Author: ForumIAS

The cost of deterrence News: Martand Jha, SIS, JNU has analyzes how the balance of strategic nuclear power has evolved over the past two decades in South Asia. Important Analysis On May 11, India celebrates its 20 years of nuclear tests at Pokhran, which put India into de facto status as the sixth nuclear power… Continue reading The cost of deterrence

States yet to decide on national anthem query News: No states respond to the Centre’s letter seeking their opinion on playing of the national anthem in cinema halls and public places. Important Facts On December 5 last year, the Home Ministry notified the appointment of a 12-member inter-ministerial committee which would take a final call… Continue reading States yet to decide on national anthem query

Rajasthan seeks formation of Inter-State Basin Authority News Rajasthan has demanded the establishment of an Inter-State Basin Authority rather than watershed agencies to resolve disputes among different States on sharing of river waters. Important Facts: In Inter-State Council’s Standing Committee meeting in New Delhi, Rajasathan showed its reservation towards setting up a watershed agencies. Rajasthan… Continue reading Rajasthan seeks formation of Inter-State Basin Authority

Maritime dialogue resumes News Recently, the heads of maritime security agencies of India and Pakistan met after a gap of two years. Important Facts: Meeting is considered as an efforts to improve India-Pakistan relations in recent months after the restarting of the Track II Neemrana Dialogue in April. The dialogue is held annually as per the… Continue reading Maritime dialogue resumes

Talk it over: the Centre’s role in J&K News: The Ministry of Home Minister has offered talks with the Hurriyat and Pakistan. Important Facts: Recently various moves of central government shows its softer Jammu and Kashmir policy. The Centre has decided the suspension of operations and looking forward to end the terror activities in Jammu… Continue reading Talk it over: the Centre’s role in J&K

Protecting incarcerated women Article: K. Raghavan, a former CBI Director, shares his opinion about the status of women and their children behind the prisons. Important analysis: Overcrowding, brutality, a lack of sanitation and unacceptable standards of health care are evident in prisons across the world. Reforms for these pathetic conditions are not much talked about.… Continue reading Protecting incarcerated women

Bacteria-coated broccoli sent to space News: Scientist have experimented a possible way to grow vegetables in micro-gravity conditions of the space station. Important facts: Six broccoli seeds were sent to space for the astronauts at the International Space Station. Three seeds are sent as it is and three seeds are coated with two different bacteria.… Continue reading Bacteria-coated broccoli sent to space

Policy on Biofuels: Green Push? News: 1.The Cabinet approved the National policy on Biofuels earlier this month. Important Facts: 2.The policy aims to encourage the production and use of biofuels like ethanol. 3.This policy aims to rectify supply side issues in the production of biofuel 4.Important Provisions: In addition to sugarcane, the policy approves the use… Continue reading Policy on Biofuels: Green Push?

In 2016, 5/20 norm was replaced with 0/20 News: Government eases norms for airlines having no domestic experience to fly aboard Important Facts: In 20o4, government brought 5/20 norm to allow Indian private carrier to fly overseas. Faeture of 5/20 norms Norm is for airline based in india only for overseas flight airline need to… Continue reading In 2016, 5/20 norm was replaced with 0/20

Great Barrier Reef facing its toughest test ever – Coral Bleaching News: Scientists are concerned about the ability of Great Barrier Reef to survive the current environmental crisis. Important facts: The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is facing the challenges due to rising sea temperature It has survived 30,000 years. In the past the reefs shifted… Continue reading Great Barrier Reef facing its toughest test ever – Coral Bleaching