9 PM Current Affairs Brief – October 22, 2017

PUCL seeks repeal of ordinance Context: The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) on Saturday demanded repeal of a controversial ordinance promulgated by the Rajasthan government which has made public servants immune to investigation. Introduction: Rajasthan government has passed an ordinance which seeks to protect both serving and former judges, magistrates and public servants in… Continue reading PUCL seeks repeal of ordinance

Tillerson to have big regional agenda Context: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will embark on a crucial visit to India and Pakistan next week as part of his week-long five-nation tour that would also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland. Introduction: Mr Tillerson said that trump administration wanted to “dramatically deepen” cooperation… Continue reading Tillerson to have big regional agenda

Prize control on Drugs is a lazy thinking Context: The government is increasingly relying on imposition of price controls on medicines and devices to check rising health-care costs. Introduction: Last month, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority capped the prices of 37 more medicines raising their number to 821. It has already capped the prices of… Continue reading Prize control on Drugs is a lazy thinking

More species of snakehead fish found Context: Confusions over snakehead fish species identity need not bother ichthyologists any more, as a global digital database of the species has been developed. Introduction: A global collaborative initiative involving as many as 10 scientific institutions has barcoded these freshwater fish varieties, which got their name from their unique… Continue reading More species of snakehead fish found

The lowdown on one year of note ban Context: November 8 will mark one year of NDA government’s radical plan to demonetize 86% of the currency in circulation in a bid to fight black money, counterfeiting and terrorism. Background: On November 8, 2016 Prime Minister announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes will… Continue reading The lowdown on one year of note ban