Author: ForumIAS

Observations confirm neutron star merger: Context: For the first time, a cosmic event has been observed with gravitational waves and also light waves. Introduction: The LIGO-VIRGO collaboration, three members of which won this year’s physics Nobel Prize, detected the merger of two neutron stars –extremely dense, massive but tiny, objects. Observations: Gamma rays bursting from… Continue reading Observations confirm neutron star merger:

With stealth ship, India in elite group: Context Recently defence minister  Nirmala Sitharaman commissioned INS Kiltan , the third of the four Project-28 Kamorta class ASW. With the commissioning of third kamorta class Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth, country is rapidly marching towards indigenisation About project This is part of ‘Make in India’ initiative. The keel… Continue reading With stealth ship, India in elite group:

Boosting horticulture through remote sensing:  Context: Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Monday announced March 2018 as the deadline to complete the ambitious project of developing the horticulture sector using remote sensing technology and geo-informatics. Present status of horticulture in India: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world and… Continue reading Boosting horticulture through remote sensing: 

NITI’s Kumar bats for fiscal stimulus:  Context NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar has pitched for fiscal stimulus to boost growth, with a rider that additional expenditure should be used only for increasing productivity and capital expenditure. About NITI AAYOG The National Institution for Transforming India, also called NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution… Continue reading NITI’s Kumar bats for fiscal stimulus: 

Universal Basic Income is not feasible for India:  Context Universal basic income and it’s feasibility as a solution in India. What is Universal basic income? It is premised on the idea that a just society needs to guarantee to each individual a minimum income which they can count on, and which provides the  necessary material… Continue reading Universal Basic Income is not feasible for India: 

‘Free movement’ along Myanmar border: Context The Centre is putting in measures to facilitate free movement of Indian and Myanmar’s citizens within 16 km along the Myanmar border. What is the Free Movement regime? The FMR allows visa-free movement for people living within 16 km on either side of the border. How is FMR impacting… Continue reading ‘Free movement’ along Myanmar border:

Out of UNESCO:  Context The U.S.’s decision to quit UNESCO is an attempt to reassert geopolitical influence in West Asia. The U.S. withdrawal will become effective as of the end of December 2018. What is the significance of UNESCO? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations… Continue reading Out of UNESCO: 

Sawfish more threatened than tigers: Context: Today, the sawfish is seen to have a population of less than 10 times in over a decade and they appear to be more threatened than tigers and elephants. What are Sawfishes? Sawfishes, also known as carpenter sharks. The sawfish’s most distinctive feature is the saw-like rostrum, covered with… Continue reading Sawfish more threatened than tigers:

Retrench India’s farm economy to sustain it:  Context: Improving farmer efficiency and productivity requires a second level of reforms aimed at inputs. Introduction: In 2007-08, Madhya Pradesh government announced a bonus of Rs150 above the minimum support price (MSP) per quintal of wheat. A large segment of farmers in the state shifted to the crop.… Continue reading Retrench India’s farm economy to sustain it: 

U.S. ploy against Iran: envoy:  Context Iranian Ambassador Gholamreza Ansari accuses the U.S. of trying to ensure that India reduced oil imports from his country. Some facts India has cut its oil imports from Iran by approximately 20% in 2017, though its global imports have risen by 5.4%.  to “diversify” its imports so as to… Continue reading U.S. ploy against Iran: envoy: