Author: ForumIAS

The old order changeth not  Context Many redundant laws have been repealed. But much of the deadwood waits to be removed, especially in states. Government has done its part The government has identified around 1,800 laws that require to be removed from the statute books In the past three years, Parliament has repealed about 1,200 obsolete… Continue reading The old order changeth not 

Legal excess  Context The triple talaq bill is a textbook case of overcriminalisation Quote Every punishment which does not arise from absolute necessity, says Montesquieu, is tyrannical Only as a last resort In fact, criminal law should be used only as a “last resort” (ultima ratio) and only for the “most reprehensible wrongs”.  Excessive use… Continue reading Legal excess 

Bill to criminalise triple talaq passed in Lok Sabha   Context Amidst protests from a few political parties, including those close to the BJP, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed by voice vote the Bill that makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat a criminal offence, with a jail term of up to three years.  Govt. refuses Congress’s plea… Continue reading Bill to criminalise triple talaq passed in Lok Sabha 

How To Act East  Context Improve security in Northeast to improve connectivity with South East Asia Two key issues Political will and dynamism for propelling India’s “Act East” policy needs to be complemented with urgent measures to address two key issues — lack of “security” and “connectivity” Addressing them is necessary to make the Northeast (NE)… Continue reading How To Act East 

Violators must pay: on fire tragedies Context The loss of at least 14 lives in the fire in a Mumbai rooftop restaurant Author’s contention Author contends that the fire in a Mumbai rooftop restaurant where 14 lives were lost must compel a relentless campaign for safety in buildings, punishment for those guilty of breaking rules; exemplary… Continue reading Violators must pay: on fire tragedies

Photovoltaic road tested in China  Context China successfully tested its first photovoltaic highway based on home-grown technology in the country’s eastern Shandong province on Thursday, according to reports from Xinhua. The road has wireless charging systems for electric vehicles Road constructed using solar panels The road is constructed using solar panels which have a thin… Continue reading Photovoltaic road tested in China 

ISRO to launch 31 satellites in one go aboard PSLV on Jan. 10  Context The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday said it would launch 31 satellites, including India’s Cartosat-2 series earth observation space craft, in a single mission on January 10 1st PSLV mission after failure of IRNSS-1H The mission will be the… Continue reading ISRO to launch 31 satellites in one go aboard PSLV on Jan. 10 

Albania is losing its national bird to rampant poaching Context It is Albania’s national symbol, but the eagle may soon only be found on the flag. The majestic bird is threatened with extinction due to widespread poaching of raptors Species: Common Buzzard Country: Albania IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC) Protected species The buzzard is a… Continue reading Albania is losing its national bird to rampant poaching

Majuli island to be protected from erosion, says Gadkari  Context Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday expressed hope that people living on the shrinking Majuli island will be able to put their worries to rest once the Central and State government schemes to prevent the isle from erosion are successfully implemented Benefit The projects, if… Continue reading Majuli island to be protected from erosion, says Gadkari 

NGT orders closure of 19 tanneries  Context National green Tribunal’s latest order What has happened? The government added that since VCs are stored in an electronic format, this makes them vulnerable to hacking, loss of password, malware attacks, etc, which could also result in a permanent loss of money High powered committee A Bench headed… Continue reading NGT orders closure of 19 tanneries