Author: ForumIAS

GST council to tighten norms for composition  Context The twenty-third meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in Guwahati is all set to tighten the noose on players who have started splitting their business operations into smaller entities to avoid higher tax liabilities. What are the new steps? The Council is also set… Continue reading GST council to tighten norms for composition 

Japan to chair first quadrilateral meeting in Manila next week Context Japan will chair the first quadrilateral meeting between senior officials of India, US, Australia and Japan on the margins of the ASEAN and East Asia summits in Manila on November 13-14 What is ASEAN? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises of Indonesia,… Continue reading Japan to chair first quadrilateral meeting in Manila next week

Constitutional Bench to hear plea to BID sway  Context: A Constitution Bench, on November 13, will hear a petition regarding a corruption case involving a former Odisha High Court judge. The case involves corruption in the very highest echelons of power, including the justice delivery system. What is the issue? Integrity of judicial institution is… Continue reading Constitutional Bench to hear plea to BID sway 

It takes a village  Context The Sterling Playback Theatre Company brought together audiences, actors and musicians on one platform and enacted basic concerns of the audience, from demonetization to how to save money. The stage of expression The mood of the play turned intense as the people began to open up, discussing serious issues, and… Continue reading It takes a village 

Centre approves creation of a National Testing Agency Context: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the creation of a National Testing Agency (NTA) as a Society registered under the Indian Society Registration Act, 1860, and as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher… Continue reading Centre approves creation of a National Testing Agency

Globalisation an ‘irreversible historical trend’: Xi Jinping Context: Chinese president Xi Jinping laid out his country’s credentials as the new champion of world trade calling globalisation an “irreversible historical trend”, in comments that offered a contrast to the “America First” doctrine espoused by Donald Trump moments earlier. Introduction: Mr Xi was speaking at the APEC… Continue reading Globalisation an ‘irreversible historical trend’: Xi Jinping

EAC has clear road map to create jobs Context: The Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council has proposed a road map for stepping up skill development, creating jobs, enhancing resource investment in the social sector including for health and education, and for boosting infrastructure financing. Introduction: The Council was headed by NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy.… Continue reading EAC has clear road map to create jobs

BSF raises concern with Pak rangers Context India and Pakistan decided to resume the meetings between “sector commanders” deployed along the International Border (IB). What were the issues raised in the meet? The quarterly meeting between officials of the rank of Deputy Inspector-General on the Wagah-Atari border had not taken place for the past year-and-a-half.… Continue reading BSF raises concern with Pak rangers

Jadav will be permitted to meet his wife, says Pakistan Context Pakistan has offered to let Kulbhushan Jadhav meet his wife on humanitarian grounds. Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav? Kulbhushan Jadhav is the former Indian naval officer convicted by a military court for alleged espionage. He was arrested in Balochistan, Pakistan, over charges of terrorism and… Continue reading Jadav will be permitted to meet his wife, says Pakistan

CJI Mishra asserts himself in SC amidst corruption storm Context: A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has annulled an unprecedented order passed by the second senior-most judge, Justice J. Chelameshwar, to constitute a five-judge bench to deal with bribery allegations against a retired high court judge Introduction: On Thursday,… Continue reading CJI Mishra asserts himself in SC amidst corruption storm