Author: ForumIAS

‘Drought, heatwaves increasing in frequency’  Context: Drought and heat waves all together has been engaging several researchers in India. Why is it in news? Analysing rainfall and temperature data of 50 years, researchers have found that: the frequency of heatwaves accompanied by drought has increased not only in magnitude but in area too over the… Continue reading ‘Drought, heatwaves increasing in frequency’ 

How a dust storm from 3,000 km away smothered Delhi this month  Context: The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) under the Ministry of Earth Science published a ‘Scientific Assessment of Delhi Winter Air Quality Crisis’, which listed two “Extreme” events behind the smog that had smothered Delhi and its neighbourhood.… Continue reading How a dust storm from 3,000 km away smothered Delhi this month 

Surge in oxygen levels led to explosion of life: study Context: Recently studies say that a boost in levels of oxygen may have caused a three-fold increase in biodiversity during between 445 and 485 million years ago. Why is it in news? This study suggests that atmospheric oxygen levels did not reach and maintain modern… Continue reading Surge in oxygen levels led to explosion of life: study

Coral transplant raises Barrier Reef survival hopes  Context In an Australian project, Coral bred in one part of the Great Barrier Reef was successfully transplanted into another area, hoping they could restore damaged ecosystems around the world. The trial In a trial at the reef’s Heron Island off Australia’s east coast, the researchers collected large… Continue reading Coral transplant raises Barrier Reef survival hopes 

Memo to the World Bank  Context: India has been admitted to the top 100 nation club for Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank league. Why is in news? For the first time ever, India has jumped 30 positions to become the top 100th country in terms of ease of doing business ranking this… Continue reading Memo to the World Bank 

Understanding Bitcoin: fraud, or the future of money?  Context: In 2009, the first block of that currency, known as Bitcoin, went online. To this day, it has undergone a wide range of changes. Change in opinion about Bitcoin: Opinion on Bitcoin is divided on: whether its value is a sign of a growing rebellion against… Continue reading Understanding Bitcoin: fraud, or the future of money? 

Lessons unlearnt  Context: Nine years have passed since the grim events of 26/11 but India has forgotten nothing and learned nothing. What is are the impacts of 26/11 tragedy? 26/11 caused two key ruptures in India’s politics and public discourse: It led to a distillation of public frustration with police and intelligence services, which seemed… Continue reading Lessons unlearnt 

‘Greater Nagalim’ claims: As NSCN(IM) deal nears fruition, why three Northeastern states are agitated (Indian Express) Context: Center may concluding a final agreement with the NSCN(IM) before Christmas. It has arisen fresh apprehensions in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur that large chunks of their territories may be lost to a “Greater Nagalim”. Why is it… Continue reading ‘Greater Nagalim’ claims: As NSCN(IM) deal nears fruition, why three Northeastern states are agitated

WHO releases guidelines on responding to child sex abuse  Context: The World Health Organisation has formulated clinical guidelines on responding to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. Guidelines: The guidelines put forward recommendations for the frontline health care providers-general practitioners, gynaecologists, paediatricians, nurses and others-who may directly receive a victim of sexual abuse… Continue reading WHO releases guidelines on responding to child sex abuse 

A toolkit to think local  Context: Policymakers in India need reliable disease burden data at subnational levels. Introduction: The findings of the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative will aid in decentralised health planning. Till now, a comprehensive assessment of the disease causing the most premature deaths and ill health in each State, the risk factors… Continue reading A toolkit to think local