Author: ForumIAS

Citizen count  Context The draft of Assam’s National Register of Citizens is a first step, but it opens up concerns The draft of Assam’s National Register of Citizens is a first step, but it opens up concerns Prodded by an unrelenting Supreme Court Bench, Assam met its December 31 deadline for publication of the first draft… Continue reading Citizen count 

Panchayat secretary’s cerificate is no proof  Context Certificates issued by the ‘gaon’ or village panchayat secretary/Executive Magistrate is no proof of Indian citizenship. Supreme Court clarifies on citizenship Certificates issued by the ‘gaon’ or village panchayat secretary/Executive Magistrate is no proof of Indian citizenship Clarification from the SC It is only a supporting document used… Continue reading Panchayat secretary’s cerificate is no proof 

Expect specific action on Pak. this week says US  Context Some specific actions on Pakistan ,which is in the cross hairs of U.S. President Donald Trump for sheltering terrorists, could be expected in the next one or two days, the White House said on Tuesday. Experts say Trump’s tweet does not indicate any shift in policy;… Continue reading Expect specific action on Pak. this week says US 

A new plateau  Context In more ways than one, 2017 marked a turning point in India-China relations. If it began with India taking a strong stance against China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it ended with China tightening its grip on South Asia. And in between was the Doklam stand-off which underscored the challenges… Continue reading A new plateau 

Behind the enemy line Context The closer you get to the border in J&K, the greater the yearning for an end to ceasefire violations The closer you get to the border in J&K, the greater the yearning for an end to ceasefire violations Author went on a field trip to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with the Pakistan… Continue reading Behind the enemy line

Chinese road building team enters Arunachal Pradesh, India seizes equipment Context The Chinese track construction was first observed by residents of the area, who informed the ITBP. The ITBP and Army sent a joint patrol on December 28, which asked the Chinese workers to return to their territory. What happened? Months after the two countries de-escalated… Continue reading Chinese road building team enters Arunachal Pradesh, India seizes equipment

Money talks  Context Pakistan is worried less by U.S. withdrawal of aid than the overall downslide in ties US holds Pakistan accountable for terrorism That the U.S. will continue to withhold $255 million in Foreign Military Financing to Pakistan this year suggests it is prepared to downgrade its ties with Pakistan further in an effort to hold… Continue reading Money talks 

India calls off missile deal with Israel  Context India has called off an order to buy Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israel’s state-owned defence contractor Rafael The deal had been worth about $500 million The deal was worth about $500 million and its termination came ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India.… Continue reading India calls off missile deal with Israel 

Defence ministry approves projects worth 2420 crore:  Context The Defence Ministry on Thursday gave final approval for the procurement of simulated training solutions for the Navy’s P-8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and electronic warfare systems for the Army at a combined cost of ₹2419.32 crore Utility The P-8I training solution, along with 10 year… Continue reading Defence ministry approves projects worth 2420 crore: 

LokSabha passes Bill to hike salaries of judges:  Context The LokSabha on Thursday passed a bill to hike the salaries of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts What has happened? Bill to hike the salaries of judges of SC & HC has been passed by LokSabha. The Bill proposes to hike the salary of the… Continue reading LokSabha passes Bill to hike salaries of judges: