Author: ForumIAS

Anatomy of an outbreak Article:  R.Prasad, author, discussed how Congo learnt from the 2014 Ebola crisis and what measures is adopting in dealing with current crisis. Important facts: 2. The Democratic Republic of Congo noticed Ebola cases once again this year. 3. Last time the virus was discovered in 1976. 4. Although, the WHO announced… Continue reading Anatomy of an outbreak

Change gears News: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, facing opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Important facts: 2. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last year. 3. The subject is included in the Concurrent list; Parliament can make a law defining powers available to the States. 4. Key changes in the  Bill : The… Continue reading Change gears

Clarifying asylum News: Recently, Eduador cut off Internet access to WikiLeaks Editor-in-Chief Julian Assange. Important facts: 2. In 2012, to avoid rape allegations, Mr . Assange skipped bail and entered the Ecuadorean embassy, where he has since remained protected by diplomatic asylum status. 3. While Swedish prosecutors have dropped their investigations, a U.K. judge refused… Continue reading Clarifying asylum

The economics of tax havens News: According to another recent paper, “The missing profits of nations”, by Ludvig Wier and others, about 40% of the profits earned by multinationals each year continue to be shifted to tax havens. Important facts: Organisations like Oxfam have often characterized tax havens as “anti-poor” since they help the rich… Continue reading The economics of tax havens

Our privacy’s worth Article: Shankar Naryanan, leads the Public Law vertical at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, gave his arguments against criticism of the Srikrishna Committee report. Important facts: The draft personal data protection Bill 2018, submitted by the Justice B.N. Srikrishna-headed expert panel has proposed that critical personal data of Indian citizens be processed… Continue reading Our privacy’s worth

Three northeastern States emerge as new HIV hotspots News: According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the number of HIV cases has been declining in India. Important facts: However, in few northeastern states such as Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura have emerged as the new hotspots for HIV. The Ministry’s data revealed the following… Continue reading Three northeastern States emerge as new HIV hotspots

Thirty years after the 8888 uprising Article: Nehginpao Kipgen, Associate Professor , O.P Jindal Global University, discussed  that Myanmar’s stability and development can be achieved by resolving the issues of equality and federalism. Important facts: August 8, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the people’s uprising (8888 uprising) in Myanmar. About ‘8888’ uprising: The… Continue reading Thirty years after the 8888 uprising

Pause, refresh News: The Goods and Service Tax council’s second meeting held recently. Important facts: 2. This time it refrained from further rate rejigs. 3. Proposal to push digital payments by offering a cash-back to consumers using RuPay cards or the UPI platform have been incorporated in the council’s meeting this time. 4. Now, States… Continue reading Pause, refresh

Most babies not breastfed in their first hour News: According to a new breastfeeding assessment report published recently, around 6 out of 10 babies born in India are not able to begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Important facts: 2. The report was compiled by a consortium of public health groups and agencies including… Continue reading Most babies not breastfed in their first hour

Access to Andamans eased News: Recently, the Union Home Ministry decided to lift restrictions on foreigners to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands chain. Important facts: 2. The step was taken to boost tourism sector. 3. After lifting the restrictions, now foreigners can visit 29 inhabited islands without Restricted Areas Permit(RAP). 4. The 29 inhabited islands… Continue reading Access to Andamans eased