Author: ForumIAS

We can’t let the India-Pakistan relationship be hostage to dispute: Context Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S. Husain Haqqani has launched South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH), condemning the “widening circle of repression” and  is trying to address mainstream extremist and terrorist organizations in Pakistan. What is SAATH? South Asians Against… Continue reading We can’t let the India-Pakistan relationship be hostage to dispute:

New U.S. policy is a ‘game-changer’, says Ashraf Ghani Context India and Afghanistan deliberated on regional counter-terror efforts and emphasized on enhancing New Delhi’s defence assistance to Kabul during a day-long working visit by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to India. Mr Ghani  also praised the new United States (U.S) strategy  calling it a ‘game –… Continue reading New U.S. policy is a ‘game-changer’, says Ashraf Ghani

For the sake of the Indo-Pacific: Context: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s visit to New Delhi this week comes at an important moment for both countries and governments. Introduction:  Last week, Secretary Tillerson articulated the importance of India and of U.S.-India ties.  He spoke of marinating stability, security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region… Continue reading For the sake of the Indo-Pacific:

Complicated terms of engagement: Context: Recently, the Supreme Court declared  that a man who has sex with a wife less than 18 years can be charged of rape. What is the Supreme Court verdict? The court held that since sexual assault in marriage is already a crime under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences… Continue reading Complicated terms of engagement: 

‘Fish-lizard’ fossil from Kutch is a Jurassic first: Context: A  Jurassic-era fossil of an animal that looks like an amalgamation of dolphin and lizard has been discovered in Kutch, Gujarat. What was the discovery? This is the first time an ichthyosaur fossil has been discovered in India. The 5.5 metre-long skeleton is thought to belong… Continue reading ‘Fish-lizard’ fossil from Kutch is a Jurassic first:

No dilution of India, EU trade pact: Context: India and the European Union are yet to finalise a date for re-launching their Free Trade Agreement negotiations stalled since 2013. India – EU Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) deadlock: EU was quite upbeat on pushing the talks, which had started in 2007, and finalize a date for… Continue reading No dilution of India, EU trade pact:

U.S. makes H-1B visa renewals tougher: Context: Fresh changes in rules notified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for renewal of non-immigrant visas will severely impact H-1B visa holders. New Rules: The new rules are in line with the Donald Trump administration’s Buy American, Hire American Policy. An H-1B worker goes to the USCIS… Continue reading U.S. makes H-1B visa renewals tougher:

Centre to aid offshore e-commerce play: Context Centre plans to expand the footprint of the Indian e-commerce sector to tap potential markets outside the country, including Africa and Southeast Asia. What is the significance of expanding the ecommerce industry? Among several factors, a conscious patronization of online commerce, and an emergence of retail as a… Continue reading Centre to aid offshore e-commerce play:

Should robots be nationalised?:  Context: It is believed that If properly managed, the robotic revolution could be a chance to free millions of people from a system of exploitation of labour which is unprecedentedly inhumane. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence is intelligent behaviour by machines, rather than the natural intelligence of humans and other animals. Artificial… Continue reading Should robots be nationalised?: 

Echoes at Doklam:  Context: Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his vision to make China a great power so that it “leads the world in terms of the composite national strength and international influence.” Introduction: Mr. Xi stressed that China did not “pose a threat to any other country”, he reiterated the centrality of China’s territorial… Continue reading Echoes at Doklam: