9 PM Current Affairs Brief – October 24, 2017

Has hunger increased in India in recent years?: Context: The Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has ranked India at the 100th position among 119 countries in its 2017 Global Hunger Index (GHI) rankings. These findings have created an impression that the prevalence of hunger has increased in India in recent years. On what… Continue reading Has hunger increased in India in recent years?:

The road to partnership:  Context: The US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has drawn attention to an enduring paradox that marks the relationship between India and America. Two paradoxes: One such paradox is about the gap between expert expectations and actual outcomes. The relationship remains very below potential. Neither side has taken full advantage of… Continue reading The road to partnership: 

The gown and the Bench:  Context The Supreme Court has laid down guidelines for designating lawyers in the Supreme Court and High Courts as senior advocates How are lawyers designated a senior lawyer? Applications for designation is submitted to the Designation Committee, which examine the same and give its views to the Supreme Court. The… Continue reading The gown and the Bench: 

Colonial Rajasthan:  Context: Rajasthan’s legislative assembly was adjourned yesterday amidst an uproar caused by the government’s attempts to convert the “Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017” into law. Introduction: The ordinance was promulgated by the governor of Rajasthan last month, shields public servants from being investigated by the police on charges of corruption, unless the… Continue reading Colonial Rajasthan: 

Why make a show of patriotism: SC judge:  Context The apex court recently observed that people don’t have to stand up at a cinema hall to be perceived as patriotic. ‘Forced’ patriotism: Patriotism is a very personal sentiment and an individual’s right to express it in his/her own way is ingrained in the constitutional right… Continue reading Why make a show of patriotism: SC judge: 

‘Paika Bidroha’ to be named as 1st War of Independence: Context: The ‘Paika Bidroha’ (Paika rebellion) of 1817 will find a place in the history books as ‘the First War of Independence’ from the next academic session. Significance of the change: Paika Bidroha’ took place four decades before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. But, the 1857… Continue reading ‘Paika Bidroha’ to be named as 1st War of Independence:

Long-run trends in rural wages:  Context: Rural wages in India over the past few years seem to have been ignored. This collapse and stagnation deserves a closer look than it has received thus far. Rural economy in India: An overview: India is known as an agricultural country, as most of the population of villages depends… Continue reading Long-run trends in rural wages: 

Economic growth: an alternative view:  Context India’s current method of GDP calculation treats environmental damage costs as income. What is GDP? GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It is the final value of the good and services produced within the territory of the country Decline in GDP India’s decelerating GDP growth rate in the past… Continue reading Economic growth: an alternative view: