Author: ForumIAS

MSP for paddy hiked by Rs. 200 News: The Union cabinet has increased the Minimum Support Prices(MSP) for kharif crops. Important facts: 2. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on economic affairs headed by PM Narendra Modi. 3. The MSP were announced for 14 commodities. 4. The government has increased MSP so that… Continue reading MSP for paddy hiked by Rs. 200

Freedom from being ‘India-locked’ Article: Sujeev Shakya, Secretary General of the Himalayan Consensus Institute, analyse that it is high time for India to redefine its engagement with Nepal rather than continue to be reactive. Important Analysis: 2. Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oil’s visited to China last month. 3. The visit had much significance because:… Continue reading Freedom from being ‘India-locked’

EC launches Braille-enabled Voter IDs News: Recently, the Election Commission launched voter identity cards with Braille label. Important facts: 2. It was done to ensure greater participation of persons with visual impairment in the electoral process 3. The Commission also unveiled a strategic framework on “Accessible Elections” with representatives of the Central government, political parties,… Continue reading EC launches Braille-enabled Voter IDs

Opening up to the world Article: Philip G. Altbach, research professor, through this article highlighting the major challenges in India’s higher education system. Important Analysis: 2. Earlier, Colleges and universities have been restricted from deep institutional collaborations. 3. Little emphasis was given on attracting international students. 4. Only 47,575 international students study in India compared… Continue reading Opening up to the world

HEFA to allot Rs. 1 lakh crore for education News: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to expand the capital base of Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA). Important fact: 2. The Cabinet permitted the HEFA to mobilize Rs 1 lakh crore to meet the infrastructure needs of the institutions. 3. The CCEA has also… Continue reading HEFA to allot Rs. 1 lakh crore for education

Union Cabinet clears DNA profiling Bill News:  The Union Cabinet’s  green signal to DNA profiling Bill. Important facts: 2. DNA profiling Bill and its key features: 3. Originally proposed in 2007, the drafting of the Bill began in 2012 by the Department of biotechnology of the Ministry of Science and Technology. 4. The Proposed Bill… Continue reading Union Cabinet clears DNA profiling Bill

L-G bound by ‘aid and advice’ of Delhi govt., says Constitution Bench News: The Supreme Court in its judgment over power tussle between Delhi government and LG, held that lieutenant governor is bound by the “aid and advice” of the Delhi government. Important facts: 2. Issues involved: After its victory in 2015 in Assembly elections,… Continue reading L-G bound by ‘aid and advice’ of Delhi govt., says Constitution Bench

Cryptocurrency trade braces for RBI ban News: Recently, the Supreme Court has refused to stay the RBI’s directive to banks instructing them to stop all business with dealing in cryptocurrencies. Important facts: 2. The RBI’s directive and SC’s verdict have mixed reactions from industry players and analysts. 3. The apex bank’s decision is a big… Continue reading Cryptocurrency trade braces for RBI ban

Give legal backing to MSP, says panel  News: Recently, the centre approved Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for kharif crops. Important facts: 2. The government considers A2+FL’ as production cost. 3. A2+FL costs includes family labour, but not land costs. 4. However, some experts want comprehensive cost (C2) to be considered for MSP. C2 includes land… Continue reading Give legal backing to MSP, says panel

This aborted mission is a success News: Recently, ISRO has taken a step forward towards sending Indian’s to space by conducting the first ‘pad abort’ test. Important facts: 2. The test was conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. 3. The test proves that the agency can bail out future astronauts with their capsule… Continue reading This aborted mission is a success