Author: ForumIAS

India to defend GSP benefits at USTR News: India defends its eligibility for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme. GSP programme: Provides for the duty-free treatment of designated articles when imported from beneficiary developing countries to America. Important facts: 2.The U. S. dairy and medical device industries levelled charges against India. 3.India… Continue reading India to defend GSP benefits at USTR

PSU bank deposits safe: Goyal News: Government is committed in ensuring viability and success of every Public Sector Banks(PSBs). Important facts: 2. Recently, RBI seeks more power, such as ability to appoint and dismiss the heads of PSBs in its reply to Parliamentary standing committee on finance. 3. In its response Minister of Finance said… Continue reading PSU bank deposits safe: Goyal

Keralites face highest risk of cardiovascular disease, finds study News A recent survey found wide variations in the average 10-year risk of a fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease event among States and gener. Important Facts About Survey The study is led by researchers at Public Health Foundation of India and Harvard T.H. Chan School of… Continue reading Keralites face highest risk of cardiovascular disease, finds study

Air India privatisation plan shelved News: The central government has decided to postpone the plan to disinvestment of Air India. Important Facts: The central government has decided to privatize Air India by inviting a bid process in March 2018. The government had offered to sell: 76% of its stake in Air India 50 % of… Continue reading Air India privatisation plan shelved

Social media hub idea may not take off News: The Centre government proposed to set up a social media communication hub has witness many shortfall in its implementation. Important Facts: Public sector firm Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. is handling the project. The proposed of social media communication hub has faced reluctance from the bidder.… Continue reading Social media hub idea may not take off

‘India stands for a multi-polar order’ News: President Ram Nath Kovind emphasis upon maintaining multilateral commitments towards non-aligned attitude against major power blocs in the world. Important facts: President was speaking at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign policy in Athens. He also emphaised on following aspects: India is committed to an international order… Continue reading ‘India stands for a multi-polar order’

India’s pivot to Eurasia Article: S Raghvan, Convenor of the National Security Advisory Board expressed his views on how new Eurasian dynamics transform with an inevitable impact on SCO. About SCO The Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) grew out of the  Shanghai five grouping- Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is a Eurasian, political, economic,… Continue reading India’s pivot to Eurasia

The seeds of sustainability Article: Sujatha Byravan, scientist , analyse how zero budget natural farming is successful in Andhra Pradesh and could be the model for the future in other states too. Important Analysis: 2. Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the State would fully embrace Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).… Continue reading The seeds of sustainability

Defining death Article: Journalist Anjali Thomas discusses the need for a uniform definition of death in India Important Analysis: 2. Recently, the Kerala government has issued protocols to confirm brain death. This is expected to ensure transparency in the procedure of organ transplantation. 3. Issues with definition of death: Lack of clarity in defining death… Continue reading Defining death

Shillong bags Smart City tag News: Shillong has been selected as the 100th city under the Smart Cities Mission. Important Facts: The announcement sets the end date for the mission as June 2023 Every selected city will get five years to complete its projects. The first 20 cities were selected in January 2016. The selected… Continue reading Shillong bags Smart City tag