Author: ForumIAS

Flying into trouble: Harriers decline as grasslands disappear News: According to a recent study, there has been a decline in population of Harrier birds at their roosting sites in India Important facts: The harrier bird is a migratory raptor species. The Harrier birds in winter migrate from Central Asia to the grasslands in the Indian… Continue reading Flying into trouble: Harriers decline as grasslands disappear

Golden jackal faces threat in its habitat News: According to recent study, habitat destruction of golden jackals has led to man-animal conflict in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh Important facts: The conservation status of golden jackals is ‘least concerned’. The animal preys on wild crabs and fish The study shows that due to destruction of mangrove… Continue reading Golden jackal faces threat in its habitat

A helping hand for Indian universities Article C. Raj kumar of OP Jindal University observes that corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding shoulding be made available for universities in India. Important Analysis The companies Act, 20113 introduced the Corporate Social Responsibility. According to ministry of corporate Affairs in data, in 2015-16 out 5097 companies only 3118… Continue reading A helping hand for Indian universities

Peak hour flights may get costlier with new AAI plan News The Govt. has been planning a proposal to impose additional charges on airlines for operating flights during peak hours. Important Facts 2. Current provisions At present, leading fees paid by the airlines are determined by the aircraft. It does not vary according to the… Continue reading Peak hour flights may get costlier with new AAI plan

Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets News: ISRO successfully tests High Thrust Vikas Engine for GSLV-Mk III. Important facts: 2.The ISRO will phase out Vikas by replacing it fist in Mk-II with a cleaner and safer semi-cryogenic engine. 3.The improvement was conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil… Continue reading Upgraded Vikas engine — with more thrust — will boost ISRO’s rockets

SC lashes out at Centre on pollution News: The Supreme Court lashed out at the Union Ministry of Environment on pollution. Important facts: 2. The Supreme Court’s Bench was hearing the issue of ban on import of petcoke . 3. Petcoke is a toxic fuel used in hazardous industries. 4. The court has been urging… Continue reading SC lashes out at Centre on pollution

Sugar production set to hit a record high next season News: According to industry estimates, cane farmers may face about Rs 25,000 crore in payment arrears from sugar mills. Important facts: 2. As per the Indian Sugar Mills Association estimate, the total acreage under sugarcane in the country is estimated to be around 54.35 lakh… Continue reading Sugar production set to hit a record high next season

Army to resume M777 trials News: The Army will resume the trials of the U.S. made M777 ultra light howitzer in the Pokhran firing range. Important facts: 2. The Army had received four guns for the trials. 3. The trials will be conducted by the U.S. government and India will be an observer. 4. Local… Continue reading Army to resume M777 trials

Faster visas for minorities from three nations News: The Home Ministry has liberalized the process of granting long-term visas(LTVs) to minorities from Pakistan , Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Important facts: 2. The issue came on light because of harassment caused to Pakistani Hindu migrants for visa extension, visa transfer and grant of citizenship. 3. The Ministry… Continue reading Faster visas for minorities from three nations

Overdue correction Article Centre has announced a committee to relook several provisions of the companies act, 2013 Important analysis 2. Companies act, 2013 came under severe criticism as it impose stiff penalties and, in some cases, prison terms as well, for directors and key management personnel 3. In 2013 act, some of the provisions in… Continue reading Overdue correction