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GS: 2
International relations:
We’re alert in Doklam, says Defence Minister(The Hindu)
The government is ready for any eventuality in Doklam, said Union Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday.
After the emergency(The Hindu Opinion)
The Maldivian government’s decision to lift the state of emergency after 45 days, just ahead of the expiry of its second self-imposed deadline, comes as cold comfort for those concerned about the turn of events in the islands over the past couple of months. In a statement India said the withdrawal of the emergency is but “one step”, and much more must be done to restore democracy in the Maldives.
Indian Constitution and Polity:
The need for ‘special’ attention(The Hindu Opinion)
Last December, the Supreme Court greenlit the Centre’s proposal to set up 12 fast-track courts to adjudicate and speedily dispose of 1,581 cases against Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies. Apart from uncertainties about the adequacy of such a measure, a more glaring issue is that the order conflates two distinct judicial features by using them interchangeably: special courts and fast-track courts.
Exception makes the rule(Indian Express)
Apex court verdict will make the SC/ST Atrocities Act toothless, roll back social transformation
GS: 3
Economy:
Why do farmers go marching?(The Hindu)
Why are Indian farmers perpetually in revolt? The question has been raised by many after the recent farmers’ march to Mumbai and simmering rebellions across the States in recent years.
Set aside divestment proceeds for sick PSUs’ revival: panel(The Hindu)
A Parliamentary panel has recommended the earmarking of a defined portion of proceeds from the divestment of State-owned enterprises for funding revival, restructuring and modernisation proposals of sick public sector undertakings (PSUs) that have the potential to turn around.
New vehicle scrappage policy may need tinkering(The Hindu)
The new vehicle scrappage policy of the Centre is unlikely to have any significant impact on the automobile industry in terms of increased demand, according to rating agencies.
Banks told to be vigilant on Aadhaar(The Hindu)
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked banks to provide Aadhaar-based onetime password (OTP) for opening of bank accounts only in the presence of the customer, in a banking outlet.
Home truths(Indian Express)
India must stay clear of the US-China trade war, focus on reviving the domestic economy
Environment:
Fighting forest fires(The Hindu Opinion)
The recent wildfire tragedy in Theni in Tamil Nadu, in which 20 trekkers lost their lives, once again brings into focus forest fires in India. Over the past few years, we have realised that these fires are not spontaneous; human beings set off fires. This tragedy raises several other issues — of approaches in fighting fires and ways of mitigating damage.
Internal security:
Controlling the machine(The Hindu Opinion)
At present India has the second highest number of Internet users in the world, and is an important market for many global companies that have staked dominance within distinct silos of digital services.
Environment:
A legacy of greed(The Hindu Opinion)
How science is stepping in to save the northern white rhino from extinction
Science and Technology:
GSAT-6A to give armed forces a shot in the arm(The Hindu)
GSAT-6A, the second predominantly S-band communications satellite, is set to be launched from Sriharikota on March 29.
