Author: ForumIAS

How the ‘deep state’ gamed the system Article: Zorawar Daulet Singh, fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, analyse that democratization in Pakistan would eventually transform the geopolitics of the sub-continent. Important facts: 2. Uninterrupted democracy for the past decade has inspired hope that Pakistan is changing. 3. The peaceful transition to a new electoral… Continue reading How the ‘deep state’ gamed the system

India building new fighter jet News: First flight of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next indigenous fighter, isexpected in 2032. Important facts: Development work on the jet is under way. The new fighter programme is important as technologies coming in through that will flow into the AMCA project. The aircraft will be powered by… Continue reading India building new fighter jet

Half of farm households indebted: NABARD study News: According to a recent survey by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), morethan half the agricultural households in India have outstanding debt. Important facts: The NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey 2016-17 covered a sample of 1.88 lakh people from 40,327 rural households.… Continue reading Half of farm households indebted: NABARD study

For better slum policies News: Mohit M. Rao, Principal Correspondent at the Hindu’s Bengaluru Bureau, emphasized that India’s rapid urbanization has been proceeding apace for decades, but policy solutions have been shots in the dark. Important facts: Studies show that socio-economic distress is brewing in slums. The migrants to cities often get struck in a… Continue reading For better slum policies

‘Ganga stretches in Bengal unfit for bathing’ News: A recent map published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that water of the Ganga stretches in Bengal is so polluted that it is even unfit for bathing. Important facts: The map was published after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) asked the National Mission… Continue reading ‘Ganga stretches in Bengal unfit for bathing’

Sovereignty and sensitivity News: The National Assembly of Bhutan was dissolved and an interim government was appointed recently Important facts: The Border Roads Organisation helps in building Bhutanese roads under Project Dantak . Citizens were worried that this was an attempt by India to impose its flag on their countryside. In April last year, the… Continue reading Sovereignty and sensitivity

Reality check News: Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat ruled out the possibility of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies this year along with polls to the Assemblies of four States. Important facts: 2. Four states includes: Mizoram is due for elections in December, as the term of the Assembly ends… Continue reading Reality check

NDRF aid only for severe calamities News: The Union government has declared the Kerala floods a “calamity of severe nature”. Important facts: 2. According to the National Disaster Management Policy, the State governments have to provide disaster relief from their respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs). 3. While for a “calamity of severe nature” additional… Continue reading NDRF aid only for severe calamities

Educating people about climate change Article: Sohini Mitra, Bengaluru-based market research professional, discussed the climate change and its impact in reshaping human lives. Important facts: 2. Climate Change has the potential to disrupt and reshape lives.  It can impact the health, livelihoods and lives of their families. 3. The UN Sustainable Goals Report, 2018 pointed… Continue reading Educating people about climate change

What Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ignores Article: Ravichandran Bathranemphasized that the profession of waste removal needs to be made caste-neutral through adoption of technologies. Important facts: 2. In India, waste carries the stigma that is attached to pollution and caste. 3. The waste remover in India is not a professional, like in the West. 4. PM… Continue reading What Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ignores