Author: ForumIAS

U.S. blames Pakistan for going soft on Lashkar and Jaish The Country Reports on Terrorism Context The State Department’s annual ‘Country Reports on Terrorism’ released identifies that the Indian leadership expressed resolve to redouble efforts, in cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries, to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism. The report… Continue reading U.S. blames Pakistan for going soft on Lashkar and Jaish

BITs and pieces of trade with Israel: (The Hindu, Editorial) India-Israel relationship: Trade and Potential BIT Context The bilateral relationship growing and potential of Investments seems increasing. Growing trade relations Bilateral merchandise trade increased from $200 million in 1992 to around $4 billion in 2016, an increase of 2,000% in 25 years. Cumulative foreign direct… Continue reading BITs and pieces of trade with Israel:

A new (agri)culture: Context: The situation of the farmers was never very good to begin with, but has been steadily declining and has reached its nadir right now Introduction: In any food crisis, it is the top of the food chain that suffers the most. In the case of farmer’s distress, the top of food… Continue reading A new (agri)culture:

Taxing Body Parts: (Indian Express, Editorial) Cropping pattern, Agriculture, e-technology Tax on survival necessity Context: GST on aids, appliances for disabled directs to the government’s misplaced priorities. The Paradox: Items of luxury, whose deprivation causes no challenge to human existence, are being prioritized instead of aids and appliances that are essential items for persons with… Continue reading Taxing Body Parts

‘Cement prices may rebound with supply-demand boost’: Demonetisation impact wearing off since Q1 of FY 18: ICRA Context: Rating agency ICRA on Thursday said that it expected cement demand growth to recover to about 5% during 2017-18 as against a decline of 1.2% in 2016-17, driven by a pick-up in the infrastructure segment, mostly road… Continue reading ‘Cement prices may rebound with supply-demand boost’:

‘GSTN, CBDT to share data’: Data exchange, analytics can help stop tax evasion Context: The Goods and Services Tax Network and the Central Board of Direct Taxes will soon join hands to share data to stop tax evasion, GST Network Chairman Navin Kumar said Key points: Vendors from whom small businessmen buy products or services… Continue reading ‘GSTN, CBDT to share data’:

Has SC already given tacit approval for Aadhar?: SC to take a call on Adhaar Context: The batch of matters challenging the Aadhar Scheme has been pending for years with no fruitful result. In regard to the issue of right to privacy, it may be illusory but it is mandatory on the court to determine… Continue reading Has SC already given tacit approval for Aadhar?:

Half of HIV-infected get treatment now: Access to HIV treatment on the block Context The latest UNAIDS report, released on Thursday, reveals that more than half of all People Living with HIV (PLHIV) now have access to HIV treatment. Sign of relief for patients The 2015 target of 15 million people on treatment have been… Continue reading Half of HIV-infected get treatment now:

Re-arming the law: (Indian Express, Editorial) Reframing country’s law Context: There is the emerging need of the Center and the Parliament to pass a Bill to deal with acts of violence so that each and every State Government will have better concrete legal action. Introduction: Not all lynching is cow-protection related. Some acts are frankly… Continue reading Re-arming the law: