Author: ForumIAS

Economy outlook still cloudy:  Context: The government move to published economic data for the April to June quarter of this year needs a look Introduction:  The real growth of GDP, after removing the impact of inflation, was only 5.7%, much lower than expected. For the past six consecutive quarters, the growth rate has gone down… Continue reading Economy outlook still cloudy: 

Moving to the faster lane:  Context: The introduction of GST tax reforms will have the most far-reaching ramifications in the growth of the logistics sector in India. GST reform is certain to catalyse conformity in every part of the business chain and to expand the tax base in a transparent and efficient manner Supply chain… Continue reading Moving to the faster lane: 

Behind SC verdict on places of worship, Article on taxpayers’ money and religion:  Context: During the Gujarat riots of 2002, 567 places of worship, including 545 of Muslims, were damaged. In a legal battle on the compensation to be paid, the Supreme Court last week upheld a state government compensation scheme while setting aside a… Continue reading Behind SC verdict on places of worship, Article on taxpayers’ money and religion: 

Diplomacy must to solve conflicts:  Context Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are expected to hold a one-on-one meeting during the ninth BRICS summit at Xiamen Doklam Issue With military tensions between India and China finally coming to an end, the meet might focus The agenda for the meet shall be aimed at “peace and… Continue reading Diplomacy must to solve conflicts: 

Delhi’s air pollution puzzle:  Context: According to a WHO report, Delhi has the worst air quality among the megacities (cities with the population of at least 14 million) What does the WHO report say? There were 4.24 million deaths globally in 2015 attributable to PM2.5 (fine         particulate matter with a diameter… Continue reading Delhi’s air pollution puzzle: 

Down but not out:  Context The recent launch of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) was a failure. It was carried by PSLV-C39 rocket. The failed PSLV attempt to launch the navigation satellite would not affect the future missions. What is the Issue? The PSLV-C39 rocket carrying the eighth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation… Continue reading Down but not out: 

Rearranging the BRICS:  The forum is less about ideological posturing, more about repositioning India in changing great power equations. India and neighbors Raja Mandala: Rearranging the BRICS Context Building a multipolar world is one of the central themes of India’s foreign policy and BRICS has been the main forum for the pursuit of that objective.… Continue reading Rearranging the BRICS: 

BRICS declares Lashkar, Jaish as global terror groups:  Context The BRICS grouping indisputably named Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as terror organizations This move emphasizes a shift in China’s situation  with regard to ties with Pakistan Which organizations have been designated as terrorist organizations? A joint communiqué released at the BRICS summit further listed the… Continue reading BRICS declares Lashkar, Jaish as global terror groups: 

Is a progressive GST possible?: Context: A higher rate of consumption based tax like GST hurts the poor. Introduction: India is the second-most generous country, among 20 major countries What is the current scenario of India’s direct tax regime? India has one of the lowest direct tax to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratios in the… Continue reading Is a progressive GST possible?: 

‘Undersea line from Iran to port cheap gas’: Context Indian must push for a trans-national deep water gas pipeline from Iran bypassing Pakistani EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). What is the plan? South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (SAGE) is looking to lay the underline sea pipeline, travelling first to Oman and them to the coast… Continue reading ‘Undersea line from Iran to port cheap gas’: