9 PM Current Affairs Brief – January 14, 2019

Panel pulls up government for diverting coal cess News: The 42nd standing committee on energy report pulled up government for not using coal cess for reviving stressed gas-based power plants rather using it for post GST compensation to states Important Facts: Status of Gas-based Power Plants: Out of India’s total installed power capacity of 345MW,… Continue reading Panel pulls up government for diverting coal cess

India-Central Asia connectivity: News: External Affairs minister proposed a dialogue on air corridors with Central Asian countries to boost trade. Facts: Minister took part in the first India-Central Asia Dialogue in Uzbekistan. To boost India- Central Asia trade, languishing below $2 billion for years lack of overland access to landlocked Central Asia for this, India… Continue reading India-Central Asia connectivity:

India for Afghan-led peace talks News: India advocated any peace negotiation should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled at Samarkand meet. Important Facts: Highlights of Samarkand Meeting: Discussion was held between foreign ministers at the India-Central Asia Dialogue at Samarkand, Uzbekistan India provided supports to build a united, sovereign, democratic, peaceful, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan… Continue reading India for Afghan-led peace talks

Explained: Why Bengal has withdrawn from Centre’s flagship health scheme PMJAY News: Bengal has withdrawn from Centre’s flagship health scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojna (PMJAY) Important Facts: West Bengal has withdrawn from flagship programme PMJAY, joining 3 other states. Why has West Bengal exited? Branding Dispute – The letter sent to beneficiaries has photos… Continue reading Explained: Why Bengal has withdrawn from Centre’s flagship health scheme PMJAY

It is not a nod for Mekedatu: Centre News: Centre has given conditional clearance to Karnataka for preparing a detailed project report (DPR) on Mekedatu balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project. Important Facts: According to Government, the conditional clearance is only meant for preparing the detailed project report and it no way conveys clearance by the Government… Continue reading It is not a nod for Mekedatu: Centre

Will electric mobility scupper India’s multi-billion-dollar oil refinery expansion plans? News: Government projection over electric vehicles in the next decade created concern among the oil refining industry. Facts: The share of Electric vehicle in India was recorded at 0.02 percent in 2015 but with the current trend it is expected the share will reach 25… Continue reading Will electric mobility scupper India’s multi-billion-dollar oil refinery expansion plans?

GST will improve our competitiveness News: Implementation of GST has helped India to improve competitiveness Important Facts: Benefits of GST regime: GST has for the first time has brought, manufactured goods and services are on the same tax platform and all products and services are subject to the same tax rates throughout the country. It… Continue reading GST will improve our competitiveness

The business case for 5G Article: Article discuss about the debate over investment in 5G technology. Important Analysis: The main advantage of 5G technology is that it will allow users to access high speed internet and more bandwidth. About 5G Technology – 5G is the next generation mobile Internet connectivity that would offer much faster… Continue reading The business case for 5G