Author: ForumIAS

Growth likely to be in the lower range, closer to 6.5%:  Context: The Indian economy’s growth in 2017-18 is more likely to be closer to 6.5% than 7.5%, according to Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. Introduction: Union finance minister Arun Jaitley tables second volume of the Economic Survey 2016-17 in Lok Sabha The Economic Survey… Continue reading Growth likely to be in the lower range, closer to 6.5%: 

Push for law to ensure transparency rules:  Context The government could consider introducing a new law to ensure transparency of rules, the Economic Survey has recommended. The recommendation The problem is that it is not easy for ordinary citizens [and businesses] in India to navigate the multitude of rules, regulations, forms, taxes and procedures imposed… Continue reading Push for law to ensure transparency rules: 

Slow injustice:  Context Speedy trials alone can undo the sense of injustice caused by acquittal after years in jail The slow and unfair justice system of India The wholesale acquittal of all 10 persons arrested in connection with a blast at the Police Task Force office at Begumpet in Hyderabad in 2005 must occasion serious… Continue reading Slow injustice: 

Law itself allows cattle slaughter, SC tells govt Context If slaughtering cattle for food or religious sacrifice is allowed under the Prevention of Cruelty Act, why did the government ban the sale of cattle for these purposes in the new livestock market rules, the Supreme Court asks. The Bench questions A Bench of Chief Justice… Continue reading Law itself allows cattle slaughter, SC tells govt

In South Asia, be the Un-China:  India needs to rekindle the SAARC process in order to secure historical affinity with its neighbours. Context: India needs to rekindle the SAARC process in order to secure historical affinity with its neighbours. Explanation: As the stand-off between the Indian and Chinese militaries enters its third month at Doklam,… Continue reading In South Asia, be the Un-China: 

More troops on China border:  Context India has deployed more troops along the entire 1,400 km of the border with China in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the face of sensitive speechmaking by Beijing over the Doklam standoff. Rising Caution level The “caution level” among the troops has been raised. The officials declined to give… Continue reading More troops on China border: 

Hubris of science:  It has become an ideology of the powerful. Democratic societies need a plurality of knowledge systems. Context: The recent ‘March for Science’ in Delhi on 9th August, 2017 has caught the criticisms of many. Explanation: Science fights dogmas and practices, it gives us clarity of understanding, and the power to demystify and… Continue reading Hubris of science: 

GIS-enabled portal maps land-related information Context: In a little over six months beginning February, the Centre has brought out an online database developed by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the National e-Governance Division in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as well as the BISAG – an institute for space… Continue reading GIS-enabled portal maps land-related information

Investors ‘shell’ shocked over SEBI order:  Context: A recent order from market regulator SEBI  brought to a halt trading in more than 170 actively traded stocks on the stock exchanges. These firms formed part of a larger group of 331 ‘shell’ companies whose names the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) shared with the regulator for… Continue reading Investors ‘shell’ shocked over SEBI order: 

How low can interest rates go?:  Context: The interest rate on the one-year term deposit in India’s largest bank has nosedived from 9% in July 2014 to 6.5% now.  Interest rates on the three-year term deposit have dropped from 8.75% to 6.25%. Introduction: In pegging down their deposit rates, banks have taken their cues from… Continue reading How low can interest rates go?: