9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 15th, 2018

Can sanitation reduce stunting? Context: Impact of sanitation on stunting Introduction: The results of two ambitious new trials published this year show that studying the impact of sanitation on stunting is tricky. The trials, which implemented water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in Bangladesh and Kenyan villages for two years, were an effort to prevent stunting… Continue reading Can sanitation reduce stunting?

Crucible for civilisation Context: A recently published paper has revealed that small tools were used nearly 385,000 years ago at Attirampakkam About Attirampakkam: Located close to Madras, it is the site where, in 1863, British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote discovered the first Palaeolithic stone tools from India Since then, this site has been… Continue reading Crucible for civilisation

Mind the perimeter: On J&K terror attacks Context: The number of casualties in the terror attack on the Sunjuwan Army base in Jammu has risen to seven after clearing operations. The terror attack: The garrison of the 36 Brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was attacked by a small group of heavily armed terrorists… Continue reading Mind the perimeter: On J&K terror attacks

Supreme Court may hear plea to take up two-child norm Context: The Supreme Court may hear a plea to direct the Union government to adopt the “two-child” policy norm in family planning. About the Petition: The public interest litigation petition has been filed by activist Anupam Bajpai The petition calls for incentives for couples who… Continue reading Supreme Court may hear plea to take up two-child norm

Prasar Bharati, Centre on collision course Context: The Prasar Bharati Board on Thursday will discuss a proposal of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to appoint an IAS officer as a board member, giving it a larger say in the working of the autonomous public service broadcaster. Introduction: Surya Prakash, who was recently reappointed Prasar Bharati… Continue reading Prasar Bharati, Centre on collision course

Order to install CCTV cameras in courts is only for security reasons, clarifies Supreme Court Context: Recently, the Supreme Court passed orders for installation of CCTV cameras in courts. Background: On March 28, 2017, the Supreme Court directed that CCTV cameras should be installed in courts and important locations of court complexes in at least… Continue reading Order to install CCTV cameras in courts is only for security reasons, clarifies Supreme Court

Pakistan backed terrorists will continue attacks in India, says U.S. intel chief Context: The United States intelligence chief has said that he expected increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Details: U.S Intelligence Chief warned that terror groups supported by Pakistan will continue to attack inside India The remark was made during the hearing on ‘Worldwide… Continue reading Pakistan backed terrorists will continue attacks in India, says U.S. intel chief

Don’t disrupt global economy, China warns Context: China has warned that U.S. trade sanctions will hit the world economy What has happened? Recently, President Donald Trump threatened to impose fresh tariffs on imports from China. China has warned that any sign of unilateralism or protectionism will worsen global trade and will hurt the recovering momentum… Continue reading Don’t disrupt global economy, China warns

Trump mulls China sanctions, scrapping S. Korea trade deal Context: Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened retaliatory action against two major Asian trading partners. What has happened? President Trump had recently received two Commerce Department reports concerning alleged Chinese subsidies for steel and aluminium exports-materials that are vital for industries from construction to autos… Continue reading Trump mulls China sanctions, scrapping S. Korea trade deal

India offers support for reconstruction of Iraq Context: India has called for a comprehensive political settlement and reconciliation in Iraq at the International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq in Kuwait, where major world powers are meeting to chalk out a plan of recovery for the country. India called for an end to global terrorism: India… Continue reading India offers support for reconstruction of Iraq

Rouhani visit signals balance in ties Context: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit India from February 15 to 17. His visit just came after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran’s biggest rival, made a historic visit. Purpose of visit: His visit will send out a message that India aims for balance in its ties in… Continue reading Rouhani visit signals balance in ties

The many conflicts in Syria Introduction: The Syrian crisis is escalating with the regime beginning a new phase of the war in Idlib province. Syrian crisis escalating further: The new phase of the war is controlled by rebels and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists; Turkey sending troops across the border to fight the Kurdish rebels; and the U.S.… Continue reading The many conflicts in Syria

Back to the chessboard? Context: Sri Lanka’s local government election held on February 10 has led to a political crisis in the country, threatening the stability of the present government. What has happened? Sri Lankan President and PM have failed to reach consensus on the future of their coalition government, following the huge defeat their… Continue reading Back to the chessboard?

Funds push for project to benefit desert areas Context: A new loan agreement for water sector is set to benefit the desert areas in Rajasthan through restructuring of Indira Gandhi Canal and formulation of flood management systems for the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers. The agreement: The agreement has been signed with New Development… Continue reading Funds push for project to benefit desert areas

DVC to start exporting power to Bangladesh Context: Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) would soon begin exporting power to Bangladesh. Details: DVC would soon begin exporting power to Bangladesh on the basis of a bid it had won, for supplying 300 MW It has won the bid through its power trading partner NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam… Continue reading DVC to start exporting power to Bangladesh

Centre targets industry to save power Context: The Centre, through its company Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is planning to replicate its success in the LED space in the commercial sector by creating a market for low-cost, energy-efficient motors. Rationale behind this decision: A large chunk of energy consumption goes to industry. About 30-34% of… Continue reading Centre targets industry to save power

India initiates review of anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel wheel imports Context: India has initiated a review of the anti-dumping duty on flat base steel wheels from China. Background: India had in 2013 imposed duty up to $613 per tonne on import of the product from China for five years. As per the World Trade… Continue reading India initiates review of anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel wheel imports

PNB warns peers about LoU fraud Context: Reeling from a ₹11,500-crore fraud, Punjab National Bank reached out to alert other lenders to the perpetrators’ modus operandi, while at the same time apportioning a share of the blame to its competitors’ overseas branches. What has happened? Recently, PNB found that the SWIFT system had been misused… Continue reading PNB warns peers about LoU fraud

The ratings illusion Context: Modern day credit rating agencies were first established after the financial crisis of 1837 in the U.S. Such agencies were then needed to rate the ability of a merchant to pay his debts, consolidating such data in ledgers; soon enough, such ratings were being applied to equity stocks. Background: By the… Continue reading The ratings illusion

₹11,500 crore fraud rocks state-run PNB Context: State-run lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) reported unauthorised transactions worth ₹11,500 crore in one of its branches in south Mumbai. Banking fraud: The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case in the matter. It involves Mumbai-based billionaire diamond merchant Nirav Modi. A case has been registered by… Continue reading ₹11,500 crore fraud rocks state-run PNB