9 PM Current Affairs Brief – October 20th, 2018

Rwanda announces ‘gender-balanced’ Cabinet News: Recently Rwanda received global attention for its efforts to encourage female representation in government by its announcement for a gender balanced cabinet. Important Facts: Rwanda declared that women would be making up 50 percent of its now 26-seat cabinet. Rwanda already has sixty one percent of Parliament members as women.… Continue reading Rwanda announces ‘gender-balanced’ Cabinet

L’affaire Khashoggi News: Recently Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappeared which has triggered a diplomatic storm. Important Facts: About Jamal Khashoggi: He was a journalist who was once a Saudi government insider, but had gone into self-imposed exile in the U.S. in 2017. He’d become an outspoken critic of the Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince… Continue reading L’affaire Khashoggi

Taliban surge: on Kandahar attack News: Recently, Governor’s compound was attacked in southern Kandahar, Afghanistan, during high-level meeting which led to killing of top security officials. Important Facts: Background: The Kandahar attack was a warning by the Taliban to all of those who were prepared to participate in the parliamentary elections due few days ahead.… Continue reading Taliban surge: on Kandahar attack

New skin gel offers protection from some pesticides News: Recently a gel was developed by Indian researchers which, when applied on the skin, can inhibit some pesticides from getting absorbed into the body, thus averting serious adverse effects and even death. Important Facts: How pesticides harm body? Organophosphate-based pesticides, which are commonly used by farmers… Continue reading New skin gel offers protection from some pesticides

RBI opposes move for independent Payments Regulatory Board News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opposed the move to have an independent Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) as envisaged by the draft proposal for amendments to the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Important Facts: About the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) : The Union Government… Continue reading RBI opposes move for independent Payments Regulatory Board