Author: ForumIAS

Dhaka defends China’s OBOR project:  Context Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque holds a view that countries must not become isolated in the name of sovereignty. He emphasized on the putting sovereignty issue behind and put economic benefits in front seat. The statement is a counter to India’s tough position against China’s One Belt, One Road… Continue reading Dhaka defends China’s OBOR project: 

Central control out, subjective aspects in: why new wetlands Rules are different:  Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate has rolled out new Wetlands Rules 2017. The new rules will dilute the rules of 2010 version.   What are Wetlands? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or… Continue reading Central control out, subjective aspects in: why new wetlands Rules are different: 

The instrumental harms of inequality:  Context From monopolistic market structures to poor public health outcomes, inequality can cause harm in a number of domains of everyday living. Causes of inequality The main causes of inequality are: 1. Unemployment Low la­bour productivity implies low rate of economic growth which is the main cause of poverty and… Continue reading The instrumental harms of inequality: 

‘Hypertension high in Kerala, low in Bihar’: Context A study ‘Diet and Nutritional Status of Urban Population in India and Prevalence of Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes and Hyperlipidaemia in Urban Men and Women’ carried out by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau during 2015-16, by researchers from the National Institute of Nutrition, has brought to the notice… Continue reading ‘Hypertension high in Kerala, low in Bihar’:

First, fix the banks:  Context: From a peak of 9.2 per cent in January-March 2016,  India’ GDP growth has fallen every successive quarter. Introduction: India’s Gross Domestic Product or GDP growth rate has slumped down to 6.1 per cent in the January-March period, lowest in more than two years. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)… Continue reading First, fix the banks: 

Centre proposes three-year licence for contractors:  Context The government has proposed an overhaul in the contract labour law which includes a three-year licence for contractors to work across the country instead of a separate one for new work orders. What was the main concern? The Contract Labor (Regulation and abolition) Act of 1970 provided that… Continue reading Centre proposes three-year licence for contractors: 

GST Council gives relief to exporters, small businesses Context Recently  the GST Council announced a slew of decisions to reduce compliance burden for exporters and small businesses. GST Council The GST bill set up a GST Council. The GST Council aims to develop a harmonized national market of goods and services According the GST Bill,… Continue reading GST Council gives relief to exporters, small businesses

Section 66A once more:  Context An expert committee appointed by the government has proposed legislation to meet the challenge of hate speech online, by amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act. The amendment can introduce stringent provisions, specifying punishment, to deal with cases of hate speech and use… Continue reading Section 66A once more: 

SC lifts veil on Collegium recommendations:  Context The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has resolved to go public with all its recommendations to the government on judicial appointments, transfers and elevations to the High Courts and Supreme Court. What are the new state of affairs? The recommendations will be… Continue reading SC lifts veil on Collegium recommendations: 

Law, faith, unreason:  Context: The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017 has been approved by the State Cabinet and is likely to be introduced soon in the Assembly. The approval of the bill is definitely a step towards complete eradication of black magic and inhuman practices. What are… Continue reading Law, faith, unreason: