Union Minister of Consumer Affairs has launched the National Laboratory Directory. The National Lab Directory is an online platform created by the National Standards Body of India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is a one-stop-shop for all testing needs of the industries, academia, researchers and other stakeholders who need to get their testing facilities… Continue reading National Lab Directory
Author: ForumIAS
10 years of H1N1 influenza: outbreaks in India, infection trends in the states
Researchers from the National Centre for Disease Control data(NCDC) has published a study titled ‘Influenza A (H1N1) in India – changing epidemiology and its implications’. The study has said that the first case of influenza A H1N1 virus also known as Swine flu was reported in Mexico in April,2009. Later the infection spread and a… Continue reading 10 years of H1N1 influenza: outbreaks in India, infection trends in the states
Government unveils mega bank mergers
Government has announced a merger of ten public sector banks(PSBs) into four larger entities.Now,the total number of PSBs after consolidation will come down to 12 from 27 in 2017. The banks which are merged are (a)Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India to merge to form the country’s second-largest lender… Continue reading Government unveils mega bank mergers
CBDT constitutes Start-up Cell for redressal of grievances related to Start-ups
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted a dedicated start up cell for addressing the specific problems related to Start-ups. The start up cell will be a five-member board which will be headed by the member (Income Tax and Computerisation) of the board. The cell will work towards redressal of grievances and mitigate… Continue reading CBDT constitutes Start-up Cell for redressal of grievances related to Start-ups
Explained: What a skull tells us about human evolution
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
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
