Author: ForumIAS

IIT team tracks urban heat island effect in 89 cities: Context: Between February and May, most of the Indian cities that are to be developed as Smart Cities have been found to be 1-5 degree C cooler during the day relative to the surrounding non-urban areas. Introduction: More than 60% of the total 89 urban… Continue reading IIT team tracks urban heat island effect in 89 cities:

The identity puzzle: DNA Bill:  Context:   The Law Commission of India submitted a draft of the DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017 to the government earlier in the year. ‘The DNA Based Technology (Use and Regulation) Bill, 2017’ was prepared after examining various judicial pronouncements and constitutional provisions. The exercise was initiated by… Continue reading The identity puzzle: DNA Bill: 

A bold step in bank reform:  Context: The Government of India recently introduced the recapitalization of public sector banks. What are Non Performing Assets (NPAs)? A non performing asset (NPA) is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days. Banks are required to classify… Continue reading A bold step in bank reform: 

Look beyond Af-Pak:  Context United States seems to be looking at India’s role in the Indian Ocean region as a counter-balance to China under the Revised South Asia Policy. Indian Ocean Region Indian Ocean Region extends from Australia in the east to South Africa in the west and leading economies of the world China, India,… Continue reading Look beyond Af-Pak: 

India for ‘constructive’ Rohingya policy: Context: India on Thursday said that displaced members of the Rohingya community will have to return to their place of origin in the Rakhine province of Myanmar. Introduction: Speaking on the prospects of India-Japan cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and Asia-Pacific regions, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s regional… Continue reading India for ‘constructive’ Rohingya policy:

Govt. working on tougher consumer protection law: Context A new consumer protection law is introduced to crack down misleading advertisements and simplify the grievance redressal mechanism. Rising consumer awareness Consumer awareness about their legitimate rights has been constantly growing in recent years. Consumer protection movement is a part of global recognition and concern that consumers… Continue reading Govt. working on tougher consumer protection law:

Air programme on dangers of Blue Whale game Context: With alarming cases of suicides because of the recent Blue Whale Game, the Supreme Court has ordered educational programmes about the dangers of the online. It is to be a public broadcasted through Doordarshan. What is the Blue Whale game or Blue Whale Challenge? The Blue… Continue reading Air programme on dangers of Blue Whale game

The flaming fields of Punjab:  Context: Despite the 2015 ban on crop burning, farmers in the State continue to set fire to paddy residue to make way for the next crop. What is crop residue? Crop residue or commonly known as agricultural waste, is increasingly being viewed as a valuable resource. Corn stalks, corn cobs,… Continue reading The flaming fields of Punjab: 

‘Decision on fishing subsidies certain in WTO’s Dec. meet’ Context An agreement on elimination of ‘harmful’ fisheries subsidies is likely to be the only major outcome at the forthcoming meeting of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) highest decision-making body called the ‘Ministerial Conference’ and there seems to have no progress at e-commerce. What is the… Continue reading ‘Decision on fishing subsidies certain in WTO’s Dec. meet’

All the roads that lead to Kabul:  Context: India must expand its development role further and enhance its security profile in Afghanistan Introduction: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s recent visit to New Delhi came at a time when the Trump administration’s South Asia policy has underscored India’s centrality in the ‘Af-Pak’ theatre. Washington plans to increase… Continue reading All the roads that lead to Kabul: