Author: ForumIAS

The Rohingya Threat:  Context Myanmar’s army claimed that it had discovered a mass grave containing the bodies of 28 Hindus, including women and children, in violence-affected Rakhine state, blaming the killings on Muslim Rohingya militants. What is in the news? Times Now revealed that about 300 Rohingya abducted 100 Hindus on August 25, eliminated 92… Continue reading The Rohingya Threat: 

Of paramount interest?:  Context: The UN General Assembly has confirmed the growing ineffectiveness of the world body. Introduction: In June 1945, India’s princely states sent a single representative to sign the Charter of the United Nations at the San Francisco conference. A word war Religion became cause to divide rather than build a common understanding,… Continue reading Of paramount interest?: 

Centre forms group to work on plans for 5G roll-out by 2020: Context: The Union government’s plan to roll-out of 5th generation telecom services by 2020 What is the news all about? The government has formed a high-level panel to evaluate and approve road-maps and action plan to achieve the target of rolling out the… Continue reading Centre forms group to work on plans for 5G roll-out by 2020:

‘Panel to review industrial policy hurdles’:  Context: The Union Government’s proposal to constitute a new mechanism to fast-track investment proposals What is the news all about? The Union government will set up a committee to review policy-related roadblocks and other factors that obstruct industrial growth and private investments. The government is considering a new mechanism… Continue reading ‘Panel to review industrial policy hurdles’: 

BSF pushes back Rohingya from Tripura:  Context: The Boarder Security Force recently pushed back four Rohingya Muslims who were trying to cross over an unfenced stretch on the Bangladesh border in Tripura. Introduction: This is the first instance of Rohingya being pushed back since the Home Ministry circular on August 19 to identify and deport… Continue reading BSF pushes back Rohingya from Tripura: 

U.S. nudges India-Afghanistan trade:  Context Afghanistan’s Chief Executive, Dr. Abdullah’s arrival will result into intensifying trade links. What is the purpose of the visit? Dr. Abdullah, accompanied by several other ministers, is here to inaugurate an India-Afghanistan trade fair, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development. India has been partnering with the Government… Continue reading U.S. nudges India-Afghanistan trade: 

All help, but no troops to Afghanistan:  Context: India on 26th September has ruled out the decision of deploying troops in Afghanistan to expand development and medical assistance for the strife-torn nation. What are India’s contributions to Afghanistan? Indian contribution to Afghanistan has been for a very long time and been consistently on developmental issues.… Continue reading All help, but no troops to Afghanistan: 

Western Ghats throw up a new snake:  Context New species of snake has been found in western ghats. Scientists have described a new species of non-venomous endemic snake, Aquatic Rhabdops, from the northern Western Ghats. Aquatic Rhabdops The three-foot-long nocturnal snake hunts for prey underwater, scientist named the new species after its aquatic nature since… Continue reading Western Ghats throw up a new snake: 

The way forward for the electric vehicle push:  Context India’s announcement and intention to move from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electric vehicles is considered positive. India building vehicles based on Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs). Via joint ventures, technology licences and technology transfer, Indian manufacturers and suppliers have built full-fledged capabilities in ICEs. Value engineering of… Continue reading The way forward for the electric vehicle push: 

Is Japan’s bullet train loan the best deal India has ever had?:  Context: Japan’s loan at 0.1% interest rate for the bullet train is not extraordinary, viewed in light of Japan’s low 0.05% interest rates and domestic economic conditions Introduction: Japan had offered India a 50 year loan at just 0.1% interest to fund the… Continue reading Is Japan’s bullet train loan the best deal India has ever had?: