9 PM Current Affairs Brief – 18th November, 2017

An absurd canvas: on Padmavati Context The group formed against the screening of Padmavati, a big-budget period drama, is growing more violent and absurd by the day. It is done to raise anxiety about the film’s scheduled release on December 1st. The coalition Uttar Pradesh state government has joined hands with the Karni Sena, a… Continue reading An absurd canvas: on Padmavati 

A beginning, an end Context: Zimbabwe’s governing party moved to expel President Robert Mugabe from its ranks. Generals who assert their political influence rarely step back and should the coup in Zimbabwe fail to lead on to a genuine democratic transition, it could intensify authoritarianism and internal violence. What is the impact on India? For… Continue reading A beginning, an end 

India, France to enhance counter-terror ties (The Hindu) Context India and France have taken upon the task to enhance counter- terror cooperation, and asked the international community to oppose those financing, sheltering and providing safe havens to terrorists. The meet It was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after her talks with her French counterpart… Continue reading India, France to enhance counter-terror ties (The Hindu)

India’s heritage city races to save icons from polluted ruin  Context Traffic choked the centuries-old stone archway into Ahmedabad’s historic quarter as conservation experts warns Ahmedabad, one of the world’s most polluted cities, facing a huge task defending its newly won UNESCO status as its fragile cultural icon decay under neglect, traffic and trash. What… Continue reading India’s heritage city races to save icons from polluted ruin 

The superbugs of Hyderabad Context The Kazipally well, a temporary containment facility for toxic effluents from a dozen pharmaceutical companies, is not leak-proof. A natural rivulet takes the fluid in the well to the nearby Gandigudem lake, where harming mostly farmers and some pharma industry workers raise fish to sell. What is happening? Deep inside… Continue reading The superbugs of Hyderabad 

‘First industry built PSLV by 2020’  Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to hand over the entire gamut of launch vehicle manufacture to domestic industry by 2020. Introduction: Till now, public and private industries have only supplied devices, components and sub-systems for ISRO’s launch vehicles, including the PSLV and the GSLV. ISRO… Continue reading ‘First industry built PSLV by 2020’ 

Beyond Piketty: on income inequality  Context: With state elections being just a stone throw away, debate on the Indian economy has become increasingly focused. It has been demonstrated that rising income inequality is a by-product of growth in the developed world. Poverty and inequality: It is plausible that poverty reduction slowed in 2016-17 because of… Continue reading Beyond Piketty: on income inequality