Author: ForumIAS

Trouble in the hills News: The monsoon floods in Kerala and Karnataka have revived the debate on whether political expediency trumped science. Important facts: 2. In the past, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel issued recommendations for the preservation of the fragile western peninsular region. 3. Madhav Gadgil, who chaired the Union Environment Ministry’s WGEEP,… Continue reading Trouble in the hills

Commute-related pollution: Kolkata shines among megacities News: The report titled ‘The Urban Commute and How it Contributes to Pollution and Energy’, compiled by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) was released recently. Important facts: Fourteen cities including six mega cities and eight metropolises evaluated by the CSE for emission of greenhouse gases such as… Continue reading Commute-related pollution: Kolkata shines among megacities

Gave regular warnings to Kerala, Tamil Nadu tells SC News: In a counter affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu warned Kerala for the water level rose in the Mullaperiyar dam. Important facts: 2. Different arguments given by two states are mentioned below: Kerala’s arguments: Recently, Kerala had alleged in its affidavit that it… Continue reading Gave regular warnings to Kerala, Tamil Nadu tells SC

Poll panel to brainstorm on key issues News: Election commission discussing how to address online party campaign during last 48 hours before election. Important facts: 2. Election commission of India has shown concern over maintaining the party campaign silent is last 48 hours before election. 3. The law prohibits canvassing during last 48 hours before… Continue reading Poll panel to brainstorm on key issues

Powell doctrine News: US central bank chairmen in favor increasing interest rate gradually. Important Facts: 2. According to recent data, the US economy is growing at a strong pace. 3. Unemployment figure touching 20 year low and inflation is close to target of 2 %. 4. Central Bank chief has supported the gradually increase in… Continue reading Powell doctrine

Time for catastrophe bonds? News: The recent floods in Kerala have set off a debate about the need for timely aid required to kickstart the relief process. Important facts: 2. The idea that catastrophe risk could be securitised and that it could be dispersed among a wide number of investors was first mooted after hurricane… Continue reading Time for catastrophe bonds?

What is share buyback? News:  With prominent companies such as Infosys, TCS, and L&T having gone for a share buyback, there is low-down on the mechanism and the reason for firms taking such a step. Important facts: 2. A buyback is a mechanism through which a listed company buys back shares from the market. 3.… Continue reading What is share buyback?

Delays plague projects, despite RERA News: The bulk of property locked in delayed projects across India, causing distress among homebuyers. Important facts: 2. The bulk of this property is located in the National Capital Region(NCR) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region(MMR). 3. As per findings by PropEquity, a real estate analytics company, most units in housing… Continue reading Delays plague projects, despite RERA

New copters to enable tech transfer News: The Defence Ministry will soon release project-specific implementation guidelines for the 111 naval utility helicopters to be procured under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. Important facts: According to some foreign companies, there is still some clarity required on crucial legal, liability and technology transfer issues like legal. Under… Continue reading New copters to enable tech transfer

Until dams do us part Article: Executive Director, Nityata River Otter Conservancy, highlighted that India’s policy on dams has to be urgently reviewed. Important facts: 2. The tragedy in Kerala has highlighted the damages of excess water accumulation in dams. 3. The opening of the gates of the Idukki dam, caused the Periyar river to… Continue reading Until dams do us part