Author: ForumIAS

The tree as an urban coordinate Analysis: Neha Sinha, wildlife conservationist, discussing about the ongoing protests in some of India’s cities including Delhi and Mumbai to save trees in urban spaces. Important facts: 2. Cities are centres of construction created mainly by the human hand. 3. Many cities including Delhi and Mumbai witnessing the ongoing… Continue reading The tree as an urban coordinate

Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin News: Fish species purchased from Chinthadripet and Kasimedu, the two major fish markets in Chennai, have tested positive for formalin. Important facts: 2. The fish were tested by scientist of the Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalaithaa Fisheries University. 3. This is the first time samples of fish… Continue reading Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin

9 parties oppose proposal for simultaneous elections News: Law Commission’s consultation with political parties on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies ended without reaching a consensus. Important facts: 2. Law panel has recommended holding simultaneous polls, but in two phases beginning 2019. 3. Four parties supported the idea, nine opposed it. 4. BJP… Continue reading 9 parties oppose proposal for simultaneous elections

High on atmospherics High on Atmospherics Article: Vipin Pubby, a Chandigarh-based journalist criticises Punjab government’s approach to tackle drug abuse menace Important Analysis: In 2017, a Special Task Force (STF) was set up by the Punjab government to curb drug abuse in the state The STF claimed to have arrested 15000 drug peddlers and block… Continue reading High on atmospherics

The measure of tests News: Recently, the government announced that the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct JEE and NEET exams twice a year from 2019 Important facts: T he Ashok Misra committee set up by the HRD Ministry in 2015 to review the JEE had recommended that an online aptitude test be offered two… Continue reading The measure of tests

SC questions female genital mutilation News: Recently, the Supreme Court has questioned the practice of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community saying that it violates the bodily integrity and privacy of a girl child Important Facts The Supreme Court has condemned the practice of female genital mutilation performed by some communities as a… Continue reading SC questions female genital mutilation

In need of a practical plan Article: Diksha Sanyal of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and Professor Rangin P. Tripathy of National Law University, Odhisha, highlight the lacunae in the stage-wise and uniform timeline for lower judicial appointments Important Analysis: Prevailing Issue: Recruitment to the lower judiciary has been under public scrutiny due to its… Continue reading In need of a practical plan

SC says it is ready to go live, Centre moots a TV channel News: Recently, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court has favoured live-streaming of court proceedings. Further, the government has mooted for a separate TV channel for live-streaming court proceedings Important Facts: Petitioners have advocated that citizens have the right to information and… Continue reading SC says it is ready to go live, Centre moots a TV channel

The good and the bad in Bengal’s primary education News: A recent report titled “Primary Education in West Bengal: The Scope for Change” by Pratichi Institute highlights the achievements and failures of primary education in West Bengal Important Facts: Major Highlights of the Report Success Access to primary education “has increased substantially” Pupil-teacher ratio has… Continue reading The good and the bad in Bengal’s primary education

IISc, IIT-D chosen for special grants News: Recently, the Human Resource Development Ministry has granted Institution of Eminence (IoE) status to 6 universities Important Facts: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay, IIT-Delhi and IISc Bangalore are the three public universities which have been granted the IoE status Jio Institute by Reliance Foundation, BITS Pilani, and Manipal… Continue reading IISc, IIT-D chosen for special grants