9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 27, 2017

Why India needs to be a data democracy:  Context To avoid data colonization and allow for genuine empowerment, people must control the data they generate. Introduction: Between 2000 and 2010, data was used largely for monetization. Many companies started realizing the economic value of data. Google started monetizing it, tailoring ads based on search queries.… Continue reading Why India needs to be a data democracy: 

RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms Negotiations on easier visa norms Context India’s push for easier norms on movement of professionals across borders for short-term work in 16 Asia-Pacific nations, including itself, under a proposed mega Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is learnt to have found favour with some ASEAN-bloc members. Negotiations The proposed… Continue reading RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms

‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’:  India-Israel friendship can affect AL- Aqsa conflict Context India’s friendly ties with Israel could ‘interfere’ with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinians conflict over the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Issue The Palestine’s envoy to India said Israel had been trying to disturb the sanctity of the Al Aqsa mosque. The… Continue reading ‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’: 

GST, note ban to boost economy’:  Context: Economic activity is expected to rebound due to a supportive monetary policy, the effect of the Goods and Services Tax, and the eventual formalization of the economy due to demonetization, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. Introduction: The withdrawal of cash due to demonetization had temporarily hurt… Continue reading GST, note ban to boost economy’: 

CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices: Context: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme paving the way for a universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. Introduction: The CAC cleared these standards at its session held in Geneva. The number of… Continue reading CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices:

‘Bitcoins must be regulated’:  The digital currency can be a boon for the country. Context: Bitcoins can provide a superior route to encourage digital transactions, a report by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, adding it is essential to expand the regulatory framework for bitcoins to reinforce safety and security aspects. Introduction: Bitcoins can… Continue reading ‘Bitcoins must be regulated’: