Author: ForumIAS

SC pulls up Centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal News: The government affidavit on Lokpal is “wholly unsatisfactory” says Supreme Court. Important facts: 2. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, filed a contempt petition against the government for not appointing a Lokpal despite an April 2017 judgment by the court 3. On this the court said… Continue reading SC pulls up Centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal

Underground lake detected on Mars News:  The first stable body of liquid water found on Mars. Important facts: 2. It is about 20 km wide, shaped like a rounded triangle and located about 1.5 km beneath the ice surface. 3. The research was undertaken by the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica in Italy. 4. Scientist used… Continue reading Underground lake detected on Mars

Detention no cure News: Recently, the Lok Sabha passed amendment to RTE Act to re-introduce ‘pass-fail’ system in schools. Important facts: 2. The amendment allows states to hold a regular examination at the end of Classes 5 and 8. 3. According to the amendment bill, a child who fails in the examination held after Classes 5… Continue reading Detention no cure

It’s not straight to detention centres for those not on NRC News: The Home Ministry has asked the Assam government to ensure maintenance of law and order on the publication of the draft NRC on July 30. Important facts: 2. The Assam government has been advised to set up a State-level coordination committee to ensure… Continue reading It’s not straight to detention centres for those not on NRC

Muzzling information Article: Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri, RTI activists, emphasized on the reasons for amending RTI act. Important Analysis: 2. The RTI act, 2005 hold public functionaries accountable. 3. Over the years, the act has been used by citizens to question the highest officers in the country. 4. However, the legislation has frequently faced… Continue reading Muzzling information

Sanctions relief News: The CAATSA standoff is posing a major hurdle in India-U.S. relations. Important facts: 2. Recently, the U.S. congress allowed the introduction of a presidential waiver of its controversial Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). 3. Both sides are working hard to standoff over issue. 4. The situation became even more tensed… Continue reading Sanctions relief

Different messages, different methods Article Harsh V. Pant, Director, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Abhishek Mishra, Research Assistant,  analyse how India and China are developing their relations with Africa. Important Analysis: 2. Africa’s global outreach is changing as not only are African countries seeking other partners but emerging powers in Asia are also growing in self-confidence.… Continue reading Different messages, different methods

Magsaysay for ‘3 idiots’ muse News: Two Indians are among six winners picked for the 2018 Raman Magsaysay Awards. Important facts: 2. Name of awardees:- From India: Name: 3. Sonam Wangchuk, educational reformer from Ladakh, widely regarded as the inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character, Phunsuk Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots’.  Achievement: In 1988, Wangchuk… Continue reading Magsaysay for ‘3 idiots’ muse

Einstein was right: astronomers confirm key theory of relativity News: The astronomers claimed that they had for the first time confirmed a prediction of Albert Einsten’s theory of general relativity by observing the gravitational effects of a supermassive black hole on a star zipping by it. Important facts: 2. The German-born theoretical Physicist said that… Continue reading Einstein was right: astronomers confirm key theory of relativity