Author: ForumIAS

Afghanistan, on a slow fuse  Context: The attack by the Taliban gunmen at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul depicts the deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan. The siege at the hotel lasted more than 12 hours and claimed 22 victims, including 14 foreigners, before the gunmen were neutralised. What is the present day scenario of Afghanistan?… Continue reading Afghanistan, on a slow fuse 

Padma Vibhushan for Ilaiyaraaja  Context President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday approved the award of 85 Padma awards. The list of those honored includes music composer-director Ilaiyaraaja conferred with a Padma Vibhushan and sports  M.S. Dhoni and Pankaj Advani honored with Padma Bhushan Dhoni gets Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri for Gond artist Bhajju Shyam President… Continue reading Padma Vibhushan for Ilaiyaraaja 

World Bank’s Romer quits after Chile affair  Context Paul Romer stepped down as the World Bank’s chief economist on Wednesday after he came under fire for saying that Chile’s rankings in a closely watched Doing Business report may have been deliberately skewed under socialist President Michelle Bachelet Global search for new chief economist Mr. Jim said the… Continue reading World Bank’s Romer quits after Chile affair 

The grounding of Air India  Context Having announced its decision to sell Air India, the government is making arrangements to do so. The move itself has come after multiple efforts by successive governments to resurrect the national airline. Though there has been news of it finally turning in an operating profit under a determined CEO,… Continue reading The grounding of Air India 

Training teachers  Context Education is a fundamental right for those aged between six and 14 years, but there has hardly been a coordinated effort to better the lot of teachers who teach these children Necessity For years, certain institutions which impart teacher training courses have failed to get the necessary recognition from the National Council… Continue reading Training teachers 

Should euthanasia be allowed  Context The right to life includes the right to live with dignity. But when there is pain is there dignity? Question asked? Narayan Lavate (88) and Iravati Lavate (78) from Maharashtra say that they do not wish to be a burden on society in their old age. They don’t have children… Continue reading Should euthanasia be allowed 

Multiple chief guests, a first for Republic Day  Context From a single leader gracing Republic Day, India has pulled off a diplomatic coup of sorts by having as many as 10 leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for January 26 this year Significance The presence of the entire ASEAN leadership for Republic… Continue reading Multiple chief guests, a first for Republic Day 

India ASEAN ties can benefit region: China  Context China on Thursday cautiously welcomed India’s invitation extended to the heads of ASEAN and offered Beijing’s “constructive” participation for promoting the overall development of the region China’s views China is open to all countries developing friendly relations. So, we are okay with India developing friendly and cooperative… Continue reading India ASEAN ties can benefit region: China 

Delhi Declaration calls for joint fight against terror  Context Official level talks with leaders from ASEAN countries held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit Issues discussed Counter-terrorism Identity security Military cooperation, and Bilateral financial support India Philippines The issue of security identity cards for the citizens, on the line of the Aadhaar card… Continue reading Delhi Declaration calls for joint fight against terror 

India ASEAN ties to focus on freedom of navigation  Context ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit Issues addressed in Joint declaration (Delhi Declaration) A joint mechanism to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the maritime domain Significance: The statement on the maritime mechanism is significant as it is the first time that India has taken up forming of… Continue reading India ASEAN ties to focus on freedom of navigation