Author: ForumIAS

Death by slow poisoning News: 1.An estimated 10 million people in nine districts of West Bengal drink arsenic-laden groundwater. Important Facts: 2.Today, around 10 million people in nine districts in West Bengal and 40 million in Bangladesh drink arsenic laden ground water. 3.The source of the arsenic contamination can be traced back to the following… Continue reading Death by slow poisoning

Nine years after News: It is the ninth anniversary of the end of civil war in Sri Lanka Important Facts: 2.According to UN estimates, around 40,000 people died in the war which came to an end on May 18, 2009. 3.While the tamils look at the anniversary as a day to remember their loved ones,… Continue reading Nine years after

Governor’s discretion has its limits News: The Supreme Court has observed that the appointment of K.G. Bopaiah as a pro tem speaker  by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala is an arbitrary use of governor discretion. Important facts: The Supreme Court has ordered the Karnataka Governor to appoint a pro tem Speaker to conduct a floor test… Continue reading Governor’s discretion has its limits

EU moves to save Iran nuclear deal News: European Union has initiated the ‘Blocking Statute’ to save the Iran Nuclear Deal as it had pledged to stick to the deal if Iran respects its terms. Important Facts: The “Blocking Statute” was made in 1996 to circumvent Washington’s trade sanctions on Cuba. But, the statute never… Continue reading EU moves to save Iran nuclear deal

A chance in Srinagar News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Srinagar Important facts: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has informed the Centre regarding the suspension of ceasefire operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan. 3.Earlier, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government has also announced the Ceasefire in 2000… Continue reading A chance in Srinagar

Implement Cauvery draft scheme before rains: Supreme Court News: The Supreme Court has ordered the Central government to implement its draft Cauvery Management Scheme before the monsoon. Important facts: The Supreme Court said that the draft scheme was in accordance with the Cauvery Water Tribunal award which was modified by the court on February and… Continue reading Implement Cauvery draft scheme before rains: Supreme Court

What’s roiling the rupee Rupee depreciation; value of rupee News: Rupee now figures among the worst-performing Asian currencies. It slides over 6% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of 2018. Important facts: In 2013, rupee slides more than 20% in 3 months from May to August, due to bond buying programme of U.S Federal… Continue reading What’s roiling the rupee

India gears up for AI-driven wars Artificial intelligence; defence projects News: The government has initiated to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces. Note: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term for simulated intelligence in machines. These machines are programmed to “think” like a human and mimic the way a… Continue reading India gears up for AI-driven wars

PMO seeks change in UPSC allocation UPSC; civil services reform News: The Prime Minister Office has asked to examine if service allocation/cadre allocation to probationers selected for civil service examination can be made after the foundation course. Important fact: PMO has asked to examine the feasibility of giving due weightage to the performance in the… Continue reading PMO seeks change in UPSC allocation

Foreign investors cold to residency scheme Foreign investment; permanent residency status scheme News: No foreigners applied under the Permanent Residency Status (PRS) scheme since its inception in 2016. Important facts: PRS in 2016 intended to boost its “Make in India” policy. Features of Permanent Residency Status (PRS) Permanent Residency Status (PRS) promises facilities for foreign… Continue reading Foreign investors cold to residency scheme