Author: ForumIAS

Is biodiversity treaty a hurdle to conservation research? News: According to Scientists, the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD), of which India is signatory too, is hindering biodiversity research and preventing international collaborations. Important facts: This was revealed by scientists  in a communication published on June 28 in the journal Science, an international team of scientists-including professors… Continue reading Is biodiversity treaty a hurdle to conservation research?

Reducing plastic pollution News: The Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 are the sharpest prongs in India’s legal arsenal against plastic. Important facts: 2. Significant components of the rules are given below: a. Strengthen the concept of ‘extended producer’s responsibility’ whereby plastics manufacturers and retail establishments that use plastic are legally bound to introduce a… Continue reading Reducing plastic pollution

Sinking rupee News: Rupee weakened against the U.S. dollar. Important facts: Rupee weakened past 69 intraday against the U.S. dollar, an all time low. The rupee, which has lost almost 8% in value since January1, is the worst performing currency in Asia this year. However, this is not the only currency to be in Doldrum.… Continue reading Sinking rupee

Target incomes, not prices Article: Puja Mehra, Delhi-based journalist , pointed out failure of India’s farm policy to support most vulnerable farmers Important Analysis: The author pointed out some of the issues that were involved in the farm sector and led to crisis situation. These are given below. a. Good rains, excessive sowing and the… Continue reading Target incomes, not prices

The deepening disconnect Article: SuhasiniHaider, author, analyze the postponement of the 2+2 Dialogue has come amid growing India-U.S. estrangement in South Asia. 2+2 Dialogue:  India and the U.S. have decided to set up a new dialogue mechanism that would include defence and foreign ministers of the two countries.   The dialogue format would be likely… Continue reading The deepening disconnect

Revise relations with Iran, Haley tells India News: The U. S. envoy to the U.N. Nikki Haley raised concerns over trade with Iran during her meeting with PM Narendra Modi. Important facts: 2. She said, Iran is a major threat to the world and Tehran’s violations of its nuclear commitments and alleged sponsorship of terrorism… Continue reading Revise relations with Iran, Haley tells India

‘Reserves firepower to help stem rupee’s losses’ News: The centre government affirmed that India has adequate foreign exchange reserves to deal with the current volatility. Important facts: India’s volatility is driven by the following factors: Proposed U.S. sanctions on Iran The mismatch in demand and supply of oil Ongoing trade war between the U.S. and… Continue reading ‘Reserves firepower to help stem rupee’s losses’

Now, it’s PM’s word on kharif MSP News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reassurance to farmers for Kharif crops. Important facts: 2.Mr Modi, gave assurance to farmer’s that government will approve Minimum Support prices(MSP) at 150% of input costs for kharif crops. 3.Modi’s assurance comes as farmer’s group has started agitating on the lack of announcement… Continue reading Now, it’s PM’s word on kharif MSP

India ‘waiting and watching’ Iran issue unfold before taking a decision: Pradhan News: Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, we will do business with whoever gives us oil, gas on good terms. Important facts: 2. His statement was the outcome of the U.S.’ announcement that it will impose sanctions on any country importing oil from Iran… Continue reading India ‘waiting and watching’ Iran issue unfold before taking a decision: Pradhan