Author: ForumIAS

Has the Right to Information Act been weakened? News: Recently, the government has proposed to amend the RTI Act 2005. Important facts: 2. Nikhil Dey, founder member of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakit Sangathan has  put forward the following arguments in favour of amendment: The equivalence in salaries with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is not… Continue reading Has the Right to Information Act been weakened?

Modi meets Ramaphosa amid media row over visit News: Recently, PM Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICs summit in Johannesburg. Important facts: 2. Johannesburg sent official to resolve crisis with Indian side. 3. The crisis erupted after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of  Johannesburg  started investigating charges… Continue reading Modi meets Ramaphosa amid media row over visit

Outbreak of peace News: Resolution of the Ethiopia-Eritrea dispute brings hope for stability and development Important facts: 2. Ethiopia recently decided to implement an earlier Peace Agreement with neighbouring Eritrea. 3. The agreement which intended to bring an end to a conflict triggered by Eritrea. It was signed in Algiers in December 2000. 4. Conflict… Continue reading Outbreak of peace

FASTags aim to quicken pace of journey through toll booths News: According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, FASTag users can experience ‘near’ non-stop movement at toll plazas on various national highways.   Important facts: 2. Earlier, the government has introduced the radio frequency identification device(RFID) based FASTag system for vehicles crossing toll… Continue reading FASTags aim to quicken pace of journey through toll booths

India plans to procure missile shield from U.S. News: India is in discussion with the U.S. to procure an advanced air defence system to defend the NCR from aerial attacks. Important facts: 2. The process of procuring the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II(NASAMS-II) has been initiated. 3. NASAMS-II The NASAMS was developed by Raytheon in… Continue reading India plans to procure missile shield from U.S.

Govt to roll out DigiYatra offering for air passengers soon News: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is rolling out DigiYatra project very soon. Important facts: 2. DigiYatra project: Under this project, the image of passengers will be captured once these passengers will enter the airport. Once passengers establish their identity, they will be able to… Continue reading Govt to roll out DigiYatra offering for air passengers soon

Govt. plans ‘ISRO-like’ ocean mission News: The Centre has drawn up plan to explore the deep recesses of the ocean. Important facts: 2. The Union Earth Science Ministryhas tasked with coordinating the exercise. 3. The Ministry has also unveiled a blueprint of the ‘Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). 4. The mission proposes to explore the deep… Continue reading Govt. plans ‘ISRO-like’ ocean mission

God cannot be privatised Article: Sundar Sarukkai, professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, analyse the implications of the recent Supreme Court observations in the Sabarmila temple case. Important Analysis: 2. Recently, the apex court has held that temple is not a private space. 3. The court observations came while hearing the case… Continue reading God cannot be privatised

‘Bubble risk’ brews as unsecured loans rise News: 1.Banks’ unsecured loans are at a record high, contributing 32% to the retail loan basket, which at 25% of the total loan book, is almost at its peak, according to a report by Jefferies.   Important facts: 2. According to the RBI data the overall credit growth… Continue reading ‘Bubble risk’ brews as unsecured loans rise

Suicide reports in media can affect vulnerable people: study News: 1.The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found significant associations between reporting details and suicide deaths. Important facts: Findings of the report: Reading details about suicide cases can push vulnerable people towards taking the extreme step. The scientists stressed the need for understanding the impact of media… Continue reading Suicide reports in media can affect vulnerable people: study