Author: ForumIAS

Getting back on the democratic path Context: India and countries worldwide find existing governmental systems unable to cope with contemporary challenges or people’s expectations, some even with basic needs. Particularly alarming is the condition in democracies, where the ideals and concepts, the very essence of their being, are threatened. What are the roots of democracy?… Continue reading Getting back on the democratic path

The perilsous march of Hindistan Context: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor recently questioned in Lok Sabha the purpose of making Hindi an official language at the United Nations. The three-language policy: Parliament passed the Official Language Resolution in 1968, stipulating that a modern Indian language (MIL), preferably one of the southern languages, be studied in Hindi-speaking… Continue reading The perilsous march of Hindistan

Chelameswar calls for free judiciary Context: Justice J. Chelameswar, called for an independent judiciary, saying it was necessary for a liberal democracy. What is the measures to taken for a liberal demoracy? Firstly, for the survival of a liberal democracy, an impartial and independent judiciary is essential. Secondly, for the welfare of the country, a… Continue reading Chelameswar calls for free judiciary

EC pulled up for backing simultaneous polls Context: Questions have been raised by lawmakers about Election Commission’s recent statements endorsing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the Assemblies. Background: There had been simultaneous elections until 1967, but the pattern changed after the dissolution of some Assemblies through the imposition of President’s rule under Article… Continue reading EC pulled up for backing simultaneous polls

Take interim steps to tribunal postings:SC Context: The Supreme Court directed attorney General K.K. Venugopal and amicus curiae Arvind Datar to discuss an agreement for the committee appointing judicial members to key tribunals. What is in news? Questions have been raised whether the Central Tribunal, Appellate and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other conditions of… Continue reading Take interim steps to tribunal postings:SC

Former Maldives President accuses China of land grab Context: Exiled Maldives opposition leader Mohammed Nashid has accused China of seizing land in Maldives and also undermining its sovereignty What are the accusations? The leader has voiced his concerns over the increasing Chinese presence in Maldives He has accused that Chinese interests had leased around 16… Continue reading Former Maldives President accuses China of land grab

Less nationalism more connectivity Context: Ahead of the ASEAN-India Summit 2018, Thailand’s Ambassador to India and a key official convening the ASEAN-India summit, highlighted the importance of a conducive political atmosphere and reduction in “national rhetoric” to ensure growth of the connectivity projects in the region. What is the importance of connectivity? Strengthening connectivity, including… Continue reading Less nationalism more connectivity

Towards an endgame Context: Turkish President has announced that Turkish forces alongside the Free Syrian Army had begun armed operations in the Syrian town of Afrin What is in the news? With the conflict with the Islamic State (IS) almost coming to an end, Turkey has taken a major step against the Kurdish fighters on… Continue reading Towards an endgame

PM calls protectionism as dangerous as terrorism Context Sending out a strong message against protectionism and inward-focused economic policies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said such tendencies can be as dangerous as terrorism and climate change as he pitched for creating a “heaven of freedom.” At World Economic Forum’s annual summit in Davos, he… Continue reading PM calls protectionism as dangerous as terrorism

Awaiting SC nod on Aadhaar link Context The newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner, O.P. Rawat, on Tuesday said the electoral body would resume the exercise of linking voter identity cards to the Aadhaar database when  the SC gave the go ahead. On electoral bonds On electoral bonds, Mr. Rawat said the Commission had communicated its concerns to the… Continue reading Awaiting SC nod on Aadhaar link