9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – September 14, 2017

Neolithic pot of joy promises to shine light on prehistory in Kashmir, beyond: Context? 4,000-year-old pot has been excavated in the Haigam area of Sopore in Kashmir and  is the first piece of Neolithic pottery in Kashmir that has been found entirely intact. Before this,  only stone tools, pieces of pottery, and some human remains… Continue reading Neolithic pot of joy promises to shine light on prehistory in Kashmir, beyond: 

Projecting soft power: How India is restoring cultural symbols beyond its shores: Context: India has been increasingly undertaking projects across Asia to restore places of cultural importance. Recently, PM Modi visited the historic Ananda temple in Bagan, Myanmar, whose structural conservation and chemical preservation work has been carries out by the Archaeological survey of India.… Continue reading Projecting soft power: How India is restoring cultural symbols beyond its shores: 

The case for alliance: Context: Rise of China and uncertainty over America’s role in Asia has brought Japan and India closer Introduction: Japan has come closest to being India’s natural ally in Asia The emerging Asian dynamic, suggests that Delhi and Tokyo must necessarily draw closer. Growing concerns: Rapid rise of China and the other… Continue reading The case for alliance: 

Income limit raised for creamy layer: Context The ‘creamy layer’ ceiling for OBC reservation has been raised to Rs. 8 lakh per year. What is the new decision? The decision is to raise the income limit from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh per annum for determining the creamy layer among the Other Backward… Continue reading Income limit raised for creamy layer: 

India has ‘narrow’ pool of mustard varieties, say agricultural scientists: Context: National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) has said that India has a narrow pool of mustard varieties. What was the earlier argument? Critics of GM crops had put forward the argument that India is the centre of origin and diversity of mustard It was… Continue reading India has ‘narrow’ pool of mustard varieties, say agricultural scientists: 

Inglorious uncertainty: Context: India has experienced an economic slowdown to 5.7% What is the issue? India needs to grow at least 7 to 8 per cent a year. However, for the last 6years it has not crossed that average. Several indices like private investment, index of industrial production are also disappointing. However, the present government… Continue reading Inglorious uncertainty: 

TRAI chief calls for zero cost for digital transactions: Context: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman R.S. Sharma emphasised on the need for a speedy solution to issues of data ownership and privacy. Introduction: Sharma on Wednesday suggested removal of costs related with digital payments such as merchant discount rate (MDR) for promoting digital… Continue reading TRAI chief calls for zero cost for digital transactions: 

RBI is not comfortable with bitcoins: Context: Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies Why was it in the news? The RBI’s executive director termed non-fiat cryptocurrency as a private cryptocurrency. A group of people (user) who are looking at fiat cryptocurrencies. The RBI is studying the aspect of issuing a digital currency in place of the physical… Continue reading RBI is not comfortable with bitcoins: 

Workers to get unique number: Context: Unique identification number. What is the in news? The Union Minister for Labour and Employment said that every worker in the unorganized and organized sector will get a unique identification number. This will make it easier for them to get benefits under different social schemes. The government is planning… Continue reading Workers to get unique number: 

Petrol, diesel should come under GST: Context To include or not to include petrol and diesel under GST What is the issue? Though the prices of petrol and diesel are being revised on a daily basis, in the last two months prices of the petrol and diesel has seen a spike of Rs.7.3 per litre.… Continue reading Petrol, diesel should come under GST: