Author: ForumIAS

India to grow at 7.5% in 2018, 2019: Moody’s News: According to Moody’s Investor Service, India is likely to grow at 7.5% in 2018 and 2019. Important facts: 2. Moody pointed out the following facts in its Global Macro Outlook for 2018-19:- Indian economy is largely resilient to higher oil prices. Energy prices will raise… Continue reading India to grow at 7.5% in 2018, 2019: Moody’s

‘EPFO data not the right gauge of employment level’ News: Recently, the EPFP revised down the net enrolment numbers for the period from Sep 2017 to May 2018.   Introduction: 2. EPFO is a good indicator for formal employment as well as changes in employment. 3. Recently, EPFO pointed out decline in net enrolment numbers.… Continue reading ‘EPFO data not the right gauge of employment level’

Another step in the battle against leprosy News: Prior to medical advancement, large Central and State Laws discriminate against leprosy patients. Important facts: 2. Now, the disease is completely curable by modern medicines like multi-drug therapy. 3. The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018, seeks to make a start in amending these statutes.  Some of the… Continue reading Another step in the battle against leprosy

Should Article 35A be scrapped? Article: Different views on article 35A. Important Analysis: 2. Article 35Aof the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents. Such laws granting special rights to permanent residents would not… Continue reading Should Article 35A be scrapped?

Get over the superpower syndrome Article: T.P Sreenivasan, a former Indian diplomat has talked about controversy involved into acceptance of foreign assistance for Kerala disaster relief. Important Analysis 2. According to him, debate over acceptance of foreign assistance is an unnecessary distraction. 3. Foreign financial contribution will not meet even a fraction of cost involved… Continue reading Get over the superpower syndrome

Accepting help News: Controversies over taking voluntary assistance from other countries in the wake of keraladisaster. Important facts: 2. There is an indication, India may refuse to accept the voluntary financial assistance from other countries for Kerala flood rehabilitation work. 3. UAE and Maldives has offered the financial assistance of 700 Cr and 35 Lakhs… Continue reading Accepting help

Centre wants Supreme Court to get tough with FB, YouTube News: Center to take strict action to curb circulation of videos of sexual violence. Important facts: 2. Government has shown concern over inadequate efforts taken by Internet giant like Facebook and YouTube to curb circulation of videos of sexual violence against women and children. 3.… Continue reading Centre wants Supreme Court to get tough with FB, YouTube

ISRO telemedicine nodes for soldiers in high-altitude areas News: The Integrated Defence Staff of the Defence Ministry and the Indian Space Research Organsiation (ISRO) signed a memorandum of understanding to set up telemedicine nodes in critical places across the country. Important Facts 2. This joint initiative will transform the reach of telemedicine to soldiers, airmen,… Continue reading ISRO telemedicine nodes for soldiers in high-altitude areas

Trouble in the hills News: The monsoon floods in Kerala and Karnataka have revived the debate on whether political expediency trumped science. Important facts: 2. In the past, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel issued recommendations for the preservation of the fragile western peninsular region. 3. Madhav Gadgil, who chaired the Union Environment Ministry’s WGEEP,… Continue reading Trouble in the hills

Commute-related pollution: Kolkata shines among megacities News: The report titled ‘The Urban Commute and How it Contributes to Pollution and Energy’, compiled by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) was released recently. Important facts: Fourteen cities including six mega cities and eight metropolises evaluated by the CSE for emission of greenhouse gases such as… Continue reading Commute-related pollution: Kolkata shines among megacities