Author: ForumIAS

India, Pak. call truce over envoys What has happened? The protracted spat between India and Pakistan over harassment of respective diplomatic staff ended on Friday. Both sides will ensure safety of each other’s diplomats, families of diplomats and diplomatic premises Flurry of note verbales The exchange between the two countries became heated following daily incidents… Continue reading India, Pak. call truce over envoys

States told to identify ‘illegal’ immigrants What has happened? The Home Ministry has asked State governments to “capture the biographic and biometric particulars” of illegal immigrants and “restrict them to specified locations. Collect biometric particulars and restrict people to specified locations The letter without mentioning “Rohingya” has asked local authorities to identify those illegal immigrants… Continue reading States told to identify ‘illegal’ immigrants

After glitch, ISRO trying to restore link with GSAT-6A Context A day after GSAT-6A, the country’s newest communication satellite, went incommunicado in space, officials of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Sunday that they were working to restore the link with it Backdrop The spacecraft, launched on March 29, was meant to support… Continue reading After glitch, ISRO trying to restore link with GSAT-6A

Low-down on electric and hybrid vehicles Context Though the government seems to have dropped its plan to implement a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) policy, it is still keen on shifting India’s petrol-diesel-based auto industry to electric What are the differences between electric and hybrid vehicles? The key difference between hybrid and all-EVs is in the… Continue reading Low-down on electric and hybrid vehicles

High hopes? Context Divestment of Air India (AI) What has happened? Government has decided to divest 76% of its stake in AI A 100% stake is being offered in its subsidiary Air India Express, and a 50% stake is on offer in its ground handling operations arm Other subsidiaries, such as Alliance Air, Hotel Corporation… Continue reading High hopes?

Finance panel gets long wish list Context 15th Finance Commission Suggestion for FC’s terms of reference A financial buffer against rising crude oil prices: A financial buffer should be created to insulate the economy from the volatility of rising crude prices and closer integration into the global economy Funds to deal with floods Bihar: 3%… Continue reading Finance panel gets long wish list

CVC wants to keep an eye on private banks What has happened? The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has urged the Prime Minister’s Office to bring private sector banks under its watch, citing the fact that they have been involved in many recent instances of malfeasance. Current situation Private sector banks are out of the CVC’s… Continue reading CVC wants to keep an eye on private banks

A rude wake-up call Question asked Should there be some safeguards before the motion, tabled by the requisite number of Members of Parliament, is admitted? Negative effects Loss of credibility and reputation:The incalculable damage that even a mere admission of an impeachment motion can cause, and the consequential loss of reputation, that can never be… Continue reading A rude wake-up call

Donate floral offerings to shelter homes: SC What has happened? The Supreme Court has urged temple towns across the country to follow in the footsteps of the Uttar Pradesh Women Welfare department’s initiative to donate “huge” floral offerings received at temples to destitute women and widows’ shelter homes Widows can make eco-friendly products The inmates… Continue reading Donate floral offerings to shelter homes: SC

Can’t stop legislators from practising: Bar Council Context A petition before SC that a public servant cannot practise as an advocate but however legislators are practising in various courts which is a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution (equality before law). What has happened? The Bar Council of India has said it cannot stop… Continue reading Can’t stop legislators from practising: Bar Council