Author: ForumIAS

Centre to states: Strengthen cyber security Context: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asked states to focus on strengthening the cyber security ecosystem to push adoption of digital services in India What has happened? The minister had met IT ministers and secretaries from almost all states during a two-day conference to discuss the roadmap on… Continue reading Centre to states: Strengthen cyber security

‘Colleges that perform well can apply for autonomy Context: Colleges that perform well will now be able to apply for autonomous status, which will permit them to start new courses and programmes, set syllabi and even “fix fees for courses at their own level”. Introduction: The University Grants Commission has notified guidelines for this change.… Continue reading ‘Colleges that perform well can apply for autonomy

India in pact with UAE to spur energy security Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to the UAE has resulted in two agreements being signed that will strengthen India’s energy security. Agreements signed include: The signing of the Concession Agreement between an Indian consortium and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for award of 10%… Continue reading India in pact with UAE to spur energy security

Kim stresses need to boost inter-Korea talks Context: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said that he wants to boost the “warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue” with South Korea Details: The statement has come after his high-level delegation returned from a visit to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Mr. Kim has given instructions for measures… Continue reading Kim stresses need to boost inter-Korea talks

U.S. Senate begins debate on immigration Context: The U.S. Senate has started an open-ended debate on immigration. About the Debate: Immigration in U.S has been a highly divisive topic that has eluded political consensus for years now The debate, which may last the entire week, is not on any specific Bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch… Continue reading U.S. Senate begins debate on immigration

China will ‘take action’ if India sends troops to Maldives: Global Times Context: China’s state-run tabloid Global Times   warned that Beijing will retaliate if New Delhi unilaterally decides to send troops to the crisis-hit Maldives. It warned that, “India should not underestimate China’s opposition to unilateral military intervention.” This follows signals from the China’s side… Continue reading China will ‘take action’ if India sends troops to Maldives: Global Times

Ramallah recall: On India’s Palestine policy Context: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Palestine signals India’s strategy to grow ties with Israel and Palestine separately India-Israel ties: In recent years, India has built strong ties with Israel In 2017, Mr. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel Israel is also a source of… Continue reading Ramallah recall: On India’s Palestine policy

Sri Lanka’s first national unity government in trouble Context: Sri Lankan first national unity government is in trouble What has happened? Sri Lankan President and PM have failed to reach consensus on the future of their coalition government, following the huge defeat their parties has suffered in the recent local government elections. They have decided… Continue reading Sri Lanka’s first national unity government in trouble

Funds push for project to benefit desert areas Context: A new loan agreement for water sector is set to benefit the desert areas in Rajasthan through restructuring of Indira Gandhi Canal and formulation of flood management systems for the Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers. The agreement: The agreement has been signed with New Development… Continue reading Funds push for project to benefit desert areas

DVC to start exporting power to Bangladesh Context: Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) would soon begin exporting power to Bangladesh. Details: DVC would soon begin exporting power to Bangladesh on the basis of a bid it had won, for supplying 300 MW It has won the bid through its power trading partner NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam… Continue reading DVC to start exporting power to Bangladesh