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GS: 1
Society related issues:
Halving the syllabus, squaring knowledge(The Hindu Opinion)
It’s not the syllabus that burdens children, but our cramming-driven examination system
GS: 2
International relations:
India denies Canada view on Atwal(The Hindu)
The External Affairs Ministry has dismissed a “conspiracy theory” that the Canada-based Khalistan activist Jaspal Atwal’s visit to India was facilitated by “rogue Indian officials”.
Ghani ready for talks with Taliban(The Hindu)
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party, days after the militants called for direct negotiations with the U.S.
Pakistan ‘not’ on black list, confirms it will be on FATF grey list in June(The Hindu)
After days of ambiguity Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed that it will be on the grey list of Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) in June but disputed claims of being put on a black list.
Anti-Muslim violence in Ampara sparks concern(The Hindu)
Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition R. Sampanthan on Wednesday condemned the recent anti-Muslim attacks in the Ampara district of Eastern Province and sought “stern action” against the culprits. His comments come in the wake of an attack on a mosque and several Muslim-run shops late on Monday in Ampara town. At least five persons were injured in the attack. Police have since deployed additional security in the area.
Indian Constitution and Polity:
Pharma promotions tax exempt: tribunal(The Hindu)
A recent decision of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal’s Pune bench allowing pharmaceutical companies to account for their spending on doctors as a deductible expenditure has sparked off a fresh debate on ethics.
United by a common purpose(The Hindu Opinion)
The Constitution Bench in the land acquisition case must show us that the court still respects rules of precedent
E-way bills redux: next step for GST Council(The Hindu Opinion)
The group of ministers assessing technology issues related to the Goods and Services Tax regime has proposed rolling out on April 1 the e-way bill system to track inter-State movement of goods above the value of ₹50,000. A final decision on the launch of the system will now be taken by the GST Council at its next meeting.
An ode to a dying language(The Hindu Opinion)
India is one of the great repositories of languages — we need a notion of heritage to save them.
Against human rights(The Hindu Opinion)
Encounter killings militate against the rule of law
GS: 3
Economy:
GDP surges in third quarter(The Hindu)
GDP growth in the third quarter of financial year 2017-18 was 7.2%, the fastest in the year so far, according to official data released on Wednesday. The government also marginally increased its estimate for the full year’s growth to 6.6% from its earlier estimate of 6.5%.
Rupee weakens as dollar demand rises after fraud(The Hindu)
A marked increase in demand for dollars has been pushing the rupee lower in recent sessions as banks exercise increased caution over issuing buyer’s credit, letter of credit (LC) and similar instruments for trade finance in the wake of the fraud uncovered at Punjab National Bank (PNB).
Manufacturing sector growth falls to 4-month low in Feb.: PMI(The Hindu)
India’s manufacturing sector activity fell to a four-month low in February, as factory output and new business orders rose at a slower pace, according to a monthly survey.
Fiscal deficit overshoots full-year revised estimate in Jan(The Hindu)
India’s fiscal deficit touched Rs 6.77 lakh crore at the end of January, 113.7 per cent of the target for the entire fiscal, on account of higher expenditure.
Core sector growth accelerates to 6.7% in January(The Hindu)
Growth in the country’s core sector accelerated to 6.7% in January, 2018 from 3.4% a year ago thanks to a huge jump in the output of cement and petroleum refinery, and a robust performance by the electricity sector.
Security and defence:
Rs. 9,435-crore arms purchases to get rolling(The Hindu)
The Defence Acquisition council (DAC) on Wednesday gave approval for various procurement proposals at an estimated cost of about Rs. 9,435 crore. This includes purchases of 41,000 light machine guns (LMG) and over 3.5 lakh close quarter battle (CQB) carbines for the three services.
Science and Technology:
Fifty years of TERLS(The Hindu Opinion)
India’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space has been a constant
Yesterday’s current affairs material by Forum IAS
7 PM Editorial: India has potential to touch 7-8% growth rate
