Castles in the air News: The article discusses about the concept of ‘Charter Cities” and its implications. Important Facts: About Charter Cities These are characterised as “startup cities” that experiment with reforms by breaking out of the existing state system and build new cities with distinct rules that foster innovation and economic growth. Since the… Continue reading Castles in the air
Author: ForumIAS
The Bhutan vote
The Bhutan vote News: The last round of Bhutan general elections are going to be conducted on October 18, 2018. Important Facts: The first round of elections in September 2018 witnessed defeat of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT). In first round of elections DNT emerged winner followed by… Continue reading The Bhutan vote
Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs
Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs News Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met chiefs of national and international oil and gas companies and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges posed by volatile oil prices. Important facts: Backdrop: Oil prices have increased in 2018 on expectations that U.S. sanctions on Iran will strain supplies… Continue reading Saudi Arabia promises to meet India’s oil needs
India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise
India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise News: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to France discuss for a bilateral tri-service military exercise and to operationalise the logistics agreement between two countries. Important facts Bilateral tri-service military exercise between two countries will be India’s third such joint exercise. The first joint tri-service exercise… Continue reading India, France in talks to conduct tri-service exercise
Ancient rocks in India give clues to early life
Ancient rocks in India give clues to early life News Latest research found a steroid compound produced only by sponges in ancient rocks and oils from India, Oman, Siberia, which are among the earliest forms of animal life Important Facts Researchers at the University of California, Riverside in the U.S. tracked molecular signs of animal… Continue reading Ancient rocks in India give clues to early life
Shrinking families helped India grow in 1980s-90s
Shrinking families helped India grow in 1980s-90s News: United nations recently released report regarding the population and fertility rates across the world. Important Facts: About the report: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s released its flagship State of the World Population Report 2017 titled “Worlds Apart: Reproductive Health and Rights in an Age of Inequality”.… Continue reading Shrinking families helped India grow in 1980s-90s
Istanbul mystery: on Jamal Khashoggi disappearance
Istanbul mystery: on Jamal Khashoggi disappearance News: Recently Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappeared which has triggered a diplomatic storm. Important Facts: About Jamal Khashoggi: He was a journalist who was once a Saudi government insider, but had gone into self-imposed exile in the U.S. in 2017. He’d become an outspoken critic of the Saudi… Continue reading Istanbul mystery: on Jamal Khashoggi disappearance
A security architecture without the mortar
A security architecture without the mortar News: The article discusses about India’s national security inadequacies which stem from the absence of a national security vision. Important Facts: Background: Defence Planning Committee (DPC): In April 2018, the government set up a Defence Planning Committee (DPC) to assist in the creation of national security strategy, international defence… Continue reading A security architecture without the mortar
Two international astronauts survive space scare. How well is India prepared?
Two international astronauts survive space scare. How well is India prepared? Article: In the backdrop the recent failure of a Russian rocket launch, the article assesses India’s preparation to launch its human space mission, Gaganyaan Important Analysis: Failure of Russian rocket launch: On October 11 2018, the launch of Russian rocket Soyuz FG failed leading… Continue reading Two international astronauts survive space scare. How well is India prepared?
A flawed defence procurement policy
A flawed defence procurement policy Article In the backdrop of the recent Rafael controversy, the article discusses the issues with the offset guidelines of India’s defence procurement policy. Important analysis: Defence Procurement Procedure, 2016, (DPP): It aims to develop world-class domestic defence and aerospace industry by promoting indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence equipment,… Continue reading A flawed defence procurement policy
