Author: ForumIAS

Privacy built into Aadhaar Act, says UIDAI : Context : “Privacy is non-negotiable, confidentiality is non-negotiable under the Aadhaar Act”, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the nodal agency implementing the Aadhaar scheme, has said in the Supreme Court. Introduction : Right to privacy is not absolute and cannot prevent the state from making laws… Continue reading Privacy built into Aadhaar Act, says UIDAI :

Doval holds talks with Chinese counterpart  India and China talks Context : National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jichei, covering bilateral issues and major problems. The talk : The talk signaled out that the standoff in Doklam between Chinese and Indian troops in the Sikkim sector was likely on… Continue reading Doval holds talks with Chinese counterpart 

GST, note ban to boost economy’:  Context: Economic activity is expected to rebound due to a supportive monetary policy, the effect of the Goods and Services Tax, and the eventual formalization of the economy due to demonetization, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. Introduction: The withdrawal of cash due to demonetization had temporarily hurt… Continue reading GST, note ban to boost economy’: 

CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices: Context: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme paving the way for a universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. Introduction: The CAC cleared these standards at its session held in Geneva. The number of… Continue reading CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices:

‘Bitcoins must be regulated’:  The digital currency can be a boon for the country. Context: Bitcoins can provide a superior route to encourage digital transactions, a report by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, adding it is essential to expand the regulatory framework for bitcoins to reinforce safety and security aspects. Introduction: Bitcoins can… Continue reading ‘Bitcoins must be regulated’: 

Why India needs to be a data democracy:  Context To avoid data colonization and allow for genuine empowerment, people must control the data they generate. Introduction: Between 2000 and 2010, data was used largely for monetization. Many companies started realizing the economic value of data. Google started monetizing it, tailoring ads based on search queries.… Continue reading Why India needs to be a data democracy: 

RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms Negotiations on easier visa norms Context India’s push for easier norms on movement of professionals across borders for short-term work in 16 Asia-Pacific nations, including itself, under a proposed mega Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is learnt to have found favour with some ASEAN-bloc members. Negotiations The proposed… Continue reading RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms

‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’:  India-Israel friendship can affect AL- Aqsa conflict Context India’s friendly ties with Israel could ‘interfere’ with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinians conflict over the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Issue The Palestine’s envoy to India said Israel had been trying to disturb the sanctity of the Al Aqsa mosque. The… Continue reading ‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’: 

Scientists set sail to unlock secrets of lost continent: Context: Investigation of samples taken by drilling into rock will help discover the history of Zealandia. Key points about Zealandia: Zealandia, which is mostly submerged beneath the South Pacific, was once part of the Gondwana super-continent but broke away some 75 million years ago. Covering five… Continue reading Scientists set sail to unlock secrets of lost continent:

Centre seeks inputs on trade, industrial policies, services: Academia has to do research in emerging areas: Sitharaman Context: Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday sought inputs from the academia on three topics –Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) review, the proposed revamp of manufacturing and industrial policies and India’s proposal at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on… Continue reading Centre seeks inputs on trade, industrial policies, services: