Author: ForumIAS

What’s in an election? Election; democracy News: SundarSarukkai, Professor of Philosophy at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, analyses the role of elections in a democracy. Important Analysis: The significance of democracy lies in how power is exercised by those elected to power. 3.The defining principle of democracy is the principle of One Person… Continue reading What’s in an election?

On the great Asian highway India-china News: Syed MunirKhasru, Chairman of the international think tank, The Institute for Policy, Advocacy, and Governance, is of the opinion that better communication between India and China would benefit the whole region. Important Facts: India and China must forge an understanding to cooperate on regional connectivity projects. Inability to… Continue reading On the great Asian highway

Had ‘extremely productive’ talks with Putin, says Modi India-Russia News: The first ever informal summit between India and Russia was held in Sochi, Russia. The informal summit is a new aspect of the bilateral ties. Important Facts: The “Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia has evolved into “Special Privileged Strategic Partnership”. 3.Mr. Modi said friendship… Continue reading Had ‘extremely productive’ talks with Putin, says Modi

Graffiti taking its toll on prehistoric rock paintings Prehistoric News: Archaeological survey of India has raised the concern over the defacement of Prehistoric rock painting at Pandavulagutta in JayashankarBhuplpally district of Telangana. Important Facts: The prehistoric rock paintings resemble the most ancient Rock painting at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh  The prehistoric rock paintings of JayashankarBhupalpally… Continue reading Graffiti taking its toll on prehistoric rock paintings

Small farmers get raw deal News: According to an RBI report, small farmers get only 30-40% of agricultural credit meant for the farm sector. Important facts: The priority sector lending mandate does not mention about the target of lending According to RBI rules, 18% of banks’ Adjusted Net Bank Credit should be provided to the… Continue reading Small farmers get raw deal

Nipah Virus Outbreak News: The recent outbreak of Nipah Virus infection in Kerala Important Facts: Nipah Virus is a contagious and deadly virus which was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 The virus figures in the WHO’s list of 10 priority pathogens needing urgent research The virus is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus and mutates… Continue reading Nipah Virus Outbreak

A sweet break on Asian Highway 1 News: Rahul Karmakar has expressed his view about the National Highway 37 and the achievement of Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti Ltd. cooperative society. Important Fact: The National Highway 37 that ran from Goalpara in western Assam to Roing in Arunachal Pradesh is now part of National Highway… Continue reading A sweet break on Asian Highway 1

Draft Air Passenger Charter News: Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the Draft Air Passenger Charter Important Facts The Draft Air Passenger Charter aims to improve passenger experience in India Key Provisions: Passengers will be compensated if an airline is at fault for any delay. Passengers are eligible for a full refund if… Continue reading Draft Air Passenger Charter

Premature Deaths due to Air Pollution: Study News: According to a recent study, air pollution is the principal reason for high number of premature deaths in 11 North Indian cities Important Facts: The study titled ‘Know what you breathe’ has been conducted jointly by IIT-Delhi and Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) The study… Continue reading Premature Deaths due to Air Pollution: Study

Trade in Tokay geckos continues in Bengal News: Border Security Force have reported the smuggling of three Tokay geckos from West Bengal’s Malda and Murshidabad districts. Important facts: About Tokay geckos Tokay gecko is a lizard species with orange-spotted blue-grey skin. It is protected under the Schedule III of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Tokay… Continue reading Trade in Tokay geckos continues in Bengal