9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 10th, 2018

Beijing calls for ‘home-grown’ solution Context: The political crisis in Maldives could lead to serious geopolitical consequences as the Yameen government is known to have friendly relations with China. Maldives is also a member of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiatives. In July 2015, Maldives had also pressed for an amendment in constitution allowing foreign… Continue reading Beijing calls for ‘home-grown’ solution

We need India’s help to solve the impasse’ International actors may intervene to try and resolve the current crisis in the Maldives, but India alone can be the game changer, according to the island nation’s exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed. Context: Exiled Maldivian ex-President Mohamed Nasheed has said that India has a crucial role to… Continue reading We need India’s help to solve the impasse’

For here or to go? For the estimated 1.5 million Indian Americans waiting for a green card, or permanent residency, in America, this is more than a question about a meal. Context: Indian Americans are now mobilising for legal reforms that would allow them to pursue their American dream The issue of ‘Dreamers’:  ‘Dreamers’ are… Continue reading For here or to go?

UAE will ensure freedom of worship, says envoy The United Arab Emirates will ensure the freedom of worship for Indian workers and professionals, its Ambassador to India, Ahmed Al-Banna, has said. Context: The United Arab Emirates will ensure the freedom of worship for Indian workers and professionals. United Arab Emirates realizes the religious rights of… Continue reading UAE will ensure freedom of worship, says envoy

PM Modi begins Arab outreach from Jordan Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with King Abdullah II of Jordan on Friday, the External Affairs Ministry said in an official statement. The parleys with the king in Amman was the first of Mr. Modi’s meetings during the four-day trip to the West Asian region, which… Continue reading PM Modi begins Arab outreach from Jordan

Modi in Ramallah today, to discuss peace process Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting three West Asia nations namely Palestine, UAE and Oman is effort to expand demographic, political and economic ties with India’s largest trade region.  Prime Minister started visit with stopover at Jordan capital Amman where he met King Abdullah II and… Continue reading Modi in Ramallah today, to discuss peace process

Maldives crisis: India in touch with U.S., China With the emergency in the Maldives still in place and worries about a constitutional crisis, New Delhi is in touch with both Washington and Beijing over the situation, officials confirmed on Friday. Context: With the emergency in the Maldives and worries about a constitutional crisis, India is… Continue reading Maldives crisis: India in touch with U.S., China

Murky mining The Supreme Court order to halt the murky course that mining has taken in Goa should help restore some balance to the exploitation of iron and manganese ore in the ecologically fragile State. Context: The Supreme Court has cancelled 88 mining leases given by Goa government for violating procedure What has happened? The… Continue reading Murky mining

Mars on earth: simulation tests held in remote desert of Oman Two scientists in spacesuits, stark white against the auburn terrain of desolate plains and dunes, test a geo-radar built to map Mars by dragging the flat box across the rocky sand. Context: The desolate desert in southern Oman, near the borders of Yemen and… Continue reading Mars on earth: simulation tests held in remote desert of Oman

Testing the diagnosis Traditional and scientific medical systems cannot be integrated. Context: Desiring the integration of all medical systems is naive and unrealistic. Traditional and scientific medical systems cannot be integrated. Doctrine of traditional way: All cultures wanted explanations on why some fell ill while others did not, and, what remedies cure different illnesses. All… Continue reading Testing the diagnosis

Are fiscal risks increasing? Context: Budget 2018-19 has proposed amending the FRBM Act again, which will shift the target of 3% fiscal deficit-GDP ratio to end-March 2021. New framework: The new statutory anchors relate to the general and Central government debt-GDP ratios that are to be reduced to 60% and 40% of GDP, respectively, by… Continue reading Are fiscal risks increasing?