Author: ForumIAS

‘Cannot reveal Rafale details due to new pact’ What has happened? The Union government cannot disclose details of the Rafale deal as India and France had recently signed an agreement to protect classified information exchanged between the two sides, according to officials Govt. cites secrecy deal with France The government told Parliament this week that… Continue reading ‘Cannot reveal Rafale details due to new pact’

Seychelles says no to India’s proposal for naval base What has happened? India’s plans to get a foothold in the Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles received a setback after its President Danny Faure told Parliament earlier this week that he will not take up the Assomption island project deal with India for ratification Why: Because… Continue reading Seychelles says no to India’s proposal for naval base

India and Japan commit to Indo-Pacific strategy What has happened? India is Japan’s “most important” partner in its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, as both countries agreed to step up cooperation in their “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” during annual consultations and exchanged yen loan agreements for $1.4 billion.… Continue reading India and Japan commit to Indo-Pacific strategy

Should gambling be legalised? Context Gambling is ubiquitous in Indian society: people bet on animal fights on streets, they make bets while playing cards and before cricket matches. As the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke correctly said, “Gambling is a principle inherent in human nature.” Existing law on gambling The primary law on which States have… Continue reading Should gambling be legalised?

Cabinet approves education reforms What has happened? Minister of Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar on Thursday announced that the Cabinet has approved a slew of reforms for school education in the country, in what could be considered as the SarvaShiksha Abhiyan-2 project Integrated Scheme Schemes to be integrated:The SSA, the Rashtriya MadhyamikShiksha Abhiyan and teacher… Continue reading Cabinet approves education reforms

Rivers, floodplains, cities and farmers What has happened? Floodplains of rivers can provide a new source of water. They are a local, non-polluting, perennial and non-invasive source of water for urban centres. Our work and research on the Palla floodplain scheme which was launched by the Delhi Jal Board in 2016 is a tangible realisation… Continue reading Rivers, floodplains, cities and farmers

Kaziranga finds a dozen reasons to be happy Context Indian Rhino (one-horned Rhino) Scientific name: Rhinoceros unicornis What has happened? Kaziranga’s iconic one-horned rhino population has risen by 12 individuals. The latest headcount of the armour-plated herbivore in Assam’s world-famous reserve put the estimated number at 2,413 rhinos. This is an increase of a dozen over… Continue reading Kaziranga finds a dozen reasons to be happy

‘Monetary policy not apt to ensure financial stability’ What has happened? Monetary policy transmission improves if friction in the financial system diminishes, according to the findings of a study by the Development Research Group (DRG) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). DRG The DRG is constituted by the apex bank in its Department of… Continue reading ‘Monetary policy not apt to ensure financial stability’

Billed for change What has happened? The Union Cabinet this week approved six out of the dozens of changes to the contentious National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill that were suggested by a Parliamentary Standing Committee earlier this month. These changes address some of the loudest criticisms of the Bill. Changes approved by the Cabinet Final… Continue reading Billed for change

Pak. wants to inspect Indus projects What has happened? Pakistan has asked India to allow its officials to undertake a tour for inspecting Indian projects in the Indus river basin, which New Delhi said will be arranged in line with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), according to government sources. PIC meeting Pakistan… Continue reading Pak. wants to inspect Indus projects