Author: ForumIAS

A case for evidence-based healthcare policy:  Context: The very popular 85% price reduction in cardiac stents may create political capital, but it could run a nascent industry into the ground. Introduction: The recent price cap on stents is also being seen as a measure to address the burden of heart disease in the country. The… Continue reading A case for evidence-based healthcare policy: 

Panel to draft data protection Bill, SC told:  Context The Central Government criticized for taking conflicting position on whether or not Indian citizen enjoy a fundamental right to privacy under the Constitution. The Chronological order In the Aadhaar case, the government has argued against the existence of a fundamental right to privacy despite more than… Continue reading Panel to draft data protection Bill, SC told: 

Barriers to well-being: Context: A recent incident in the US brings forward the question of accountability of a child’s health care needs clarity. The incident: Charlie Gard was born with a serious mitochondrial disorder that led to the wasting of his muscles and brain and there is no definitive treatment. Charlie Gard’s parents wanted to… Continue reading Barriers to well-being:

Seven species of grasshoppers found: Context A small-granulated dark black and brown coloured pygmy grasshopper measuring about 9.07 mm was discovered in the forests of Chhattisgarh last month as by the Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The new discovery It was collected from moist deciduous forests in Korba district, the species has… Continue reading Seven species of grasshoppers found:

Heart of the matter:  Context The article ‘Address this blockage,’ by Cherian and Kumar acknowledges that the capping of stent prices has made them affordable, but flawed arguments have been used to suggest that there may be adverse consequences to patients and the indigenous stent industry. Major arguments One key argument against price capping is… Continue reading Heart of the matter: 

Trai and CCI: no turf wars, please:  Context Recent debate on turf wars between the competition regulator and sector-specific regulators in India has risen due to a letter by the the chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), D.K. Sikri, to his counterpart at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), R.S. Sharma. Arguments… Continue reading Trai and CCI: no turf wars, please: 

Banks should reduce rates for existing borrowers too: RBI: Context: The RBI reduces the policy rate while flagging multiple concerns on the economy Introduction: As some of the upside risks to inflation have not materialize, the Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday decided to cut the key policy rate or repo rate by 25 basis… Continue reading Banks should reduce rates for existing borrowers too: RBI:

WCO to unveil norms for e-commerce trade: Context: Customs body aims to address digital, illegal trade Introduction: The World Customs Organization (WCO) will soon bring out guidelines on ‘cross-border e-commerce’, which will focus on preventing illegal trade as well as addressing the challenges stemming from the ‘digital divide’, according to the WCO Secretary General Kunio… Continue reading WCO to unveil norms for e-commerce trade:

Border peace must for China ties: India &India may have cut troops in Doklam, claims China: Context The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a 15-page statement, claiming that India has scaled down its forces in Doklam, but demanded that New Delhi pull back all its troops to end the military standoff in the area. India’s position… Continue reading Border peace must for China ties: India &India may have cut troops in Doklam, claims China:

The Bitcoin split is good for progress:  Context: Bitcoin cash, the new alternative cryptocurrency, is crashing Introduction:  On Tuesday, bitcoin split in two following a years-long battle in the community over the rules that should guide the cryptocurrency’s network The split resulted in the creation of new cryptocurrency, bitcoin cash, which has the same basic… Continue reading The Bitcoin split is good for progress: