Author: ForumIAS

It’s time to make deep emission cuts:  Context: After consecutive disasters by climate change, any further delay in reducing emissions would put at risk many more lives, livelihoods and investments for decades to come. What is global warming? What are its causes? Global warming, also referred to as climate change, is the observed century-scale rise… Continue reading It’s time to make deep emission cuts: 

Govt. may have to foot bill for rail safety fund:  Context The Ministry of Railways knocks Finance Ministry’s door to contribute its share towards the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Rosh (RRSK) as the public utility is staring at an earnings shortfall What is the concern? The Indian railways have utilized a quarter of the safety fund… Continue reading Govt. may have to foot bill for rail safety fund: 

Ensure State panels for women are set up: SC:  Context: The Supreme Court recently enquired about the existence of State Commissions for Women (SCW). What is the Supreme Court’s recent call on widows? The Supreme Court makes it clear that if State Commissions for Women (SCW) did not exist in the States, then the State… Continue reading Ensure State panels for women are set up: SC: 

Between void and voidable, scope for greater protection for girl child: (Indian Express, Editorial) Context: The recent Supreme Court verdict provides short term relief to the female victims of early marriage. What is the verdict? The verdict says that a man who has sex with a wife less than 18 years can be charged of… Continue reading Between void and voidable, scope for greater protection for girl child: (Indian Express, Editorial)

‘Paika Bidroha’ to be named as 1st War of Independence: Context: The ‘Paika Bidroha’ (Paika rebellion) of 1817 will find a place in the history books as ‘the First War of Independence’ from the next academic session. Significance of the change: Paika Bidroha’ took place four decades before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. But, the 1857… Continue reading ‘Paika Bidroha’ to be named as 1st War of Independence:

Long-run trends in rural wages:  Context: Rural wages in India over the past few years seem to have been ignored. This collapse and stagnation deserves a closer look than it has received thus far. Rural economy in India: An overview: India is known as an agricultural country, as most of the population of villages depends… Continue reading Long-run trends in rural wages: 

Economic growth: an alternative view:  Context India’s current method of GDP calculation treats environmental damage costs as income. What is GDP? GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product. It is the final value of the good and services produced within the territory of the country Decline in GDP India’s decelerating GDP growth rate in the past… Continue reading Economic growth: an alternative view: 

The road to partnership:  Context: The US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has drawn attention to an enduring paradox that marks the relationship between India and America. Two paradoxes: One such paradox is about the gap between expert expectations and actual outcomes. The relationship remains very below potential. Neither side has taken full advantage of… Continue reading The road to partnership: 

The gown and the Bench:  Context The Supreme Court has laid down guidelines for designating lawyers in the Supreme Court and High Courts as senior advocates How are lawyers designated a senior lawyer? Applications for designation is submitted to the Designation Committee, which examine the same and give its views to the Supreme Court. The… Continue reading The gown and the Bench: 

Colonial Rajasthan:  Context: Rajasthan’s legislative assembly was adjourned yesterday amidst an uproar caused by the government’s attempts to convert the “Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Ordinance, 2017” into law. Introduction: The ordinance was promulgated by the governor of Rajasthan last month, shields public servants from being investigated by the police on charges of corruption, unless the… Continue reading Colonial Rajasthan: