9 PM Current Affairs Brief – October 31, 2017

Complete the justice:  Context: The recent Supreme Court verdict making sex with a girl between 15 and 18 years even within marriage a criminal offence may have set in motion a series of positive effects for the girl child. Introduction: The apex court criminalized sexual intercourse by a husband with his wife who is under… Continue reading Complete the justice: 

Hits and misses:   Context: The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) recently held its meeting to discuss the the progress made on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. What is Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for… Continue reading Hits and misses:  

India, Italy vow to fight terror: Context: India and Italy resolved to fight terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, as they strongly pitched for strengthening international partnership and concerted action in addressing the menace of terrorism. Introduction: India and Italy looked at strengthening the bilateral political and economic relations when Italian… Continue reading India, Italy vow to fight terror:

Law panel moots life term for torture: Context The Law Commission recommended that the government should ratify a United Nations convention to tide over difficulties in getting extradited criminals from foreign countries. The steps have been taken due to the absence of a law preventing harsh treatment by authorities. The Law Commission has commended life… Continue reading Law panel moots life term for torture:

Can the Saubhagya scheme work?:  Context: The Government of India has recently launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, or Saubhagya Scheme. What is Saubhagya scheme? The Saubhagya scheme was launched on September 25th, 2017. The scheme will provide electricity connections to over 40 million families in rural and urban areas by December… Continue reading Can the Saubhagya scheme work?: 

Five-judge statute Bench to decide on Aadhaar validity: Context The Supreme Court has decided to constitute a five-judge Constitution Bench to hear petitions from November against the validity of the Aadhaar scheme. A separate Bench of Justices have issued notice to the government on a petition filed by advocate Raghav Tankha, challenging the mandatory linking… Continue reading Five-judge statute Bench to decide on Aadhaar validity:

Climate change taking a toll on global health: Context: New research published by The Lancet medical journal states that on an average there has been a 5.3% fall in productivity for rural labour estimated globally since 2000, as a result of rising temperatures around the world. The Lancet report: Lancet study estimates 1.9 million deaths… Continue reading Climate change taking a toll on global health:

Fewer TB deaths in India: WHO: Context: According to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), death from tuberculosis in India saw a good decline from last year. Also, the number of new cases saw a rise of 5% increase. What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-systemic infectious disease. It is caused by… Continue reading Fewer TB deaths in India: WHO: