Author: ForumIAS

President clears Bill against witch-hunting News: President’s kovind gives its assent to  Assam’s Anti- witch-hunting Bill Important 2. A witch-hunt or witch purge is a search for people labelled “witches” or evidence of witchcraft, often involving moral panic or mass hysteria. 3. The State received the President’s approval for the Assam witch hunting (Prohibition, prosecution,… Continue reading President clears Bill against witch-hunting

National database for gun licence holders News: According to the Home Ministry, names of all arms licence holders will be included in a national database Important facts: 2. All arms licence holders, new or old, will be issued a unique identification number with effect from April 1, 2019. 3. Any arms licence without UIN will… Continue reading National database for gun licence holders

India, Iran pledge to maintain trade levels News: India and Iran signed pacts on President Roushani’s visit. Important facts: 2. Despite U.S. Sanctions to “zero” out oil imports and end engagement with Iran, India and Iran signed pacts during President Hassan Roushani’s visit. 3. Both the nations focused on the following areas: Enhancing connectivity Strengthening… Continue reading India, Iran pledge to maintain trade levels

Fix the pothole problem Article: Piyush Tewari, CEO, Save LIFE Foundation, emphasized on problems caused by potholes and also suggested ways to address these problems. Important Analysis: 2. Potholes are usually caused by the presence of heavy traffic and water on roads. 3. Studies conducted in cities such as Chandigarh and Mumbai point to the… Continue reading Fix the pothole problem

Dark clouds over the RTI Article Nikhil Dey and Aruna Roy, founder member of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, has criticized the government for bringing amendment to RTI act without proper consultation. Important Analysis 2. Item 14 in the legislative agenda of the monsoon session of Parliament (from July 18) says “To amend The Right to… Continue reading Dark clouds over the RTI

Goa’s glass problem Article: Samir Nazareth, author, highlight the key arguments made in favour of the recent proposal to ban beer bottles in Goa. Important Analysis: 2. The puts three key arguments in this regard: Most bottlers do not collect empty bottles. Shards of glass injure people at beaches. The staff at waste facilities injure… Continue reading Goa’s glass problem

Inflation worries News: The latest data of the Wholesale Price Index show a sharp surge in wholesale inflation in June. Important facts: 2. The data, show a 54-months high of 5.77%, are a cause of concern. 3. The reasons for high inflation are given below: Rising crude oil prices. Inflation in the fuel and power… Continue reading Inflation worries

Activists oppose draft anti-trafficking Bill News: The Anti-trafficking Bill likely to be tabled in Parliament during monsoon session. Important facts: 2. Key features of the draft Bill are given below: The Bill deals with trafficking and aggravated forms of trafficking. The trafficking category of crimes carry a jail term of seven to 10 years, while… Continue reading Activists oppose draft anti-trafficking Bill

RTI Bill to be placed in monsoon session News: The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018, will be introduced in the Lok Sabha in the monsoon season. Important facts: 2. The Bill proposed to give the Centre the power to set the tenure and salaries of State and Central Information Commissioners. 3. he Amended Bill… Continue reading RTI Bill to be placed in monsoon session

Trump faces fire for Putin summit News: The U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian counterpart held recently in Helsinki, Finland. Important facts: 2. According to President Trump, meeting went even better than last week’s NATO meeting in Brussels. 3. However, President Trump critised by political leaders and strategic commentors for compromising American interest on… Continue reading Trump faces fire for Putin summit