Author: ForumIAS

99% of demonetised notes returned, says RBI report:  Context The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) annual report finally revealed that around Rs. 15.28 lakh crore of the high-value currency that was demonetized in November was returned to the central bank. Special Bank-Notes The estimated value of SBNs [specified bank notes] received as on June 30,… Continue reading 99% of demonetised notes returned, says RBI report: 

Rainbow of possibilities:  Context The Right to Privacy (RTP) judgment is a victory for queer persons as it opens out the realm of possibilities for queer rights under the law. Rulings like RTP certainly will strengthen the case for the Constitution Benchthat is scheduled to sit and decide on the Koushal case. Section 377 and… Continue reading Rainbow of possibilities: 

Marital rape a crime in many countries, an exception in many more:  Context The central government had filed an affidavit in Delhi High Court, arguing that marital rape should not be criminalized, on the ground that it may “destabilize the institution of marriage”. The issue of Marital immunity Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code… Continue reading Marital rape a crime in many countries, an exception in many more: 

Managing embankments:  Context Life had come to a standstill in the Ganga-Brahmaputra flood plains with large tracts of land reeling under floods.    Consequences of flood The flood has resulted into submerged houses, broken bridges, and wasted railway tracks. The fury of the waters in the Kishanganj and Katihar districts of Bihar had cut off… Continue reading Managing embankments: 

As ISRO launch fails, glitch in space waits for fix:  Context ISRO declared the IRNSS-1H launch a failure after a heat shield failed to separate, preventing the satellite from being deployed in space by PSLV-C39, the launch vehicle. What went wrong? The performance of PSLV-C39 went to plan up to the point when the satellite… Continue reading As ISRO launch fails, glitch in space waits for fix: 

‘Trade-distorting farm subsidies must go’: Context India and China jointly submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) calling for the exclusion of the most trade-distorting form of farm subsidies by the developed countries. Why such proposal? The proposal is a prerequisite for consideration of other reforms in domestic support negotiations. Importance of the… Continue reading ‘Trade-distorting farm subsidies must go’:

India, U.S. eye states to boost trade ties: Context India and the U.S. are working on establishing a state-level engagement mechanism to widen and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. State Engagement Task force’ (SET) The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), will disclose within a fortnight a ‘State Engagement Task force’ (SET) ensuring American and Indian… Continue reading India, U.S. eye states to boost trade ties:

GDP growth boards slow train at 5.7%: Context India’s GDP grew at 5.7% between April to June this year, considered the slowest pace recorded in 13 quarters or since the NDA government assumed office in May 2014. The slagging of GDP growth. It was led by a sharp decline in industrial activity ascribed largely to… Continue reading GDP growth boards slow train at 5.7%:

Understanding the Chinese mind:  Context Post the stand-off between India and China over the Doklam plateau,the two sides agreed to step back and disengage, thus avoiding a confrontation. What is left unclear? The Indian side has pulled back its personnel and equipment to the Indian side of the boundary, while China has agreed to make… Continue reading Understanding the Chinese mind: 

India thanks Switzerland for support in global fora: Context India on Thursday thanked Switzerland for its support in global multilateral organizations. Talk of greater cooperation Welcoming the visiting Swiss President Doris Leuthard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought greater cooperation to ensure bilateral financial transparency. Token of Thanks India thanked the Swiss government for its support… Continue reading India thanks Switzerland for support in global fora: