9 PM Current Affairs Brief – December 15, 2018

How India and Japan are enhancing their strategic relationship Key Milestones in India-Japan relationship India-Japan bilateral ties gained momentum with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s investment in India in the early 1980s that revolutionized the automobile sector. In 2011, the bilateral economic ties between India and Japan got a boost the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)… Continue reading How India and Japan are enhancing their strategic relationship

Medical Devices Promotion Council to be set up, says Suresh Prabhu  News: The government has recently announced the setting up of a National Medical Devices Promotion Council (NMDPC) under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Important Facts: The proposed council will be headed by Secretary, DIPP. Apart from the concerned departments of Government… Continue reading Medical Devices Promotion Council to be set up, says Suresh Prabhu

Trafficking survivors seek shield in law  News: Trafficking survivors have been demanding passing of the Trafficking of Persons Bill, 2018, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha but awaits approval by Rajya Sabha. Important Facts Need for the Bill According to the Global Slavery Index, India has more than seven million victims of modern… Continue reading Trafficking survivors seek shield in law 

Ireland passes Bill to legalise abortion following May referendum News Ireland has passed a bill to legalise abortion following a referendum in May 2018 Important facts The new abortion law has been named “Savita Law” after Savita Halappanavar who had died in 2012 after being refused abortion due to prevailing laws. The bill allows for… Continue reading Ireland passes Bill to legalise abortion following May referendum

Raghuram Rajan seeks abolition of farm loan waivers from election manifestos News: Former RBI Governor along with 13 economists, proposed an economic strategy to spur public debate and build political consensus around economic reforms that India needs to carry out in the next five years. Important Proposals: Abolition of farm loan waivers from election manifestos:… Continue reading Raghuram Rajan seeks abolition of farm loan waivers from election manifestos

The plastic question is hard to crack Article: Article discuss about the difficulties arising in finding out the alternatives to use of Plastic. Important Analysis: Plastic is clearly an environmental crisis, with an estimated eight million animal-killing tonnes entering the oceans each year. Use of single-use plastic has jumped 400% since 2013. (Single-use plastics, or… Continue reading The plastic question is hard to crack

Economists call for enhancing tax base  News: A group of economists has suggested various measures to address economic concerns in India Important facts Concerns: Income distribution in India is extremely unequal with income of higher income groups rising much faster than the rest. Job opportunities in India remains limited with not enough jobs being created.… Continue reading Economists call for enhancing tax base 

Delhi HC quashes ban on private producers of Oxytocin News The Delhi High Court has recently overruled the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s decision to ban the manufacture and sale of drug Oxytocin stating that the ban was arbitrary, unreasonable and unscientific. Important facts The Health Ministry had called for a ban on private… Continue reading Delhi HC quashes ban on private producers of Oxytocin

Facebook bug exposes photos of 6.8 million users: Here’s everything to know News Facebook has revealed that a software bug exposed the photos of up to 6.8 million users, including pictures they had not posted. Important Facts According to Facebook, the bug affected people who used Facebook Login for third-party apps and granted them permission to… Continue reading Facebook bug exposes photos of 6.8 million users: Here’s everything to know

Fishing for a life and livelihood in Loktak About Loktak Lake Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North -East India. It is located in the Bishupur District of Manipur. The most unique feature of the Loktak lake is the presence of a series of floating islands locally known as phumdis. These are massive… Continue reading Fishing for a life and livelihood in Loktak

Luxembourg set to become first country to provide free public transport News: In an effort to reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of cars, Luxembourg has announced its plan to become the first country in the world to make all its public transportation free. Important Facts: Traffic congestion is a major problem in Luxembourg,… Continue reading Luxembourg set to become first country to provide free public transport

Farming in a warming world Article: Article discuss about the need to foster the process of climate adaptation in agriculture. Important Analysis: The Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on “Global Warming at 1.5°C” propagates the need to strengthen and enhance existing capacity to remain committed to the objectives of… Continue reading Farming in a warming world