9 PM Current Affairs Brief – February 14th, 2018

Centre to consolidate small savings laws Context: In a bid to consolidate the legislations pertaining to small savings schemes, the government is proposing a merger of the various laws into a Government Savings Promotion Act. Highest priority: The government gives highest priority to the interest of small savers, especially savings for the benefit of girl… Continue reading Centre to consolidate small savings laws

For govt., Aadhaar may be an enabler for people with no proof of identity: Justice Chandrachud Context: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has observed that Aadhaar may be seen by the government as an enabler for every Indian who does not possess even a single proof of identity. Background: CJI Misra has been heading a five-judge Constitution… Continue reading For govt., Aadhaar may be an enabler for people with no proof of identity: Justice Chandrachud

The danger of counterfactuals Context: Alleging that the Congress was responsible for the partition of the country, and for the division of Jammu and Kashmir is to distort a very complex history. What has happened? Recently, Prime Minister Modi has blamed Congress for the disasters that track Indians since 1947. One of the troubling allegations… Continue reading The danger of counterfactuals

Centre to states: Strengthen cyber security Context: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asked states to focus on strengthening the cyber security ecosystem to push adoption of digital services in India What has happened? The minister had met IT ministers and secretaries from almost all states during a two-day conference to discuss the roadmap on… Continue reading Centre to states: Strengthen cyber security

‘Colleges that perform well can apply for autonomy Context: Colleges that perform well will now be able to apply for autonomous status, which will permit them to start new courses and programmes, set syllabi and even “fix fees for courses at their own level”. Introduction: The University Grants Commission has notified guidelines for this change.… Continue reading ‘Colleges that perform well can apply for autonomy

India in pact with UAE to spur energy security Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to the UAE has resulted in two agreements being signed that will strengthen India’s energy security. Agreements signed include: The signing of the Concession Agreement between an Indian consortium and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for award of 10%… Continue reading India in pact with UAE to spur energy security

Kim stresses need to boost inter-Korea talks Context: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said that he wants to boost the “warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue” with South Korea Details: The statement has come after his high-level delegation returned from a visit to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Mr. Kim has given instructions for measures… Continue reading Kim stresses need to boost inter-Korea talks

U.S. Senate begins debate on immigration Context: The U.S. Senate has started an open-ended debate on immigration. About the Debate: Immigration in U.S has been a highly divisive topic that has eluded political consensus for years now The debate, which may last the entire week, is not on any specific Bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch… Continue reading U.S. Senate begins debate on immigration

China will ‘take action’ if India sends troops to Maldives: Global Times Context: China’s state-run tabloid Global Times   warned that Beijing will retaliate if New Delhi unilaterally decides to send troops to the crisis-hit Maldives. It warned that, “India should not underestimate China’s opposition to unilateral military intervention.” This follows signals from the China’s side… Continue reading China will ‘take action’ if India sends troops to Maldives: Global Times

Ramallah recall: On India’s Palestine policy Context: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Palestine signals India’s strategy to grow ties with Israel and Palestine separately India-Israel ties: In recent years, India has built strong ties with Israel In 2017, Mr. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel Israel is also a source of… Continue reading Ramallah recall: On India’s Palestine policy

Sri Lanka’s first national unity government in trouble Context: Sri Lankan first national unity government is in trouble What has happened? Sri Lankan President and PM have failed to reach consensus on the future of their coalition government, following the huge defeat their parties has suffered in the recent local government elections. They have decided… Continue reading Sri Lanka’s first national unity government in trouble

How to handle Big Data Context: There are infinite ways to analyse data but great caution must be exercised while handling large and complex data sets What is Big Data? Big data is a term used to denote data sets that are so large or complex that traditional data processing application software is inadequate to… Continue reading How to handle Big Data

Straw management now mandatory in Punjab Context: Straw management now mandatory in Punjab. Introduction: In order to check the dangerous trend of stubble burning, the Punjab government has decided to make use of Super Straw Management System while using the combine harvester machines mandatory for harvesting the paddy (rice) crop. The instructions have been issued… Continue reading Straw management now mandatory in Punjab

United India Insurance chief expects PSU insurers’ merger by March 2019 Context: At the National Insurance-ASSOCHAM Summit, Chairman of United India Insurance Co. Ltd. has said that the proposed merger of three public sector insurance firms may be completed by early 2019. Background: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech had proposed a merger… Continue reading United India Insurance chief expects PSU insurers’ merger by March 2019

Citi India prohibits use of its cards to buy bitcoins Context: Citi India announced its customers cannot use its credit and debit cards to purchase or trade in cryptocurrencies. The lender has informed its customers about the decision. This is the first instance that a bank in India has taken such a step. Rationale behind… Continue reading Citi India prohibits use of its cards to buy bitcoins

‘New RBI norms to spur surge in NPAs’ Context: Early identification of stress and resolution will prevent future ever-greening, says Moody’s unit ICRA Reserve Bank of India’s new norms: The Reserve Bank of India’s new norms directing banks to start insolvency proceedings on accounts, if stress is not resolved in 180 days, could result in… Continue reading ‘New RBI norms to spur surge in NPAs’