Author: ForumIAS

Wages for looking NookuKooli; labour union News: 1. The Kerala government has banded the practice of “NokkuKooli” from May 2018. Important Facts 2. Nokkukooli is a practice in Kerala of extorting money from employers, shopkeepers or households by loading-and-unloading workers. It is done by an organisedlabour unions in kerala under which wages have to be… Continue reading Wages for looking

The Meghalaya example Social audit Article: The authors, Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and RakshitaSwamy describes about the importance of social audits, which acts as a strong tool for community participation and grievance redress. Analysis: Background: In April, 2017, Meghalaya became the first State India to pass social audit legislation. The legislation is… Continue reading The Meghalaya example

Camera traps record rare black panther in Odisha Rare species; environment News: The Forest and Environment Department of Odisha have recorded the presence of black panthers in a forest in Sundargarh district. Important Facts: Odisha has been listed as the ninth State in India where the elusive and rare big cat has been seen. The… Continue reading Camera traps record rare black panther in Odisha

Kerala may seek WHO help to battle Nipah virus infection Nipah virus News: The kerala government is planning to seek the help from World Health Organization regarding Nipah virus infection. Important Facts: National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported the Nipah virus infection incidence as the “third major outbreak in the country.” The laboratory… Continue reading Kerala may seek WHO help to battle Nipah virus infection

What’s in an election? Election; democracy News: SundarSarukkai, Professor of Philosophy at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, analyses the role of elections in a democracy. Important Analysis: The significance of democracy lies in how power is exercised by those elected to power. 3.The defining principle of democracy is the principle of One Person… Continue reading What’s in an election?

On the great Asian highway India-china News: Syed MunirKhasru, Chairman of the international think tank, The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance, is of the opinion that better communication between India and China would benefit the whole region. Important Facts: India and China must forge an understanding to cooperate on regional connectivity projects. Inability to… Continue reading On the great Asian highway

Had ‘extremely productive’ talks with Putin, says Modi India-Russia News: The first ever informal summit between India and Russia was held in Sochi, Russia. The informal summit is a new aspect of the bilateral ties. Important Facts: The “Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia has evolved into “Special Privileged Strategic Partnership”. 3.Mr. Modi said friendship… Continue reading Had ‘extremely productive’ talks with Putin, says Modi

Graffiti taking its toll on prehistoric rock paintings Prehistoric News: Archaeological survey of India has raised the concern over the defacement of Prehistoric rock painting at Pandavulagutta in JayashankarBhuplpally district of Telangana. Important Facts: The prehistoric rock paintings resemble the most ancient Rock painting at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh  The prehistoric rock paintings of JayashankarBhupalpally… Continue reading Graffiti taking its toll on prehistoric rock paintings

Small farmers get raw deal News: According to an RBI report, small farmers get only 30-40% of agricultural credit meant for the farm sector. Important facts: The priority sector lending mandate does not mention about the target of lending According to RBI rules, 18% of banks’ Adjusted Net Bank Credit should be provided to the… Continue reading Small farmers get raw deal

Nipah Virus Outbreak News: The recent outbreak of Nipah Virus infection in Kerala Important Facts: Nipah Virus is a contagious and deadly virus which was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 The virus figures in the WHO’s list of 10 priority pathogens needing urgent research The virus is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus and mutates… Continue reading Nipah Virus Outbreak