Scientists have announced the discovery of a nearly complete skull of an early human ancestor called MRD in Ethiopia. The fossil is being considered as the face of the oldest known species that is part of the human evolutionary tree. The skull belongs to the species Australopithecus anamensis which first appeared roughly 4.2 million years… Continue reading Explained: What a skull tells us about human evolution
Author: ForumIAS
GDP growth down to 6-year low in Q1 of 2019-20 financial year
According to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO),India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) growth for April-June 2019 has declined to a six year low of 5%. The slowdown in growth has been attributed to (a)sharp deceleration in the manufacturing sector (b)low agriculture output (c)low consumption demand and (d)decreased private investment. Recently,the annual report of the… Continue reading GDP growth down to 6-year low in Q1 of 2019-20 financial year
West Bengal passes bill to prevent, punish mob lynching
The West Bengal Assembly has passed the West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019. The bill proposes three categories of punishment: a) maximum three-year jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh if the act leads to the victim “suffering hurt”; b) 10 years and up to Rs 3 lakh in case of… Continue reading West Bengal passes bill to prevent, punish mob lynching
Himachal passes Bill against ‘forced conversion’
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2019. The Bill seeks to repeal the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2006. The aims to check forced religious conversions. It prohibits conversion by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement, marriage or any fraudulent means. The bill says that any marriage… Continue reading Himachal passes Bill against ‘forced conversion’
Australia downgrades Great Barrier Reef to very poor status
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has released Outlook Report 2019 that examine the Great Barrier Reef’s health, pressures, and likely future. The long-term outlook of the reef has been downgraded to “very poor” for the first time. According to the report, the greatest threat to the Reef is climate change. The other… Continue reading Australia downgrades Great Barrier Reef to very poor status
UK joins France and Germany to express concern over South China Sea tensions
UK, France and Germany have expressed concern over prevailing South China Sea situation. This statement came after Chinese and Vietnamese coast guard vessels are engaged in a standoff in South China sea over a lucrative oil blocks claimed by Vietnam near its coast. The three countries have also said that the legal framework set out… Continue reading UK joins France and Germany to express concern over South China Sea tensions
Delhi needs to cut pollution level by 65% to meet air quality standard: CSE
Environmental NGO, Centre for Science and Environment has released new results from its on-going analysis of air quality trends in Delhi to highlight Delhi’s struggle with air pollution and what it takes to control pollution. The CSE has noted that after the launch of comprehensive clean air action plan and graded response action plan, there… Continue reading Delhi needs to cut pollution level by 65% to meet air quality standard: CSE
Govt. plans drive to restrict plastic use
A committee headed by Indian Prime Minister has decided that a major initiative on restricting the use of plastic, eliminating single use plastic and handling of plastic waste will be launched on October 2, 2019 Between September 11 and October 2, the government has planned a plastic use and waste awareness campaign across 4,000 towns… Continue reading Govt. plans drive to restrict plastic use
Fiscal deficit crosses 77% of annual target in July
According to data released by the Controller General of Accounts(CGA), India’s fiscal deficit has reached 77% of the annual target for 2019-20 in July. Fiscal deficit is the amount of money that the government needs to borrow in a given year because their expenses were more than their revenues. In Union Budget 2019,India has set… Continue reading Fiscal deficit crosses 77% of annual target in July
Apache attack helicopters to be inducted into IAF at Pathankot on 3 September
Union Defence Minister and Punjab Chief Minister will jointly induct four US-made Apache AH-64E (I) helicopters into the Indian Air Force at Pathankot on 3rd September. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army. The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with… Continue reading Apache attack helicopters to be inducted into IAF at Pathankot on 3 September
