Must Read News Articles – June 9

GS 1

Social issues

Ambedkar’s armies: (Indian Express, Editorial)

Saharanpur’s Bhim Army is part of the tradition of organisations for the self-defence and cultural assertion of the Dalit community.

GS 2

International groupings and agreements

Clouded coherence: (The Hindu, Editorial)

Given India’s recent foreign policy fluidity, the sustainability of its SCO membership is in doubt.

Effects of developed and developing countries policies

Terror in Tehran: (The Hindu, Editorial)

Heightened Iran-Saudi Arabia tensions put regional security in West Asia at further risk.

India and neighbors

Modi to meet Xi to repair bilateral ties: (The Hindu)

Differences over China’s Belt and Road project, Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal have put relations under strain.

One Belt, One Road has no basis in China’s history: (Live Mint, Editorial)

China is seeking to legitimize One Belt, One Road by invoking the Silk Road, but the initiative more closely resembles European imperial engagement with Asia in the 19th century.

Government policies

Are cattle trade rules good in law?: (The Hindu)

Question before Supreme Court is whether they override animal cruelty Act.

GS 3

Indian Economy. Planning, Growth and Employment

Getting back on the growth track: (The Hindu, Editorial)

A big push on private investment is needed. But social harmony is also a prerequisite for faster growth.

2 States breach 3% fiscal deficit target: (The Hindu)

While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had specifically cautioned seven States not to breach the 3% fiscal deficit target, two States had already breached that threshold.

DGFT may come under Revenue dept: (The Hindu)

The Centre is considering a proposal to shift the entire Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) office to the Department of Revenue (DoR) from the Department of Commerce (DoC) as part of measures to simplify processes relating to export and import.

Products used by common man to cost less: (The Hindu)

Branded foodgrains and flours to attract 5% rate under GST.

Pollution and conservation

Water Quality Index set to be announced soon: (The Hindu)

A certain and easy way to find out pollution levels in water will be introduced in the coming weeks.

Is the Paris Agreement necessary?: (The Hindu, Editorial)

The U.S. withdrawal is an opportunity to make the rules of the Paris Agreement stronger and more ambitious.

Prelims Related News

A new cast of crabs in Western Ghats:

The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is in the spotlight once again, as scientists have discovered a new genus and six new species of freshwater crabs in these mountainous forests.

Only PSUs may be let to make Oxytocin:

After being banned in retail markets, the Drug Controller will soon restrict manufacturing of controversial hormone drug Oxytocin to public sector undertakings (PSUs).

India’s first uterine transplant:

The cervical biopsy tests to gauge organ rejection after the uterus transplant carried out on both patients in the first and second weeks after the operation showed no signs of organ rejection.

World’s oldest fossil mushroom discovered:

The world’s oldest fossil mushroom, dating back to about 115 million years has been discovered.