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Social Issues
Karnataka HC strikes down rule on stringent tobacco pack warnings: The Karnataka High Court on Friday declared the Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014 as unconstitutional.
Make offices accessible to disabled: SC: The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the right to dignity of the disabled while directing that government buildings providing public services should be made fully accessible to differently-abled persons by June 2019.
Feed the cure: On paying TB patients (Hindu Editorial): Giving TB patients money for an enhanced diet is a good step — but oversight is crucial
High growth doesn’t necessarily mean high inequality: Chancel: Bottom 50% in India has little access to quality education, health or transport.
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International
Sri Lanka urged to repeal Prevention of Terror Act: Reiterating a long-pending demand from human rights activists and some politicians in Sri Lanka visiting UN experts on Friday urged the government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
‘We expect Indian aid on Rohingya issue’: Delhi needs to play “a similar diplomatic role” to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
A closer look at the lines (Hindu Editorial): China’s remarks on bilateral ties and the border issue lay the initiative for corrective measures at India’s door
Polity
Cabinet nod for Bill making instant triple talaq a crime: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a Bill that makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat a criminal offence and a Muslim husband resorting to instant talaq can be jailed for up to three years.
SC rejects plea to verify 25% of VVPAT: A three-judge Bench refused to entertain the plea, saying that the judiciary cannot question the discretion of the EC.
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Economics
Changed priorities (Hindu Editorial): The government’s move will shift attention away from recovery of bad loans to selling assets of defaulting corporates
Centre raises duty on electronic items: The Centre has increased customs duty on several electronic items including televisions, mobile phones and microwaves, making the import of these goods more expensive and thus lending a fillip to its ‘Make in India’ programme.
Govt. to return MDR to banks to boost digital: The Centre said it would reimburse the merchant discount rate (MDR) applicable on digital transactions up to ₹2,000 for the next two years to give a fillip to digital payments in the country.
EU leaders agree to move Brexit talks to next phase : EU said it would give the green light for Brexit talks to move to the crucial phase 2.
Slowdown bottoming out, says RBI’s Patel: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel said with growth picking up in the second quarter of the current financial year, the economic slowdown may have bottomed out.
Environment
NGT once again bans plastic use in Haridwar, Rishikesh to save Ganga: the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday imposed a ban on plastic items, including plastic bags and cutlery, in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Science and Technology
India should secure infrastructure against cyberthreats: India needs to worry about terror groups attacking critical infrastructure such as power plants, telecom and banking systems.
Yesterday’s current affairs material by ForumIAS
7 PM Editorial : WTO’s member countries fail to reach agreement on food security right
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