China has said that it is planning to send a special envoy to ease tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attack. China agreed with Russia which said that Counter terrorism Mechanism such as Regional Anti terrorist Structure(RATS) under Shanghai cooperation Organisation(SCO) could be used as a forum to discuss India-Pakistan issues.However,India maintains that… Continue reading China says it is in “close communication” with India and Pakistan to ease tensions
Author: ForumIAS
China,US close to reaching a trade deal
The United States and China are in the final stage of completing a trade deal.The deal would end the trade war between both the countries that has been escalating since last year. Trade war is a situation where countries restrict each other’s trade by imposing tariff or quota on imports.US had started imposing tariffs on… Continue reading China,US close to reaching a trade deal
ED to review loans sanctioned during Chanda Kochhar’s tenure
Enforcement Directorate(ED) has decided to expand the scope of investigation by reviewing all loans sanctioned during former ICICI MD Chanda kochhar’s tenure. ED had registered the case against Chanda Kochhar under financial provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).They are investigating whether she made any personal gains by alleged irregularities in release of… Continue reading ED to review loans sanctioned during Chanda Kochhar’s tenure
Putin suspends INF treaty with US
Russia officially suspended it’s participation in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces(INF) on the grounds that US have violated the INF treaty. US had already withdrawn from the treaty claiming that Russia had secretly developed a missile that violated the INF. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces(INF) Treaty came into force in 1988. It banned both the Soviet Union(Russia)… Continue reading Putin suspends INF treaty with US
7 banks fined for delayed SWIFT implementation
Reserve Bank of India(RBI) have imposed a monetary fine on 7 Banks for non-compliance with the directions on Implementing the SWIFT software, Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication(SWIFT) provides a network that enables financial institutions worldwide to send and receive information about financial transactions in a secure, standardized and reliable environment.In other words,It transports messages… Continue reading 7 banks fined for delayed SWIFT implementation
Pakistan bans UNSC designated outfits; Delhi sceptical
Pakistan has enacted a law United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order, 2019.It was enacted in accordance with the provisions of Pakistan’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Act, 1948.It implements United Nations sanctions against individuals and organisation. The objective of the order is that the government will take over the control of assets and… Continue reading Pakistan bans UNSC designated outfits; Delhi sceptical
Crop burning raises risk of respiratory illness threefold, says IFPRI study
According to a recent study titled “Risk of acute respiratory infection from crop burning in India: estimating disease burden and economic welfare from satellite and national health survey data for 250,000 persons” by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), crop residue burning increases the risk of respiratory illnesses threefold for those who experience it.… Continue reading Crop burning raises risk of respiratory illness threefold, says IFPRI study
Kumbh ends, 1 crore takes final dip
The Kumbh Mela has concluded. Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth. During the festival pilgrims bathe or take a dip in the holy Ganges. The festival is held at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik every four years by rotation. In 2019, it was held at Prayagraj. The Prayagraj Kumbh… Continue reading Kumbh ends, 1 crore takes final dip
ISRO to shortlist students for ‘young scientist programme’ by month-end
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has requested States and UTs to select three students each for the Young Scientists Programme and submit the list by March-end. In January 2019, ISRO had announced “Young Scientist Programme”- a special programme for school children. The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science… Continue reading ISRO to shortlist students for ‘young scientist programme’ by month-end
Delhi worlds most polluted capital
The IQAir Air Visual 2018 World Air Quality Report by Greenpeace South East Asia has ranked Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital. In 2018, Delhi had an average yearly PM2.5 concentration at 113.5 micrograms per cubic metre. Dhaka (Bangladesh) was ranked the second-most polluted capital at 97.1 micrograms per cubic metre followed by Kabul… Continue reading Delhi worlds most polluted capital
