Author: ForumIAS

Violence in the hills Shilliong unrest, north east News: Curfew was imposed in some parts of Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong following a clash that broke out between the police and a violent mob in the city’s Motphran area. Important facts: Issue involved: There was a scuffle between members of the Mazhabi Sikh community, long-time settlers in the Punjab… Continue reading Violence in the hills

Panel to mull ARC for stressed assets NPA, ARC News: 1 The finance ministry has set up a committee to examine the possibility of setting up an asset reconstruction company or an asset management company. Important Facts: The committee will be headed by Punjab National Bank’s non-executive Sunil Mehta. The committee include 2 more member… Continue reading Panel to mull ARC for stressed assets

An unexceptional economic performance Economic growth Article: Prof Pulapre Balkrishnan discusses the issues with current state of Indian economy in the backdrop of recently released CSO data on GDP growth rate Important Analysis: Annual GDP growth rate in FY 2013-14 was 6.9%. Since 2014, it increased at first and then declined to 6.6% in FY… Continue reading An unexceptional economic performance

‘Uranium contamination in Rajasthan groundwater’ Uranium pollutant News: Recently a study conducted by Duke University, USA and Central Groundwater Board of India has found widespread uranium contamination in groundwater from aquifers in 16 Indian states. Important Facts: WHO and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for uranium level for safe drinking water: 30 micrograms of… Continue reading ‘Uranium contamination in Rajasthan groundwater’

Indonesia wins UNSC vote UNSC non-permanent member News: The UN Security Council has selected Indonesia as a non-permanent member. Important Facts: The Maldives and Indonesia had contested for the seat in the UN Security Council. Indonesia secured 144 votes whereas Maldives won 46 out of total 190 votes. Indonesia has been elected as a non-permanent… Continue reading Indonesia wins UNSC vote

U.S. wants India out of S-400 deal US-India-Russia, S-400 News: The state department of U.S. has warned India against the violation of Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanction Act or CAATSA. Important Facts: About Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanction Act or CAATSA. Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanction Act was enacted in August 2017. The Act empowers… Continue reading U.S. wants India out of S-400 deal

Questions of promotion Article: Faizan Mustafa, VC of NALSAR University analyses Supreme Court’s recent verdict on reservation in promotions Important Analysis: The Supreme Court has given an interim order permitting the Centre to provide reservation inpromotionfor SC/ST employee “as per law” However, the reservations in promotions can be challenged on the basis of conditions laid down by… Continue reading Questions of promotion

Modi likely to take the spirit of Wuhan to Qingdao SCO, India-China, world order News: India will be participating in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled in Qingdao as a permanent member for the first time Important Facts: The full members of SCO include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan. India… Continue reading Modi likely to take the spirit of Wuhan to Qingdao

Challenges may dampen glee over Deocha Pachami News: The West Bengal government has got the permission to mine Deocha Pachami coal block in Birbhum district. Important Facts: Deocha Pachami is among the biggest coal mines in the world with a reserve of more than 2 billion tonnes. The project is expected to generate one lakh… Continue reading Challenges may dampen glee over Deocha Pachami

Open data, open government Article: Rana Kapoor, MD and CEO of Yes Bank, highlights the importance of Open Data Important Analysis Open government data means publishing data collected by government in its entirety Importance of Open government data: Helps to ensure the transparency in policy making. This would enable good governance. Helps in enhancing the… Continue reading Open data, open government