Author: ForumIAS

The power of persuasion Context: The Indian Constitution is unique in listing, among fundamental duties, the duty of each citizen “to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform” (Article 51A). “Scientific temper”  Jawaharlal Nehru was the first to use the expression “scientific temper”, which he described with his usual lucidity… Continue reading The power of persuasion

SC seeks details on over-crowded prisons Context:   Court to hear issues on abject conditions in jail Why in news? The Supreme Court has asked the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide details and figures of prisons where the occupancy rate is over 150% as on December 31, 2017. The three-judge Bench has also asked… Continue reading SC seeks details on over-crowded prisons

‘No time frame for Cauvery Board’ Context: Recently, Union Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari was non-committal on a possible time frame for the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB), as mandated by the Supreme Court. Details: He said that the panel has been in process However, he refused to be drawn into specifics… Continue reading ‘No time frame for Cauvery Board’

Assam-Arunachal can resolve border dispute’ Context:  Nyokum Yullo festival in Itanagar. Why in news? Assam Minister Ranjit Dutta, who was in Itanagar to attend a tribal festival, exuded confidence that the decades-old boundary dispute between the two States, can be resolved through “meaningful” dialogue. Permanent solution: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been initiating measures… Continue reading Assam-Arunachal can resolve border dispute’

HC: Do not deny cover for genetic defect Context: In a ruling that will benefit hapless claimants, Delhi high court has said that companies cannot deny health insurance to those suffering from genetic disorders. Introduction: The ill-defined and “all-encompassing” clause about genetic disorders that health insurers regularly cite to deny mediclaim is unconstitutional and arbitrary,… Continue reading HC: Do not deny cover for genetic defect

Don’t discount WaSH Context: The recent article “Can sanitation reduce stunting?” (The Hindu, February 15) touched upon many dimensions and possible reasons to explain why Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) trials in countries like Kenya and Bangladesh ended, disappointingly, with no significant reduction in stunting among children. More in news: When the effect of poor… Continue reading Don’t discount WaSH

‘‘Rational tax system soon to boost EVs’ Context:   The government on Tuesday said it was trying to bring out an industry-friendly new National Automotive Policy as well as a rational system of taxation for promoting electric and hybrid vehicles. Significance of this decision: The policy will help create a more ‘enabling’ environment for the sector… Continue reading ‘‘Rational tax system soon to boost EVs’

No discrimination Context: Recently, Delhi high court has said that companies cannot deny health insurance to those suffering from genetic disorders. Case involved: The verdict came on an insurance claim by one Jai Prakash Tayal against United India Insurance Company Limited. Tayal, who was suffering from hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, was suddenly denied his insurance claim… Continue reading No discrimination

Land Bill JPC hits a roadblock Context: A meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Land Acquisition Bill was cancelled on Tuesday for lack of quorum as only six of the 31 members turned up. The Bill seeks to remove the consent clause for acquiring land for industrial corridors, public-private projects, rural infrastructure, affordable… Continue reading Land Bill JPC hits a roadblock

The 1947 singularity Context: In the debates on India’s contemporary history, the meaning and significance of 1947 and of the framing of the Constitution have always been contested. Arguments contested: Did the Constitution mark a moment of discontinuity with the colonial past, and a desire to transform Indian political and social structures? Was it simply… Continue reading The 1947 singularity