Author: ForumIAS

A list of questionable eminence Article: Pulapre Balakrishan, senior fellow of IIM, expressed his views on government’s list of Institutes of Eminence (IoEs). Important Analysis: 2. The government has chosen a total of six institutions – three pubic and three private for the IOE status. 3. The public institutions are- the Indian Institute of Science… Continue reading A list of questionable eminence

Relief for guests from Bangladesh News: India to sign MoU on easing visa curbs with Bangladesh. Important facts: 2. The Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on “revised travel arrangement” will be signed during home minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Dhaka. 3. Bangladesh’s demands: Travel restrictions for senior citizens be eased. Further concessions be given to Muktijoddhas-those… Continue reading Relief for guests from Bangladesh

Justice Malhotra makes a case against Sec. 377 News: According to the Supreme Court, consensual gay sex may once again be decriminalized. Important facts: 2. The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court hearing the fight against section 377 of IPC, made a strong case against criminalization of homosexuality. 3. Justice Indu Malhota, lone woman judge… Continue reading Justice Malhotra makes a case against Sec. 377

Conferring eminence News: Raising the quality of higher education should be priority of the government Important facts: In its report on higher education for the Twelfth plan, the erstwhile Planning Commission identified expansion, inclusion, and excellence as three pillars for growth. The government had the theme of excellence in its 2016 annual budget, with a… Continue reading Conferring eminence

Survey launched to rank States on rural cleanliness News: The Centre has launched the SwacchSurvekshanGrameen, 2018, a nationwide survey of rural India. Important facts: The survey will rank the cleanest and dirtiest States and districts on the basis of qualitative and quantitative evaluations. Around 6, 980 villages across 698 districts will survey. The SwachhSurvekshanGrameen award… Continue reading Survey launched to rank States on rural cleanliness

DNA profiles won’t be kept permanently News: India’s proposed DNA data bank (used during crime investigations) will not permanently store details of people. Important facts: In criminal cases, till the case is solved the DNA profile will remain in the bank. However, DNA details will be removed after judicial orders. These things will be specified… Continue reading DNA profiles won’t be kept permanently

In tightrope walk, India schedules talks with Iran and U.S. News: India’s tough situation vis-à-vis its relations with Iran and the U.S. Important facts: Regarding Meeting Ahead of the first set of U.S. sanctions on Iran, the Indian government is planning to hold talks with Iranian and American officials. This would be the first face-to-face… Continue reading In tightrope walk, India schedules talks with Iran and U.S.

In knotty problems News: The jute industry faces a number of issues which hinder it from reaping benefit from plastic bans across different states in India Important facts: Major issues with jute cultivation and jute industry: Decrease in quality of raw jute Continuous decrease in land under jute cultivation- according to Union Textile Ministry, there… Continue reading In knotty problems

Domestic tech security firms get priority in govt. purchases News: Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified that it will give priority to locally produced cyber-security products where intellectual property rights are owned by companies or start-ups incorporated or registered in India Important Facts: In India, IP Registration is not mandatory. However,… Continue reading Domestic tech security firms get priority in govt. purchases

Be cautious in shifting to DBT, RBI tells States News: Recently, The RBI has advised the states to be cautious that are planning to shift to cash transfers Important facts: At present, three UTs- Puducherry, Chandigarh and urban areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are implementing the mode of cash transfer However, Puducherry has approached… Continue reading Be cautious in shifting to DBT, RBI tells States