Author: ForumIAS

New Delhi brims with ‘Look east’ vibes  Context: India celebrates the 25th year commemorative summit of the ASEAN-India dialogue partnership on 25th January, 2017. Security issues in the Indo-Pacific will be the focus of discussions. What are the highlights of the summit? The ASEAN-India discussions will focus on the “three Cs of connectivity, commerce and… Continue reading New Delhi brims with ‘Look east’ vibes 

The arc to Southeast Asia  Context: India will host heads of 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the Republic Day celebrations to boost India’s ties with Southeast Asia. Where does India lack to strengthen the India-ASEAN relationship? India’s capacity to provide development assistance, market access and security guarantees remains limited.… Continue reading The arc to Southeast Asia 

Afghanistan, on a slow fuse  Context: The attack by the Taliban gunmen at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul depicts the deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan. The siege at the hotel lasted more than 12 hours and claimed 22 victims, including 14 foreigners, before the gunmen were neutralised. What is the present day scenario of Afghanistan?… Continue reading Afghanistan, on a slow fuse 

Padma Vibhushan for Ilaiyaraaja  Context President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday approved the award of 85 Padma awards. The list of those honored includes music composer-director Ilaiyaraaja conferred with a Padma Vibhushan and sports  M.S. Dhoni and Pankaj Advani honored with Padma Bhushan Dhoni gets Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri for Gond artist Bhajju Shyam President… Continue reading Padma Vibhushan for Ilaiyaraaja 

World Bank’s Romer quits after Chile affair  Context Paul Romer stepped down as the World Bank’s chief economist on Wednesday after he came under fire for saying that Chile’s rankings in a closely watched Doing Business report may have been deliberately skewed under socialist President Michelle Bachelet Global search for new chief economist Mr. Jim said the… Continue reading World Bank’s Romer quits after Chile affair 

The grounding of Air India  Context Having announced its decision to sell Air India, the government is making arrangements to do so. The move itself has come after multiple efforts by successive governments to resurrect the national airline. Though there has been news of it finally turning in an operating profit under a determined CEO,… Continue reading The grounding of Air India 

Training teachers  Context Education is a fundamental right for those aged between six and 14 years, but there has hardly been a coordinated effort to better the lot of teachers who teach these children Necessity For years, certain institutions which impart teacher training courses have failed to get the necessary recognition from the National Council… Continue reading Training teachers 

Should euthanasia be allowed  Context The right to life includes the right to live with dignity. But when there is pain is there dignity? Question asked? Narayan Lavate (88) and Iravati Lavate (78) from Maharashtra say that they do not wish to be a burden on society in their old age. They don’t have children… Continue reading Should euthanasia be allowed 

Multiple chief guests, a first for Republic Day  Context From a single leader gracing Republic Day, India has pulled off a diplomatic coup of sorts by having as many as 10 leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for January 26 this year Significance The presence of the entire ASEAN leadership for Republic… Continue reading Multiple chief guests, a first for Republic Day 

India ASEAN ties can benefit region: China  Context China on Thursday cautiously welcomed India’s invitation extended to the heads of ASEAN and offered Beijing’s “constructive” participation for promoting the overall development of the region China’s views China is open to all countries developing friendly relations. So, we are okay with India developing friendly and cooperative… Continue reading India ASEAN ties can benefit region: China