Author: ForumIAS

ISRO making green propellant ISRO; Science and technology News: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) seeks to replace hydrazine fuel with an environmental-friendly propellant to power satellites and spacecrafts Important Facts: ISRO is working to replace hydrazine with hydroxylammonium nitrate based (HAN) monopropellant Monopropellant is a chemical propulsion fuel which does not require separate oxidizer. It is… Continue reading ISRO making green propellant

Kerala’s development paradox Inclusive development; development model Article: P. Radhakrishnan, Professor of Sociology, Madras Institute of Development observes the inconsistencies of Kerala’s development experience Analysis: The communist regime in Kerala started in 1957 with CPI being elected. Gains from communist regime and social movements: Weakening of caste and religious system in interpersonal relations Social inclusiveness… Continue reading Kerala’s development paradox

Don’t get into tusk trouble, says SC Wildlife protection act News: In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court has held that tusks are property of the government Important Facts: The judgement dealt with alleged unauthorised collection and storage of tusks by an individual in Wayanad, Kerala The Kerala Forest Act of 1961, does not mention… Continue reading Don’t get into tusk trouble, says SC

A tightrope walk over China for PM India china News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore on India’s defence and security outlook is expected to picture India’s ‘tightrope-balancing’ situation between the U.S. and its allies, and China. Important facts:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore and Jakarta is expected to focus… Continue reading A tightrope walk over China for PM

Hezbollah’s grip West Asia Article:  Iran-backed Hezabollah winning Lebanon parliamentary elections may deepen political crisis in the country Analysis: Lebanon has been facing major administrative and regional crisis. Recent major challenges include: Breakdown of waste management system Power shortage Syrian refugee problem which has further put a pressure on public infrastructure Poor economy Hezabollah is… Continue reading Hezbollah’s grip

Collective assertion Collegium system; SC News: Recently, the five-member collegium has unanimously  agreed “in principle” that it would reiterate its previous recommendation on appointing the chief justice of the Uttarakhand high court, K.M.Joseph, as a judge of the apex court. Important facts: With the reiteration, the Center will be bound to act on the resolution of… Continue reading Collective assertion

Domestic Violence Act for divorced women too Women issue; domestic violence News: The Supreme Court has upheld that the divorced women is entitled to get protection under the Domestic Violence Act Important Facts The Supreme Court upheld that the domestic Violence Act extends to all man-woman relationships The SC confirmed a Rajasthan High Court ruling… Continue reading Domestic Violence Act for divorced women too

Robots will not take over all our jobs Artificial Intelligence; Automation Article: There has been anxiety about automation that it would eliminate many jobs. However, a recent study indicates the fear of robot taking over jobs is improbable. Analysis: 2. The paper ‘Benign effects of automation: New evidences from patent texts” (2017) by Katja Mann… Continue reading Robots will not take over all our jobs

Is it possible to slow global warming? Climate change; paris summit News: 48th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) was held at Bonn between April 30th and May 10th. Important Facts: 2. At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, the Paris… Continue reading Is it possible to slow global warming?

More tests required for GM mustard: regulator GM Mustard News: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has demanded more tests for genetically-modified mustard. Important Facts: 2. The genetically modified mustard, Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11) had been developed by Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants of the Delhi University 3. In 2017, GEAC had recommended… Continue reading More tests required for GM mustard: regulator