banks (PSBs) in the next four months. Introduction: Last month, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced a Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year roadmap for strengthening… Continue reading PSU banks may get ₹70,000 cr. via recap bonds in four months: