Author: ForumIAS

The many conflicts in Syria Introduction: The Syrian crisis is escalating with the regime beginning a new phase of the war in Idlib province. Syrian crisis escalating further: The new phase of the war is controlled by rebels and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists; Turkey sending troops across the border to fight the Kurdish rebels; and the U.S.… Continue reading The many conflicts in Syria

Back to the chessboard? Context: Sri Lanka’s local government election held on February 10 has led to a political crisis in the country, threatening the stability of the present government. What has happened? Sri Lankan President and PM have failed to reach consensus on the future of their coalition government, following the huge defeat their… Continue reading Back to the chessboard?

Can sanitation reduce stunting? Context: Impact of sanitation on stunting Introduction: The results of two ambitious new trials published this year show that studying the impact of sanitation on stunting is tricky. The trials, which implemented water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in Bangladesh and Kenyan villages for two years, were an effort to prevent stunting… Continue reading Can sanitation reduce stunting?

Crucible for civilisation Context: A recently published paper has revealed that small tools were used nearly 385,000 years ago at Attirampakkam About Attirampakkam: Located close to Madras, it is the site where, in 1863, British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote discovered the first Palaeolithic stone tools from India Since then, this site has been… Continue reading Crucible for civilisation

Week-long tiger census begins in Odisha today Context: Week-long tiger census in Odhisa will begin on 16th February 2018 About the Census: The week-long census that coincides with the national tiger census will be carried out in all forest divisions. Both direct and indirect methods will be used to ascertain the status of tigers in… Continue reading Week-long tiger census begins in Odisha today

Boost for women’s cooperatives Context: Women’s cooperative societies in Rajasthan are expected to get a boost Details: Women’s cooperative societies in Rajasthan will get loans for dairy and animal husbandry works at 5.50% interest rate from cooperative land development banks. The State government intends to bring one million women within the purview of cooperative sector.… Continue reading Boost for women’s cooperatives

Trade deficit widens to $16.3bn in Jan. Context: According to the data released by the Commerce Ministry India’s goods trade deficit has widened to $16.30 billion in January 2018 Highlights: The goods trade deficit has widened to $16.30 billion in January 2018 from $9.9 billion in the same month a year ago and $14.88 billion… Continue reading Trade deficit widens to $16.3bn in Jan.

Parliamentary Panel seeks FinMin report Context: Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has questioned finance ministry officials about the $1.77 billion fraud in the state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) and asked them to submit a report on it. Details: The Committee has questioned the recapitalisation process of the state-run banks Members of the Committee… Continue reading Parliamentary Panel seeks FinMin report

Gem of a scam: On PNB fraud Context: A regulatory filing to the stock exchanges by Punjab National Bank has blown the lid off a ₹11,500-crore fraud. Introduction: It is the largest such scam in India, it was perpetrated by a maverick diamond merchant in collusion with bank officials at a single branch in South… Continue reading Gem of a scam: On PNB fraud

Should Supreme Court proceedings be live-streamed? Context: The question is whether Supreme Court proceedings should be live-streamed Arguments in favour: It will enable the legal system to deliver on its promise of empowering the masses It is important to make those matters that are of great public importance available for all to see. Example: public… Continue reading Should Supreme Court proceedings be live-streamed?