Source: The post “Significance of ASEAN for India” has been created, based on “Missed opportunity: On India and ASEAN summit in Malaysia” published in “The Hindu” on 29 October 2025. Significance of ASEAN for India. UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper -2-Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests Context: India has… Continue reading Significance of ASEAN for India
Urban planning is not just land-use planning
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 –Society – Urbanization Introduction India needs cities that drive growth, cut emissions, create jobs, and stay resilient. A $30-trillion economy by 2047, net-zero by 2070 with major GHG cuts by 2030, and a young workforce seeking livelihoods all converge in cities. Dense settlements are also highly disaster-vulnerable, as seen… Continue reading Urban planning is not just land-use planning
The Chimerica Challenge
Introduction The US–China relationship is shifting from deep economic interdependence to strategic rivalry. This change creates risk and opportunity for Asia, especially India. A short truce in trade or technology will not erase structural contradictions. India must avoid panic and passivity, and instead build leverage through reforms, defence modernisation, and a clear technology strategy. The… Continue reading The Chimerica Challenge
[Answered] UPSC Mains Answer Writing 28 October 2025 I Mains Marathon
Following are today’s UPSC Mains Marathon Questions About Mains Marathon – This is an initiative of ForumIAS to help/aid aspirants in their mains answer writing skills, which is crucial to conquering mains examination. UPSC Mains Answer Writing 28th October 2025 Every morning, we post 2–3 questions based on current affairs. The questions framed are meaningful and relevant… Continue reading [Answered] UPSC Mains Answer Writing 28 October 2025 I Mains Marathon
‘Panda Diplomacy’
News: China’s golden snub-nosed monkey debuted at European zoos on 10-year loans, signalling a potential successor to “panda diplomacy.’ About ‘Panda Diplomacy’ China’s use of giant pandas as a diplomatic tool, gifting or loaning them to other countries to foster goodwill and enhance its global image. Historical roots: The practice dates back to the Tang… Continue reading ‘Panda Diplomacy’
UAE Consensus
News: IRENA has recently published a report which evaluates global progress on the UAE Consensus goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy-efficiency improvements by 2030. About UAE Consensus The UAE Consensus is the negotiated outcome of the 28th COP (2023) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It includes the First… Continue reading UAE Consensus
Taal Volcano
News: Recently, the Taal Volcano in the Philippines erupted three times in a single day. About Taal Volcano Location: It is in Batangas province, about 70 kilometers south of Manila, on the island of Luzon of Philippines. It is a large caldera filled by Taal Lake in the Philippines. It lies on the boundaries of… Continue reading Taal Volcano
Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Central Pay Commission
News: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission. About Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Central Pay Commission About 8th Central Pay Commission It was announced in January 2025. Structure: It will have a Chairperson, one Part-Time Member, and a Member-Secretary. Justice (Retd.)… Continue reading Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Central Pay Commission
Intrusion Detection System
News: The Northeast Frontier Railway has introduced an Intrusion Detection System across its network to protect elephants and support uninterrupted train operations in forested and high-risk wildlife areas. About Intrusion Detection System to Protect Elephants The Intrusion Detection System or IDS is a method to avert train-elephant collision. Developed by: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) –… Continue reading Intrusion Detection System
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
News: Goa’s only zoo in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary will soon get new animals after 12 years, including a barking deer and two sloth bears. About Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Location: It is located in Ponda, Goa. It is nested in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1969 as a protected area and… Continue reading Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

