9 PM Current Affairs Brief – July 17th, 2018

President clears Bill against witch-hunting News: President’s kovind gives its assent to  Assam’s Anti- witch-hunting Bill Important 2. A witch-hunt or witch purge is a search for people labelled “witches” or evidence of witchcraft, often involving moral panic or mass hysteria. 3. The State received the President’s approval for the Assam witch hunting (Prohibition, prosecution,… Continue reading President clears Bill against witch-hunting

National database for gun licence holders News: According to the Home Ministry, names of all arms licence holders will be included in a national database Important facts: 2. All arms licence holders, new or old, will be issued a unique identification number with effect from April 1, 2019. 3. Any arms licence without UIN will… Continue reading National database for gun licence holders

India, Iran pledge to maintain trade levels News: India and Iran signed pacts on President Roushani’s visit. Important facts: 2. Despite U.S. Sanctions to “zero” out oil imports and end engagement with Iran, India and Iran signed pacts during President Hassan Roushani’s visit. 3. Both the nations focused on the following areas: Enhancing connectivity Strengthening… Continue reading India, Iran pledge to maintain trade levels

Fix the pothole problem Article: Piyush Tewari, CEO, Save LIFE Foundation, emphasized on problems caused by potholes and also suggested ways to address these problems. Important Analysis: 2. Potholes are usually caused by the presence of heavy traffic and water on roads. 3. Studies conducted in cities such as Chandigarh and Mumbai point to the… Continue reading Fix the pothole problem

Dark clouds over the RTI Article Nikhil Dey and Aruna Roy, founder member of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, has criticized the government for bringing amendment to RTI act without proper consultation. Important Analysis 2. Item 14 in the legislative agenda of the monsoon session of Parliament (from July 18) says “To amend The Right to… Continue reading Dark clouds over the RTI

Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets News: ISRO successfully tests High Thrust Vikas Engine for GSLV-Mk III. Important facts: 2.The ISRO will phase out Vikas by replacing it fist in Mk-II with a cleaner and safer semi-cryogenic engine. 3.The improvement was conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil… Continue reading Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets

SC lashes out at Centre on pollution News: The Supreme Court lashed out at the Union Ministry of Environment on pollution. Important facts: 2. The Supreme Court’s Bench was hearing the issue of ban on import of petcoke . 3. Petcoke is a toxic fuel used in hazardous industries. 4. The court has been urging… Continue reading SC lashes out at Centre on pollution

Sugar production set to hit a record high next season News: According to industry estimates, cane farmers may face about Rs 25,000 crore in payment arrears from sugar mills. Important facts: 2. As per the Indian Sugar Mills Association estimate, the total acreage under sugarcane in the country is estimated to be around 54.35 lakh… Continue reading Sugar production set to hit a record high next season

Army to resume M777 trials News: The Army will resume the trials of the U.S. made M777 ultra light howitzer in the Pokhran firing range. Important facts: 2. The Army had received four guns for the trials. 3. The trials will be conducted by the U.S. government and India will be an observer. 4. Local… Continue reading Army to resume M777 trials

Faster visas for minorities from three nations News: The Home Ministry has liberalized the process of granting long-term visas(LTVs) to minorities from Pakistan , Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Important facts: 2. The issue came on light because of harassment caused to Pakistani Hindu migrants for visa extension, visa transfer and grant of citizenship. 3. The Ministry… Continue reading Faster visas for minorities from three nations

Overdue correction Article Centre has announced a committee to relook several provisions of the companies act, 2013 Important analysis 2. Companies act, 2013 came under severe criticism as it impose stiff penalties and, in some cases, prison terms as well, for directors and key management personnel 3. In 2013 act, some of the provisions in… Continue reading Overdue correction