What is the news? The Arbor Day Foundation and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation have recognised Hyderabad as ‘2020 Tree City of the World’. About Tree Cities of the World Programme: Tree Cities of the World programme is an international program. It recognises cities and towns for properly and sustainably maintaining their urban forests… Continue reading Hyderabad recognised as a ‘Tree City of the World’
Author: ForumIAS
“3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order
What is the News? The 3rd Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) meeting of the foreign ministers of India, Australia, Japan, and the USA held virtually. This is the third such meeting since 2019 when the Quad was upgraded to the ministerial level. Focus of the meeting: The QUAD meeting focussed on issues such as countering disinformation,… Continue reading “3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order
“Mandarin Duck” spotted in Assam’s Maguri Beel after 118 years
What is the News? Mandarin ducks appeared after 118 years in the Maguri-Motapung beel in Assam’s Tinsukia district. Mandarin Duck: It is provided with a tag of the most beautiful duck in the world. Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carl Linnaeus first spotted and identified this bird in 1758. Key Characteristics of Mandarin Duck: Features:… Continue reading “Mandarin Duck” spotted in Assam’s Maguri Beel after 118 years
[UPSC Interview Transcript #28] :Sujata Mehta Maam Board, Madhya Pradesh Home State, Table Tennis Hobby
Duration: 30 mins Forenoon: Last to go Board: Sujata Mehta Maam Background: Mechanical Engineering Employee: Honda cars Home State: Madhya Pradesh Hobby: Table Tennis Chairman You’re an engineer what drove you to civil services? Why is it that the people in rural areas tend more towards civil services and people from urban areas have an… Continue reading [UPSC Interview Transcript #28] :Sujata Mehta Maam Board, Madhya Pradesh Home State, Table Tennis Hobby
“Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement(CECPA)” between India and Mauritius
What is the News? Union Cabinet has approved a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement(CECPA) with Mauritius. What is CECPA? It is a kind of free trade pact that aims to provide an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two countries. Under this agreement, countries cut or eliminate the duties on the… Continue reading “Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement(CECPA)” between India and Mauritius
Issues in the draft rules for the Code on Social Security 2020
Synopsis – The Government drafted the rules for the Code on Social Security 2020 without considering growing informal workforce. Introduction: During the Budget, Finance Minister highlighted the implementation of the four labour codes. Budgetary Allocation for the MSME sector this year was Rs.15700 Crores. This is more than double the amount allotted last year. This… Continue reading Issues in the draft rules for the Code on Social Security 2020
Issues in Taxing PF contribution
Synopsis: By taxing the income of PF contributions over 2.5 lakhs, the government wants to restrict High net-worth individuals (HNIs) who are using the social welfare scheme as a tax haven. Though it is well-intended, it has many ambiguities. Read More – Budget proposes tax on EPF interest|ForumIAS Blog Background The Union Budget 2021 has… Continue reading Issues in Taxing PF contribution
Balancing freedom of speech and national security
Synopsis: The government warned Twitter over its reluctance in following the executive order for blocking of information. However, the focus should be on balancing free speech and national security. Background The government used its power under Section 69A of the information and technology act to block information on the Micro-blogging site. This section allows the… Continue reading Balancing freedom of speech and national security
Indian Economy Quiz: Capital Markets & Money Markets |19 Feb, 2021
Good Morning Friends, We are Posting Today’s Prelims Marathon [WpProQuiz 2260] Prelims Marathon Quiz For UPSC IAS Prelims 2024
A robust ‘health and well-being budget for 2021-22’
Synopsis: The government has come up with an integrated health and well-being budget for 2021-22. It would help meet the current and upcoming challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: The pandemic struck India in March 2020 and exposed the vulnerabilities of the Indian health care system. Although India’s performance in tackling the pandemic was… Continue reading A robust ‘health and well-being budget for 2021-22’
