Author: ForumIAS

Modi, Mahathir hold ‘productive’ talks News: Prime Minster Narendra Modi held his first meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohammad in Kuala Lumpur. Important facts: The two leaders exchanged views on strengthening strategic partnership. They also discussed ways to boost economic and cultural relations between the two countries. This visit comes in the backdrop of… Continue reading Modi, Mahathir hold ‘productive’ talks

Tata, EU steel firms brace for tariff war News: US will extend imposition of 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico. Important facts: This trade action brings an end to potential exemptions and raises the risk of trade war. Due to tariff  U.S steel and… Continue reading Tata, EU steel firms brace for tariff war

What will the caretakers take care of? News: Akbar Zaidi is a political economist from Karachi argues about the credibility of caretaker government in Pakistan. Important Facts: Pakistan for the first had a caretaker government from the judiciary which comprise of Chief justice of Pakistan. The rise of Pakistan’s judiciary is considered as transitions of… Continue reading What will the caretakers take care of?

Sharp drop in smoking tobacco in India, says WHO report News: According to a WHO report, smoking tobacco in India has dropped down to 11.5% in 2005 from 19.4% in 2000. Important facts: The percentage is expected to drop down further to 9.8% by 2020 and 8.5% by 2025. Although  the reduction is insufficient to… Continue reading Sharp drop in smoking tobacco in India, says WHO report

Farmers’ gaon bandh hits fresh supplies across States News: The nation is hit by a ten-day strike by farmers of seven states. Important facts: The nation-wide farmer’s protest is known as ‘Gaon bandh’. The protest is implemented by 172 organisations and is under the leadership of Rashtroya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh (RKMM) and Kisan Ekta Manch… Continue reading Farmers’ gaon bandh hits fresh supplies across States

Mixed growth signals News: The fourth quarter of the financial year 2017-18 grew at 7.7%. It is the fastest and strongest growth in the entire FY 2017-18. Important facts: The growth in economy is driven by growth in capital formation, manufacturing and construction sector. The manufacturing sector has contributed to approx 20% of quarterly GVA… Continue reading Mixed growth signals

PM affirms India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ News PM Narendra Modi affirms strategic Autonomy as India’s foreign principle at ‘Shangri-La Dialogue’ in Singapore. Important Facts ‘Shangri-La Dialogue’ is organised by London-based think-tank IISS and hosted by Singapore. It is attended by Defence Ministers from the Asia-Pacific region each year PM Modi is the first Indian PM to… Continue reading PM affirms India’s ‘strategic autonomy’

The democracy project in Bangladesh- Transformation Index 2018 Article: Subir bhaumik, a former BBC bureau chief for East and Northeast India, has analysed the Transformation Index 2018 report which ranked Bangladesh as autocratic nation.  Important Analysis “Transformation Index 2018 (BTI)” released by Germany’s Bertelsmann Foundation has rated Bangladesh at 58 out of 129 developing nations… Continue reading The democracy project in Bangladesh- Transformation Index 2018

Singapore a strategic partner, says PM Modi News: Indian Prime Minister recently visited Singapore and deepens its economic and defence ties with the nation. Important facts: Singapore is the last leg of PM Modi’s three-nation tour (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore). Major takeaways from the visit: The two countries signed eight agreements. An implementation agreement was… Continue reading Singapore a strategic partner, says PM Modi

Centre notifies Cauvery Water Management Authority News: The central government has issued a notification for the Cauvery Water Management Authority following Supreme Court order. Important Facts: About Cauvery management control authority. The chairman of the authority will be appointed by the Central government. He/She must be of the rank of secretary or additional secretary or… Continue reading Centre notifies Cauvery Water Management Authority