Author: ForumIAS

Reforming higher education Article: Amitabha Bhattacharya, Professor, Michigan State University, discuss the major reforms needed in higher education and designing the successor regime to the UGC. Important Analysis: 2. The draft Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill put in public domain now. 3. The HECI will replace University Grant Commission (UGC). 4. The new… Continue reading Reforming higher education

Intellectual Property rules amended News: The Union Ministry of Finance has amended Intellectual Property rules. Important facts: 2. The rules were amended to revoke the power vested with Customs authorities to seize imported products based on complaints of patent infringement. 3. Recently, the Ministry made two amendments to the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement… Continue reading Intellectual Property rules amended

SC seeks steps for appointing Lokpal News: The Supreme Court asked the government to take immediate steps for the appointment of Lokpal. Important facts: 2. The centre asked the government to file an affidavit, detailing the steps it would take for the appointment of Lokpal, the anti-graft ombudsman. 3. The next hearing for the case… Continue reading SC seeks steps for appointing Lokpal

NRC breather: court pushes deadline by a month News: The Supreme Court extended deadline for publication of final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam by a month. Important facts: 2.The deadline extended from 30 June to 30 July on account of floods in three districts in State. 3.The deadline extension was… Continue reading NRC breather: court pushes deadline by a month

SC rejects plea to shut Kudankulam power plant News: The Supreme Court extended time period for creating away-from reactor (AFR) facility. Important facts: 2. The apex court allows the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd(NPCIL) an extension of time till April 30, 2022, to build AFR facility to store spent nuclear fuel from the Kudankulam power… Continue reading SC rejects plea to shut Kudankulam power plant

Cauvery authority directs Karnataka to release water News: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu and other states. Important facts: 2.The decision was taken in CWMA’s first meeting held in New Delhi, with representatives from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. 3.The meeting was held because Karnataka decided… Continue reading Cauvery authority directs Karnataka to release water

Tariffs cut on Asian imports under APTA News: The Centre has implemented the tariff concessions under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement. Important facts: 2. India has agreed to provide tariff concessions on 3,142 products to Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) members, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, from July 1 3. However, these duty concessions will… Continue reading Tariffs cut on Asian imports under APTA

E-vehicles pose threat to forging industry, says AIFI News: The Centre’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs) likely to impact the future of Indian forging industry. Important facts: 2. EVs were going to be the biggest threat to the industry because: Around 60% of forging units are involved in the manufacture of auto components and majority… Continue reading E-vehicles pose threat to forging industry, says AIFI

MCX plans currency derivatives foray News: The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) plans to enter the currency derivatives segment. Important facts: 2. The MCX is the county’s largest commodity bourse in terms of market share. 3. The unified license regime will allow equity and commodity exchanges to expand their offerings by starting new segments.… Continue reading MCX plans currency derivatives foray

‘Centre open to discuss RBI’s power over regulating PSBs’ News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had raised issues over the lack of powers in regulating state-run lenders. Important facts: 2. Finance minister Piyush Goyal, said that government is open to discuss these issues. 3. The minister also ruled out government paring its stake… Continue reading ‘Centre open to discuss RBI’s power over regulating PSBs’