9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 8, 2017

Doklam’s unintended consequence:  Context If China makes no room for compromise, India will be forced to think about coping with its power, burying illusions of Asian solidarity. The eventual outcome Whatever the eventual outcome in Doklam, the current stand-off is bound to significantly alter Indian perceptions of China. For one, the political goodwill in India… Continue reading Doklam’s unintended consequence: 

Planes missing, fruits to India rot in Kabul:  Context: Weeks after the India-Afghanistan air corridor trade project was launched, the project has run into rough weather. Explanation: The matters got worse when tonnes of fresh fruits, including apricots and melons, were left rotting at the Kabul airport. The flight chartered by Afghanistan’s national carrier, Ariana… Continue reading Planes missing, fruits to India rot in Kabul: 

ASEAN, 50 years on:  Context The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can look back with optimism on its incremental record on regional integration on the 50th anniversary of its founding on 8th August. The policy of non-interference The original policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states was noteworthy. But over the… Continue reading ASEAN, 50 years on: 

Letting go of instant triple talaq:  Context: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), though its counsel Kapil Sibal, informed the Supreme Court that it was considering reforms and the gradual giving up of triple talaq but wanted time for it. Reforms mentioned: The board asking all qazis to advise the husbands, while finalizing… Continue reading Letting go of instant triple talaq: 

New mobile data plan for Naxal areas:  Context The Union Home Ministry is scrutinizing the proposed specifications for providing data connectivity services through mobile towers installed in the Left Wing Extremism-affected areas across 10 States. Mobile connectivity scheme This is done in view of the possible security implications. Performed in coordination with the Ministry of… Continue reading New mobile data plan for Naxal areas: 

Privacy in the digital age:  Context: The current focus on the right to privacy is based on some new realities of the digital age. Explanation:         The digital network enters the most proximate spaces and challenges the normally accepted notions of the private. It brings into focus new means of exercising social, economic, and political power,… Continue reading Privacy in the digital age: 

Food security: SC raps Centre, States:   Context: The food security law should quell the hunger of those below the poverty line the Supreme Court says Introduction:  According to the Supreme Court judgment, State Food Commission set up under the National Food Security Act in Haryana, has been sitting “jobless” and “without proper infrastructure”.  The judgment… Continue reading Food security: SC raps Centre, States: 

GST impact on the logistics sector:  Context: Goods and services tax (GST), could affect profitability of the logistics sector in the short run, but operational efficiency is bound to improve in the long run Introduction:  The logistics sector attracts GST rate of 18%, up from 15% in the previous tax regime. Logistic sector components:  The… Continue reading GST impact on the logistics sector: 

Profit petroleum may be exempt from levy of GST: Context: The oil and gas exploration and production business is likely to get a boost following a proposal to exempt the profit petroleum paid to the Centre from the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Introduction: The production sharing contracts (PSCs) signed for exploration and development of… Continue reading Profit petroleum may be exempt from levy of GST:

Raging rupee:  Context: With the considerable good performance of the Indian rupee, The RBI should resist the exporters’ argument for making the rupee cheaper. Current Scenario: The Indian rupee has turned out to be one of the best-performing currencies in the world with a gain of well over 6% against the U.S. dollar this year… Continue reading Raging rupee: 

Cess limit on motor vehicles raised to 25%:  Context: The Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council) , during its 20th meeting on Saturday, recommended that the Centre increase the maximum limit for the cess that can be levied on most motor vehicles from 15% to 25%. Introduction: The reason for this, according to GST… Continue reading Cess limit on motor vehicles raised to 25%: 

GST ties Bengal’s traditional weavers in knots:  Context: The weavers in Bengal are facing severe inconveniences due to the confusion surrounding GST. Explanation: With the confusion on whether GST would be levied on their Tannt saris, business for weavers in Bengal has almost stopped over the past month. However, five per cent GST has been… Continue reading GST ties Bengal’s traditional weavers in knots: