Author: ForumIAS

Low-down on electric and hybrid vehicles Context Though the government seems to have dropped its plan to implement a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) policy, it is still keen on shifting India’s petrol-diesel-based auto industry to electric What are the differences between electric and hybrid vehicles? The key difference between hybrid and all-EVs is in the… Continue reading Low-down on electric and hybrid vehicles

High hopes? Context Divestment of Air India (AI) What has happened? Government has decided to divest 76% of its stake in AI A 100% stake is being offered in its subsidiary Air India Express, and a 50% stake is on offer in its ground handling operations arm Other subsidiaries, such as Alliance Air, Hotel Corporation… Continue reading High hopes?

Finance panel gets long wish list Context 15th Finance Commission Suggestion for FC’s terms of reference A financial buffer against rising crude oil prices: A financial buffer should be created to insulate the economy from the volatility of rising crude prices and closer integration into the global economy Funds to deal with floods Bihar: 3%… Continue reading Finance panel gets long wish list

CVC wants to keep an eye on private banks What has happened? The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has urged the Prime Minister’s Office to bring private sector banks under its watch, citing the fact that they have been involved in many recent instances of malfeasance. Current situation Private sector banks are out of the CVC’s… Continue reading CVC wants to keep an eye on private banks

A rude wake-up call Question asked Should there be some safeguards before the motion, tabled by the requisite number of Members of Parliament, is admitted? Negative effects Loss of credibility and reputation:The incalculable damage that even a mere admission of an impeachment motion can cause, and the consequential loss of reputation, that can never be… Continue reading A rude wake-up call

Donate floral offerings to shelter homes: SC What has happened? The Supreme Court has urged temple towns across the country to follow in the footsteps of the Uttar Pradesh Women Welfare department’s initiative to donate “huge” floral offerings received at temples to destitute women and widows’ shelter homes Widows can make eco-friendly products The inmates… Continue reading Donate floral offerings to shelter homes: SC

Can’t stop legislators from practising: Bar Council Context A petition before SC that a public servant cannot practise as an advocate but however legislators are practising in various courts which is a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution (equality before law). What has happened? The Bar Council of India has said it cannot stop… Continue reading Can’t stop legislators from practising: Bar Council

Tragedy of errors Context Kashmir is not one but two problems. There is the problem of Kashmir between India and Pakistan and the problem in Kashmir between the people and the Central government Basis of the problems The first is based on Pakistan’s challenge to the legality of the State’s accession to India The second… Continue reading Tragedy of errors 

Bond loss: RBI eases provisioning norms Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to ease the provisioning norms for bond losses for third and fourth quarters of 2017-18 Backdrop Rising bond yields What has happened? RBI has now allowed banks to spread bond losses, incurred in 3rd and 4th quarters, over four quarters… Continue reading Bond loss: RBI eases provisioning norms

Millets and wheat over rice and meat Context A shift to wheat, millets and maize from polished rice, to chicken and legumes from beef and eggs, along with leafy vegetables and coconut could reduce India’s micronutrient deficiencies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a study titled ‘Healthy, affordable and climate-friendly diets in India’ suggests Data used… Continue reading Millets and wheat over rice and meat