Author: ForumIAS

Panel seeks details on AI divestment : Context : A Parliamentary Standing Committee has sought details from the government on its strategic disinvestment plans for national Air India. Introduction : The department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Mukul Roy, is set to meet the Central… Continue reading Panel seeks details on AI divestment :

What’s at stake in Hyderabad : Context : India must counter Japan’s U.S.-style pressure at the RCEP talks and ensure affordable generic medicines. Discussion about leaked documents : All public discussions on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are centering around leaked documents. The RCEP will open two of the world’s fastest-growing economies to new standards… Continue reading What’s at stake in Hyderabad :

Privacy built into Aadhaar Act, says UIDAI : Context : “Privacy is non-negotiable, confidentiality is non-negotiable under the Aadhaar Act”, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the nodal agency implementing the Aadhaar scheme, has said in the Supreme Court. Introduction : Right to privacy is not absolute and cannot prevent the state from making laws… Continue reading Privacy built into Aadhaar Act, says UIDAI :

Doval holds talks with Chinese counterpart  India and China talks Context : National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jichei, covering bilateral issues and major problems. The talk : The talk signaled out that the standoff in Doklam between Chinese and Indian troops in the Sikkim sector was likely on… Continue reading Doval holds talks with Chinese counterpart 

GST, note ban to boost economy’:  Context: Economic activity is expected to rebound due to a supportive monetary policy, the effect of the Goods and Services Tax, and the eventual formalization of the economy due to demonetization, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. Introduction: The withdrawal of cash due to demonetization had temporarily hurt… Continue reading GST, note ban to boost economy’: 

CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices: Context: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme paving the way for a universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. Introduction: The CAC cleared these standards at its session held in Geneva. The number of… Continue reading CAC adopts Codex norms for three spices:

‘Bitcoins must be regulated’:  The digital currency can be a boon for the country. Context: Bitcoins can provide a superior route to encourage digital transactions, a report by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, adding it is essential to expand the regulatory framework for bitcoins to reinforce safety and security aspects. Introduction: Bitcoins can… Continue reading ‘Bitcoins must be regulated’: 

Why India needs to be a data democracy:  Context To avoid data colonization and allow for genuine empowerment, people must control the data they generate. Introduction: Between 2000 and 2010, data was used largely for monetization. Many companies started realizing the economic value of data. Google started monetizing it, tailoring ads based on search queries.… Continue reading Why India needs to be a data democracy: 

RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms Negotiations on easier visa norms Context India’s push for easier norms on movement of professionals across borders for short-term work in 16 Asia-Pacific nations, including itself, under a proposed mega Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is learnt to have found favour with some ASEAN-bloc members. Negotiations The proposed… Continue reading RCEP: Boost for India on easier visa norms

‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’:  India-Israel friendship can affect AL- Aqsa conflict Context India’s friendly ties with Israel could ‘interfere’ with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinians conflict over the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Issue The Palestine’s envoy to India said Israel had been trying to disturb the sanctity of the Al Aqsa mosque. The… Continue reading ‘India-Israel ties can affect Al Aqsa conflict’: