Author: ForumIAS

SCO calls for Global front to fight terror groups News: In the recently held Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, China, the member states resolved to combat terrorism, extremism and separatism Important facts The SCO is an international grouping which comprises of 8 countries: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, China… Continue reading SCO calls for Global front to fight terror groups

To the brink and back Article Rajaraman, emeritus professor of Physics, JNU discussed how the U.S. and North Korea agreed to talks after being close to military action last year. Important Analysis North Korea pulled out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2003 and intensified its nuclear programme. This led to sanctions by UN. But North… Continue reading To the brink and back

India re-defines its regional role Article: According to Zorawara Dualat Singh, a fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, analyses change in approach of India’s foreign policy. Important Analysis: 2. Author observe that in last few year India’s foreign policy is tilted towards US, but PM recent speech at Singapore and  SCO indicate reorientation of… Continue reading India re-defines its regional role

The Story of two ceasefires Article: Happymon Jacob, Associate professor , Jawaharlal Nehru University, analyse the need for negotiations, political concessions and soft power vis-a vis J&K and Pakistan. Important Analysis: India and Pakistan witnessing ceasefire violence on the border. Impacts of ceasefire violation: Damage to civilians habitats Military casualty rates going up. Increasing number… Continue reading The Story of two ceasefires

India to host first BIMSTEC war games in September News: 1-India will host the first military exercise of the BIMSTEC(Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) group. Important facts: 2-Theme: Counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain and cordon and search, and each side will bring in some 30 soldiers. 3-BIMSTEC countries held a disaster management… Continue reading India to host first BIMSTEC war games in September

ISRO offers battery technology to firms News: Recently, the ISRO has issued RFQ for technology-transfer of the lithium-ion cell to Indian industries. Important facts: The transfer of technology to competent Indian industries will take place on a non-exclusive basis for use in automobiles for a one-time fee of Rs 1 crore. Li-ion batteries have large… Continue reading ISRO offers battery technology to firms

When Artificial Intelligence goes psycho News: Recently, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has created an artificial intelligence (AI) system named “Norman”. Important facts: Norman is the first AI to show psychopathic tendencies The AI has been named after Norman Bates from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The aim behind creating Norman was to explain the potential dangers… Continue reading When Artificial Intelligence goes psycho

A Plastic Charter Article: Researcher Meghna Shenoy highlights the issues with plastic waste management in India Important Analysis: Steps taken to control plastic waste: Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 Calls for a ban on plastic bags below a 50-micron thickness Phasing out (within 2 years) of manufacture and sale of non-recyclable multi-layered plastic (example: chips… Continue reading A Plastic Charter

Age well: attitudes matter in a greying world News: WHO and Orb Media research about the old population and its various implications. Important Facts: World Health Organization finding says that 60% of people across 57 countries had negative views of old age. According to population trends by 2050 nearly one out of five people in… Continue reading Age well: attitudes matter in a greying world

RBI blames PNB board for fraud News: In written reply to parliamentary standing committee of finance, RBI blames PNB board of directors for nirav modi fraud. Important facts: RBI has  pointed out that Nirav Modi loan allocation is the failure of “three lines of defence” of banking system. Three lines of defence First the officer… Continue reading RBI blames PNB board for fraud