9 PM Current Affairs Brief – January 23, 2019

The geography of learning outcomes in India News According to a recent analysis, there is significant geographic inequality in learning outcomes, with prosperous parts of India performing way better than poorer parts Important Facts: The analysis has been based on two datasets: Unit level data from the annual state of education report (ASER) 2016 and… Continue reading The geography of learning outcomes in India

TB prevention policy News: The article discusses the lacunae in TB prevention policy formulation in India. Facts: India home to the highest number of TB patients globally. In 2018, the health ministry’s Central Tuberculosis Division constituted a national expert group to provide technical expertise and guidance on TB management and shape national policy for TB… Continue reading TB prevention policy

States put on high alert as swine flu cases spike across the country News: Several states have been put on high alert following a spike in cases of swine flu. Facts: 49 swine flu deaths and 1,694 cases have been reported in just one fortnight from January 1-13 in the country, with highest cases occurring in Rajasthan… Continue reading States put on high alert as swine flu cases spike across the country

China reduces army by half; increases size of navy, air force in big way News: China reduces army by half and increases size of navy air force. Important Facts: China’s military is a largest force in the world has recently reduced the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted… Continue reading China reduces army by half; increases size of navy, air force in big way

World’s most innovative countries PT Facts News: South Korea Ranks No. 1 in Innovation Index Important Facts: The Bloomberg Innovation Index is an annual ranking of how innovative countries are. The 2019 index is compiled by analyzing seven equally weighted categories, including research and development spending, patent activity, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public… Continue reading World’s most innovative countries

India among those where trust in govt is high: Report PT facts News According to the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer report, India is among the most trusted nations globally when it comes to government. Important facts China topped the Trust Index among both the informed public and the general population segments, with scores of 79… Continue reading India among those where trust in govt is high: Report

India can lead the world on solar grid goal News: India celebrating 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi. Important Facts: At the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Indian PM, reiterated that through International Solar Alliance or ISA we focused on “one world, one sun and one grid” About 5,000 people of Indian origin are attending the… Continue reading India can lead the world on solar grid goal

Women bought 32% of life insurance policies in 2017-18, shows IRDA data News According to the latest annual report by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), women bought 32% of the total individual life insurance policies sold in India in 2017-18. Important Facts The total number of individual life insurance policies issued… Continue reading Women bought 32% of life insurance policies in 2017-18, shows IRDA data

Centre’s debt-to-GDP falls, States’ rises News According to the Status Paper on Government Debt for 2017-18, Centre’s debt-to-GDP has fallen while State’s debt-to-GDP increased Important facts Centre’s total debt as a percentage of GDP reduced to 46.5% in 2017-18 from 47.5% as of March 31, 2014. Total debt of the States rose to 24% in… Continue reading Centre’s debt-to-GDP falls, States’ rises