The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved a new initiative – Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE). The scheme aims to support socially relevant, local need-based, nationally important and globally significant research projects. The major objectives of STRIDE are: a) to identify young talent, strengthen research culture, build capacity, promote innovation and… Continue reading UGC approves new initiative STRIDE to boost research culture
Author: ForumIAS
Europe heat wave: What caused record temperatures, why it is a concern?
Recently, France has recorded its all-time hottest temperature amid a European heat wave. Gallargues-le-Montueux in southern France recorded an all-time high of 45.9°C during the last week of June According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), heat wave in Europe is a result of warm air masses from Africa. There is no universally accepted definition… Continue reading Europe heat wave: What caused record temperatures, why it is a concern?
Single rate GST not possible in a country with poor people, says Arun Jaitley
Former Finance Minister has said that India can have two slabs for the Goods and Services Tax(GST) but dismissed the possibility of a single rate. He said that single GST slab would be possible only in extremely affluent countries where there are no poor people.It would be inequitable to apply a single rate in countries… Continue reading Single rate GST not possible in a country with poor people, says Arun Jaitley
After Assam, Nagaland to set up a register of indigenous inhabitants. What is it?
In the lines of NRC of Assam, the Nagaland government has decided to set up Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). The RIIN will be a master list of all indigenous peoples. It aims to prevent the issuance of fake indigenous inhabitant certificates. The RIIN list will be based on an extensive survey. It… Continue reading After Assam, Nagaland to set up a register of indigenous inhabitants. What is it?
What changes with J&K Reservation Bill
Rajya Sabha has passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bill. It was earlier passed in the Lok Sabha The Bill partially amends a Presidential Order of 1954 in order to amend The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. The amendments were earlier effected through an ordinance after these had been approved by the Union Cabinet… Continue reading What changes with J&K Reservation Bill
National panel asks state to follow uniform syllabus
The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Odisha government to ensure that schools in the state follow a uniform syllabus at the elementary level according to provision laid under the Right to Education Act, 2009. The direction came against the backdrop of reports received by the NCPCR that certain… Continue reading National panel asks state to follow uniform syllabus
India-assisted IT-biotech park inaugurated in Côte d’Ivoire
The Mahatma Gandhi IT and Biotechnology Park (MGIT-BP) was jointly inaugurated by Ambassador of India and Cote d’Ivoire Vice President. MGIT-BP is a dedicated Free Trade Zone (FTZ) for IT and Biotechnology .It has been built with India’s assistance through EXIM Bank Lines of Credit of USD 20 million. The MGIT-BP project consists of two… Continue reading India-assisted IT-biotech park inaugurated in Côte d’Ivoire
Tamil Yeoman declared state butterfly of Tamil Nadu
Tamil yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) butterfly species has been declared the state butterfly of Tamil Nadu. Tamil yeoman is a tawny-coloured creature with a dark brown outer ring. It is among the 32 butterfly species found in Western Ghats.It is endemic to Western Ghats It is also known as Tamil Maravan which means warrior.These butterflies could… Continue reading Tamil Yeoman declared state butterfly of Tamil Nadu
Government rolls out plan to save water, says it will be a mass movement
The Centre has rolled out Jal Shakti Abhiyan- a water conservation campaign. The theme of the campaign is Sanchay Jal, Behtar Kal. It aims at making water conservation and promotion of irrigation efficiency a ‘jan andolan’ (public campaign) through asset creation and communication campaigns The intervention areas include: a) Water conservation and rainwater harvesting, b)… Continue reading Government rolls out plan to save water, says it will be a mass movement
EWS quota: SC to hear pleas for Constitution Bench on July 30
The Supreme Court has agreed to consider on July 30 a batch of petitions to have a Constitution Bench examine the validity of 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act provides for 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker section in the unreserved category The Act amends Article… Continue reading EWS quota: SC to hear pleas for Constitution Bench on July 30

