Author: ForumIAS

Pause, refresh News: The Goods and Service Tax council’s second meeting held recently. Important facts: 2. This time it refrained from further rate rejigs. 3. Proposal to push digital payments by offering a cash-back to consumers using RuPay cards or the UPI platform have been incorporated in the council’s meeting this time. 4. Now, States… Continue reading Pause, refresh

Most babies not breastfed in their first hour News: According to a new breastfeeding assessment report published recently, around 6 out of 10 babies born in India are not able to begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Important facts: 2. The report was compiled by a consortium of public health groups and agencies including… Continue reading Most babies not breastfed in their first hour

Access to Andamans eased News: Recently, the Union Home Ministry decided to lift restrictions on foreigners to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands chain. Important facts: 2. The step was taken to boost tourism sector. 3. After lifting the restrictions, now foreigners can visit 29 inhabited islands without Restricted Areas Permit(RAP). 4. The 29 inhabited islands… Continue reading Access to Andamans eased

Scrub typhus is key encephalitis cause in eastern U.P.: study News: Data from Gorakhpur’s Baba Raghave Das (BRD) medical college shows that majority of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) patients hospitalized in the last three years had scrub typhus. Important facts: 2. The finding is important because scrub typhus can be treated easily if detected early.… Continue reading Scrub typhus is key encephalitis cause in eastern U.P.: study

INTACH bats for heritage buildings News: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has called for transforming heritage buildings in Rajasthan into “economic assets” for the society. Important facts: 2. INTACH is working for protection of natural heritage, geo-heritage, water bodies, stepwells, sacred groves, wall paintings and rock. 3. Economic benefits could… Continue reading INTACH bats for heritage buildings

Alarm as deadly maize pest seen in Karnataka News: ⦁ ICAR discovered a deadly foreign maize pest in Karnataka. Important facts: ⦁ Recently, the ICAR discovered invasive agricultural pest Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Karnataka. ⦁ This is the first report of the pest in Asia. ⦁ Since then, it has threatened the continent’s maize… Continue reading Alarm as deadly maize pest seen in Karnataka

Decoding the DNA Bill Article: 1. Helen Wallace, Director, GeneWatch UK, analyzed the pros and cons of the recently introduced DNA technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018 and also suggested futuristic course of action for the Bill. Important facts: 1. Recently, the Bill was introduced in Parliament. 2. The purpose was to create a… Continue reading Decoding the DNA Bill

Reforming the civil services News: 1. Amitabha Bhattacharya, retired IAS officer, discussed his views on reforming the civil services and also discussed pros and cons of lateral entry into civil services. Important facts: 1. Recently, the centre’s decision to seek applications from outstanding individuals to fill posts of Joint Secretary has raised many issues. 2.… Continue reading Reforming the civil services

Going by the numbers Article: 1. Puja Mehra, Delhi-based journalist, discussed the complexity of the GST process in revenue collections. Important facts: 1. After one year of its rollout the Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collections from the indirect regime are at the centre of a debate. 2. The recommendation for introducing a GST… Continue reading Going by the numbers

New breastfeeding policy comes into effect in Rajasthan News: 1. Rajasthan government has launched new breastfeeding policy. Important policy: 1. The policy came into effect for encouraging it promotion among rural communities. 2. The policy is expected to meet the nutritional needs of young children. 3. The initiative has been taken as part of the… Continue reading New breastfeeding policy comes into effect in Rajasthan