Author: ForumIAS

A beginning, an end Context: Zimbabwe’s governing party moved to expel President Robert Mugabe from its ranks. Generals who assert their political influence rarely step back and should the coup in Zimbabwe fail to lead on to a genuine democratic transition, it could intensify authoritarianism and internal violence. What is the impact on India? For… Continue reading A beginning, an end 

India, France to enhance counter-terror ties (The Hindu) Context India and France have taken upon the task to enhance counter- terror cooperation, and asked the international community to oppose those financing, sheltering and providing safe havens to terrorists. The meet It was announced by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after her talks with her French counterpart… Continue reading India, France to enhance counter-terror ties (The Hindu)

It has white flowers, but a covetous heart Context Scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic flowering plant, Gleadovia konyakianorum,  that has no chlorophyll, and survives by feeding on another species of plant. Gleadovia konyakianorum The species Gleadovia konyakianorum, is named so in honour of the Konyak tribe of Nagas. It was identified during… Continue reading It has white flowers, but a covetous heart

Plant emissions higher than believed Context Carbon released by plant respiration accounts to 30% higher than previously predicted, therefore as the mean global temperature increases, respiration will increase significantly. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. What are the future prospects? Such an increase may end up lowering the future ability of global… Continue reading Plant emissions higher than believed

Electric fences killing tigers in Maharashtra(The Hindu) And Delay in the protection of corridors threatens tiger population(The Hindu) Context The electrocution of a tigress in the Chimur forest range in Chandrapur brings the tiger death toll due to electrocution in the Vidarbha area alone to five this year. Delayed action to protect crucial wildlife corridors,… Continue reading Electric fences killing tigers in Maharashtra(The Hindu) And Delay in the protection of corridors threatens tiger population(The Hindu)

Manmohan wins Indira Gandhi Prize Context Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be the recipient of this year’s Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development. Award for peace A jury headed by former President Pranab Mukherjee came to a decision on the award in recognition of creative efforts toward promoting international peace, development and… Continue reading Manmohan wins Indira Gandhi Prize

Transgender rights: House panel proposed, govt rejects(Indian Express) Context The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has decided to junk the recommendations of a parliamentary committee report the first ever government document to recognize the rights of transgender persons to partnerships and marriage, making them no longer criminalized under IPC Section 377, apart from… Continue reading Transgender rights: House panel proposed, govt rejects

Pakistan’s Jadhav dilemma(The Hindu) And Jadhav letter was sent to Pakistan, says India(The Hindu) Context The Foreign Office, the Law Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the military met with their counterparts to discuss on granting consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav and to grant permission to Jadhav’s wife for a meeting with him. India has further… Continue reading Pakistan’s Jadhav dilemma(The Hindu) And Jadhav letter was sent to Pakistan, says India(The Hindu)

How succulents survive without water decoded Context: According to scientists, drought- resistant plants such as cacti and succulents make use of an enhanced form of photosynthesis to minimize water loss. Introduction: The research, published in journal “the Plant Cell”, could be used to help produce new crops that can thrive in previously inhospitable, hot and… Continue reading How succulents survive without water decoded

Before 2020 Friction over finances forced the Bonn conference to stretch more than half-a-day beyond its scheduled closing date. The CoP 23 declaration did finally mention financial and technology transfers. But that is, at best, a procedural victory for the developing countries. Context: The 23rd Conference of Parties (CoP) of the United Nations Framework Convention… Continue reading Before 2020