Author: ForumIAS

Coral reefs could survive global warming, says study News: Scientists found that coral-algal partnerships have endured numerous climate change events since the age of dinosaurs. Important facts: Their relationship with algae has endured numerous climate change events in the past. The relationship between corals and the mutualistic micro-algae that enable them to build reefs is… Continue reading Coral reefs could survive global warming, says study

Huff and e-puff News: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken a stand against e-cigarettes. Important facts: In a recent hearing on a public interest litigation in the Delhi High Court, the Delhi government said it was planning to ban e-cigarettes. If it follows through, the NCT will join States such as… Continue reading Huff and e-puff

Growth may pick up, but concerns remain Article:  C. Rangarajan, former RBI Governor, discussed the issues relate to growth. Important facts: 2. Concerns Agriculture sector: The monsoon has been somewhat below expectations. There were 11 meteorological divisions (of a total of 36) which were deficient. The area sown has come down.  Rice-producing Bihar, for instance,… Continue reading Growth may pick up, but concerns remain

Pune tops Ease of Living Index News: Recently, the first Ease of Living Index released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Important facts: 2. State wise performance: Three cities in Maharashtra- Pune, Navi Mumbai and Greater Mumbai, top the list. The national capital, New Delhi is ranked 11 among 65 cities. Chennai is… Continue reading Pune tops Ease of Living Index

Making ‘lateral entry’ work Article:  Egon Zehnder, leader global leadership advisory, discussed How India can tap into new sources of leadership talent. Important facts: Governments as well as most CEOs are facing the talented leadership challenge. Indian government has responded to this challenge by taking the initiative to invite executives from beyond the ranks of… Continue reading Making ‘lateral entry’ work

India rejects U.K. proposal on DNA tests for ‘illegal migrants’ News: India rejected a proposal by the U.K. to use DNA sampling to establish the nationality of illegal migrants. Important facts: Earlier, the U.K authorities suggested that the nationality of document-less illegal migrants suspected to be Indians could be established by matching DNA samples of… Continue reading India rejects U.K. proposal on DNA tests for ‘illegal migrants’

With human space flight, India to push frontiers News: Space suits developed by ISRO for Indian astronauts. Important facts: 2. Gaganyaan, the human space flight programme green –flagged set for 2022. 3. V.R. Lalithambika, a specialist in advanced launcher technologies, will helm the project as Director of the Human Space Flight Project. 4. Most of… Continue reading With human space flight, India to push frontiers

The currency turmoil in Turkey News: The Turkish lira lost a fifth of its value against the U.S. dollar recently. Important facts: 2. The currency has lost over 40% of its value against the dollar this year. 3. Reasons : The U.S. Treasury had recently sanctioned two Turkish Ministers in response to Turkey’s continuing detention… Continue reading The currency turmoil in Turkey

Questioning a crackdown Article: Prashant Reddy T. , Assistant Professor, National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), discussed about the  impact of oxytocin on human as well as animals. Important facts: 2. Recently, the Ministry of Health restricted the manufacture of oxytocin only to the public sector unit. 3. On this decision, Karnataka Antibiotics… Continue reading Questioning a crackdown

Cosmos Bank fraud due to malware in system: NPCI News: According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the recent incident of cyber attack in Pune-based Cosmos Cooperative Bank is due to a malware attack on the bank’s system. Important facts: 2. Hackers transferred money through the malware attack on the bank’s server by… Continue reading Cosmos Bank fraud due to malware in system: NPCI