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GS-2
RBI cuts interest rate by 25 bps, revises GDP growth to 7%
The six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate at its second meeting this year by 25 basis points to 5.75% to address growth concerns.
CCI imposes penalty on pharma companies, trade associations
The Competition Commission of India has found Madhya Pradesh Chemist and Druggist Association, Indore Chemist Association, Himalaya Drug Company and Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited, along with some of their office-bearers/officials, to be in contravention of the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.
South Asia is top priority: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister has said that building connectivity in the South Asian region and coordinating economic issues will be top priorities of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Trump threatens to ramp up trade war
USA President has threatened to hit China with tariffs on “at least” another $300 billion worth of Chinese goods but said he thought both China and Mexico wanted to make deals in their trade disputes.
African Union suspends Sudan, seeks civilian rule
The African Union has suspended Sudan until the establishment of civilian rule.
Russia willing to drop New START pact: Putin
Russian president has said that Russia was prepared to drop the New START pact- a nuclear weapons agreement treaty with the U.S. and warned of “global catastrophe”.
Keeping close watch on NBFCs, says Shaktikanta Das
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely watching developments unfolding in the NBFC sector, which is facing a liquidity crunch, and is committed to see that the sector remains robust and healthy
DHFL downgrade puts MF assets at risk
The recent downgrade of Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd.’s (DHFL) papers could impact mutual fund (MF) assets worth almost ₹5,300 crore
GS-3
Delhi’s ‘poor’ air quality days down 33%: Javadekar
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has improved with the number of “poor” air quality days coming down from 300 in 2014 to 206 in 2018
If Prasar Bharati has its way, All India Radio will have to stop all global short wave transmissions. Prasar Bharati has asked it to come up with a proposal to phase out SW transmitters
NGT forms panel to discuss plea seeking ban on plastic packaging
Following a plea seeking a ban on the plastic packaging of food products, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted an expert committee to ascertain whether further norms are required to restrict the use of plastic packaging.
Centre to come up with policy on AI, cyber security soon
The NITI Aayog has come up with a policy on artificial intelligence and cyber security and it would be taken up by the Union Cabinet soon
Ecologists have 596 reasons to cheer
Scientists and taxonomists have documented 596 new species of flora and fauna from India in the year 2018. The details of the discoveries were made public on Thursday by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in the publications Plant Discoveries 2018 and Animal Discoveries 2018.
