Author: ForumIAS

The geopolitical prowess of science and technology:  Context S&T is critical for ensuring national security and opening new market opportunities. Moreover, economic competitiveness has become a proxy for military influence. Ownership of superior technology brings greater power and control. To build capacity, nations rely on several policy levers—patent laws, tax incentives, and grants to labs,… Continue reading The geopolitical prowess of science and technology: 

Don’t fear trade deficit:  & China agrees to tackle trade imbalance: Context India’s trade deficit with China, which stands at over $50 billion, has been projected by many on the Indian side as an economic evil that needs to be curbed by all means. Matter of Concern Amidst rising political tensions between India and China,… Continue reading Don’t fear trade deficit:  & China agrees to tackle trade imbalance:

‘Indians tend to borrow later in life’:  Context Households’ finance landscape shows near total absence of pension wealth Committee’s report Indian households tend to borrow later in life and are more likely to reach retirement age with positive debt balances, which is a source of risk given that they are no longer earning income during… Continue reading ‘Indians tend to borrow later in life’: 

SC overrules Emergency-era habeas corpus verdict: Context A nine-judge Bench condemned the decision in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case, better known as the habeas corpus case, as “seriously flawed.” Explanation The Supreme Court’s judgement in 1976 is considered the darkest hour when it said citizens had no right to life and liberty during the Emergency… Continue reading SC overrules Emergency-era habeas corpus verdict:

How the numbers compute:  Context In one common judgment, two of the five judges held that triple talaq was an element of statutory law, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 and, being arbitrary, was unconstitutional. Ration of 3:2 “By a majority of 3:2 the practice of ‘talaq-e-biddat’ – triple talaq is set aside”.… Continue reading How the numbers compute: 

Privacy is a fundamental right, declares SC:  Context Privacy is vital to life and liberty and an inherent part of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution was declared by a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict. The court’s decision The court held that privacy is a natural right present… Continue reading Privacy is a fundamental right, declares SC: 

Claims on Bt cotton need to be probed, says panel:  Context: A Parliamentary panel headed by Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury in a report released on Friday said the government agencies have portrayed “a rosy picture” on Bt Cotton which is far removed from the truth. Key highlights: The report of the Standing Committee on Science… Continue reading Claims on Bt cotton need to be probed, says panel: 

MPs fret over trade deficit with ASEAN: Context The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has questioned the government for suggesting that the country’s increasing trade deficit with ASEAN nations is due to imports of essential commodities and has strongly recommended that India seek better market access for its products and services with the 10-nation bloc.… Continue reading MPs fret over trade deficit with ASEAN:

Curtailing the legislature:  Context:    The Delhi High Court has entertained the PWD Secretary PIL which has stayed the investigation by privileges committee of the Delhi State Legislature on misrepresentation of facts to the privilege committee by PWD Secretary. Background: Justice P.N. Bhagwati handled the first Public Interest Litigation case in the Supreme Court in 1979.… Continue reading Curtailing the legislature: 

Political freedoms necessary: SC: Context: The Supreme Court in its privacy judgment on Thursday, said that a free environment for exercising political freedoms such as the right to dissent is necessary to end the malaise of corruption and diversion of funds and welfare benefits. Court’s judgment: The court said “Government leaders in authoritarian states” who… Continue reading Political freedoms necessary: SC: