9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 1, 2019

The regional great game International Relation News: The article discusses growing bilateral relations between Iran, India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Facts: Iran and Pakistan, which were trying to remain close, are today moving in opposite directions. This development is fueled by India’s growing proximity to Iran and Saudi Arabia’s to Pakistan. India and Iran relations:… Continue reading The regional great game

India bats for timely Afghanistan polls amid talks between US & Taliban International relation News: India bats for timely elections in Afghanistan amid talks between US and Taliban. Facts: India’s concerns about democratic elections process: India is concerned that the ongoing negotiations between US and Taliban may put pressure on the upcoming presidential elections in… Continue reading India bats for timely Afghanistan polls amid talks between US & Taliban

Number of women voters is surging across the country Polity News The latest enrolment data from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu shows that the gap between female and male voter base has narrowed considerably. Important facts There is a broader national trend of improved voter sex ratios (number of female voters per 1000 male voters) In… Continue reading Number of women voters is surging across the country

Govt to identify denotified, nomadic tribes not classified as SC, ST or OBC Polity News The Union government plans to institute an exercise to identify Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/ NT/ SNT) who were never classified as either Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC) Important facts As per the… Continue reading Govt to identify denotified, nomadic tribes not classified as SC, ST or OBC

Monthly pension plan for informal workers in offing News: Government is working on a plan to offer a monthly pension to unorganised workers. Facts: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is working on a plan to offer a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to unorganised workers. Pension will help the domestic helps and migrant labour above… Continue reading Monthly pension plan for informal workers in offing

Eight core industries’ output growth slows to 2.6% in Dec 2018 Economy News: The article discusses the performance of 8 core industries. Facts: The eight core industries’ output growth fell for the second straight month to touch 2.6% in December 2018. This was lower than both the 3.8 per cent growth recorded in December 2018… Continue reading Eight core industries’ output growth slows to 2.6% in Dec 2018

For the farmer, things to do Agriculture Article The article discusses the steps to be taken for greater income and prosperity for the farmers. Analysis Steps to be taken It is necessary that the newer variety of seeds are affordable and accessible for the farmers. Hybrid varieties developed through public-funded research should be available to… Continue reading For the farmer, things to do

Science or habit? Study examines effectiveness of Green India Mission Environment  News A recent study has critically analysed the effectiveness of Green India Mission Important Facts About Green India Mission Green India Mission (GIM), is one of the eight Missions outlined under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It is aimed at protecting,… Continue reading Science or habit? Study examines effectiveness of Green India Mission

What’s causing extreme cold in US Midwest Environment News A record-breaking cold wave has swept through the US Midwest and is stated to be caused by a polar vortex Important Facts The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It always exists near the… Continue reading What’s causing extreme cold in US Midwest