Author: ForumIAS

SC upholds constitutional validity of compensation law under GST News 1. Supreme Court (SC) upholds constitutional validity of ‘The Compensation to States Act, 2017’, thus allowing the levy of cess for compensation to States in case of revenue shortfall under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Important Facts: 2. SC ruling is on Special leave… Continue reading SC upholds constitutional validity of compensation law under GST

More liquidity for lending News 1.RBI last week allowed banks to classify an additional 2% of the value of their SLR investments in the government bonds as high-quality liquid assets (HQLAs). Important Facts: What are SLR, CRR and LCR? These policy tools (SLR, CRR, LCR) are used by RBI to influence amount of reserves held… Continue reading More liquidity for lending

A dissenting view Article: Writer is a former Judge of SC, and has discussed about the implication Sabarimala verdict. Important Analysis: In Indian Young Lawyers Association vs. State of Kerala, the Supreme Court by a 4-1 majority held the prohibition of entry of women in Sabarimala temple of menstruating age is illegal and unconstitutional. In… Continue reading A dissenting view

The creamy layer of social justice Article: Shyam Babu has talked about public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Samta Andolan Samiti that seeks the removal of creamy layer among the SC/STs in job reservations. Important Analysis: SC in Jarnail Singh v. Lachhmi Narain Gupta, held that the government need not collect quantifiable data belonging… Continue reading The creamy layer of social justice

The scope of constitutional morality Article: Kalpana Kannabiran, Professor and Director, has talked about abolition of untouchability in all its forms including manual scavenging. Important Analysis: As per the Author, abolition of untouchability including Manual Scavenging remains an unrealized constitutional rights. Author says, there are no visible pathways to freedom in this malign caste society… Continue reading The scope of constitutional morality

Nobel prizes: News: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2018 has been awarded to Frances H. Arnold for the directed evolution of enzymes and  to George P. Smith and Sir Gregory P. Winter for the phage display of peptides and antibodies. Important Facts: Significance of discoveries: The uses of Frances Arnold’s enzymes include more environmentally friendly… Continue reading Nobel prizes:

Tripura: Govt doles cut off, Bru refugees stare at uncertain future News: Recently government assistance was stopped to Bru refugees at the six relief camps in Tripura. Important Facts: About Bru tribes: It is a scheduled   tribe  of  Mizoram  which has been recognized  by   the   Government  of India  as “Riang” tribe. Living amidst dense forest,… Continue reading Tripura: Govt doles cut off, Bru refugees stare at uncertain future

Use your face to zip through airports News: The government is set to introduce the “Digi Yatra” facility to ease passenger travel by one-time verification at an airport. Important News: The “Digi Yatra” facility, which is voluntary, would require passengers to initially register themselves at a web portal by providing an identity proof. 3.The individual’s… Continue reading Use your face to zip through airports

Next steps at Gir News: Recently 21 Asiatic lions died in Gujarat’s Gir National Park in less than a month which raises  serious questions about the conservation of the big cats in their only habitat. Important Facts: Reasons for lion deaths: Infighting between lion prides: Male lions are known to maul each other to death… Continue reading Next steps at Gir

Farm fires set to pollute NCR again  News: A vast number of farmers in Punjab and Haryana have decided to continue their annual ritual of setting fire to paddy straw thus aggravating the Delhi pollution problem. Important Facts: This has brought back the issue of smog choking the region despite the Centre doling out more… Continue reading Farm fires set to pollute NCR again