Author: ForumIAS

The superbugs of Hyderabad Context The Kazipally well, a temporary containment facility for toxic effluents from a dozen pharmaceutical companies, is not leak-proof. A natural rivulet takes the fluid in the well to the nearby Gandigudem lake, where harming mostly farmers and some pharma industry workers raise fish to sell. What is happening? Deep inside… Continue reading The superbugs of Hyderabad 

‘First industry built PSLV by 2020’  Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to hand over the entire gamut of launch vehicle manufacture to domestic industry by 2020. Introduction: Till now, public and private industries have only supplied devices, components and sub-systems for ISRO’s launch vehicles, including the PSLV and the GSLV. ISRO… Continue reading ‘First industry built PSLV by 2020’ 

Beyond Piketty: on income inequality  Context: With state elections being just a stone throw away, debate on the Indian economy has become increasingly focused. It has been demonstrated that rising income inequality is a by-product of growth in the developed world. Poverty and inequality: It is plausible that poverty reduction slowed in 2016-17 because of… Continue reading Beyond Piketty: on income inequality 

An absurd canvas: on Padmavati Context The group formed against the screening of Padmavati, a big-budget period drama, is growing more violent and absurd by the day. It is done to raise anxiety about the film’s scheduled release on December 1st. The coalition Uttar Pradesh state government has joined hands with the Karni Sena, a… Continue reading An absurd canvas: on Padmavati 

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