Author: ForumIAS

Nobel prizes: News: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2018 has been awarded to Frances H. Arnold for the directed evolution of enzymes and  to George P. Smith and Sir Gregory P. Winter for the phage display of peptides and antibodies. Important Facts: Significance of discoveries: The uses of Frances Arnold’s enzymes include more environmentally friendly… Continue reading Nobel prizes:

Tripura: Govt doles cut off, Bru refugees stare at uncertain future News: Recently government assistance was stopped to Bru refugees at the six relief camps in Tripura. Important Facts: About Bru tribes: It is a scheduled   tribe  of  Mizoram  which has been recognized  by   the   Government  of India  as “Riang” tribe. Living amidst dense forest,… Continue reading Tripura: Govt doles cut off, Bru refugees stare at uncertain future

Use your face to zip through airports News: The government is set to introduce the “Digi Yatra” facility to ease passenger travel by one-time verification at an airport. Important News: The “Digi Yatra” facility, which is voluntary, would require passengers to initially register themselves at a web portal by providing an identity proof. 3.The individual’s… Continue reading Use your face to zip through airports

Next steps at Gir News: Recently 21 Asiatic lions died in Gujarat’s Gir National Park in less than a month which raises  serious questions about the conservation of the big cats in their only habitat. Important Facts: Reasons for lion deaths: Infighting between lion prides: Male lions are known to maul each other to death… Continue reading Next steps at Gir

Farm fires set to pollute NCR again  News: A vast number of farmers in Punjab and Haryana have decided to continue their annual ritual of setting fire to paddy straw thus aggravating the Delhi pollution problem. Important Facts: This has brought back the issue of smog choking the region despite the Centre doling out more… Continue reading Farm fires set to pollute NCR again

First known exomoon may have been discovered’ NEWS: Astronomers using Hubble and Kepler space telescopes have found compelling evidence for the existence of the first known moon outside our solar system. Important Facts: According to the finding published in the journal Science Advances, the presence of exomoon (moons orbiting planets in other star systems) is… Continue reading First known exomoon may have been discovered’

ISA Work Plan to implement 5 projects News 1.International Solar Alliance (ISA) has approved the Work Plan 2019 for 2019 and 2020. Important facts: 2.ISA has given approval for 5 projects under the Work Plan. These includes: agricultural pumps finance mobilization mini grid rooftop solar solar e-mobility and storage About International Solar Alliance 3.The International… Continue reading ISA Work Plan to implement 5 projects

Draft Mariculture policy proposes special zones, offshore technology parks News National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has formulated a draft national policy on mariculture with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Important analysis: Mariculture zones: Mariculture zones will be established by demarcating special areas in the sea for activities such as cage farming, bivalve farming, pen… Continue reading Draft Mariculture policy proposes special zones, offshore technology parks

Fields of concern News 1.The Union Cabinet approved the hike in minimum support prices (MSP) of wheat, masur, safflower and gram. Important facts: The decision is in line with the government’s announcement to provide farmers a 50 per cent profit over the cost of production. The government announced a 6 percent to 21 percent hike… Continue reading Fields of concern

Amid U.S. threat, India, Russia set to sign three major deals News: India and Russia to sign major defence deals. Important Facts: With the visit of Russian President, India is expecting to sign three major defence deal with Russia such as: Five S-400 missile systems Four stealth frigates Deal for Ak-103 assault rifles to be… Continue reading Amid U.S. threat, India, Russia set to sign three major deals