9 PM Current Affairs Brief – October 12th, 2018

Has the SC missed a chance to keep criminals out of polls? Article: 1. Author Anuradha Raman, has collected different views on decriminalization of Indian Politics. Important Analysis: 2. Supreme Court in recent judgement has refrained itself from debarring politicians facing serious criminal offence from contesting poll and left it to parliament. 3. According to… Continue reading Has the SC missed a chance to keep criminals out of polls?

Explained: When and where the sexual harassment law holds, against whom

The great Indian abdication Article: 1. Nissim Mannathukkaren, in his article has discussed about the deepening crisis in society due to lack of vital role played by Parliament and its contribution. Important Analysis: 2. Author argues, India, at present is going through a deep crisis in which, instead of parliament/legislature, the Judiciary is working on… Continue reading The great Indian abdication

India slips to Spot No. 6 in RTI Rankings News: 1. Survey conducted by Halifax-based Centre for Law and Democracy (Canada) and Access Info Europe (Spain) shows India slips a spot to number 6 in RTI ranking. Important facts: 2. Score indicates the strengths and weaknesses of freedom of information laws around the world 3.… Continue reading India slips to Spot No. 6 in RTI Rankings

Agriculture R&D spend: A reality check Article The article elaborates on the history of research in agriculture and the necessity of increasing R&D in agriculture to fulfil the objective of doubling farm incomes by 2022. Important analysis: According to the Economic Survey 2017-18, the total R&D expenditure in India as percentage of GDP has been… Continue reading Agriculture R&D spend: A reality check

We should run our kitchens on electricity Article The writer praised that village electrification has been completed. The household electrification under the Saubhagya scheme is expected to be completed by 2020. The write envisions the next step to be making the use of electric stoves the norm. Important analysis As per the writer, household electrification… Continue reading We should run our kitchens on electricity

Forest fires: Most frequent in Northeast, largest affected area is Central India News: A joint report by Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change (MoFECC) and World Bank reflects on how forest fires are deterring India’s efforts to meet its climate change goals. Important Facts: About the report: The report titled ‘Strengthening Forest Fire Management… Continue reading Forest fires: Most frequent in Northeast, largest affected area is Central India

Antibiotics to grow farm animals raise superbug risk  News: Bureau of Investigative Journalism reported recently that a number of antibiotics manufactured by Zoetis (an American company) are being sold over the counter without a prescription and even directly to farmers in India. Important Facts: Zoetis, the largest producer of veterinary medicines, has been supplying Indian… Continue reading Antibiotics to grow farm animals raise superbug risk

SBI’s burden SBI has purchased asset portfolios from Non Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) worth Rs. 45000 crore thus offered required liquidity support. News It will help the bank to expand its loan portfolio and meet its priority sector targets in areas as farm sector, SME infrastructure and the social sector. NBFCs has been facing liquidity… Continue reading SBI’s burden