ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
GS -2
Will stand by decision on Art. 370, CAA: Modi
PM Modi has said that despite international pressure, the government will continue to stand by its decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and introduce the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
The Centre had signed third Bodo accord with all factions of the National Democratic front of Boroland (NDFB) and two other organisations on Jan 27. It appears to have unsettled another set of extremists who signed the second accord in February 2003 and went on to rule the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
Madhya Pradesh grapples with spiralling neonatal deaths
According to National Health Mission, Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest percentage of newborn deaths of 11.5%against the total admissions to governmentrun sick new born care units (SNCUs) in the past three years across the country. The country’s average is 7%.
Staff crunch, low community referrals, absence of a special neonatal transport service to health centres, and the nonavailability of enough units to cater to increasing institutional deliveries had contributed to the spike in the percentage of deaths.
India inks 14 MoUs with Russia for defence support, spares
India and Russia have signed 14 MoUs for setting up joint ventures covering a range of defence support equipments. The MoUs were signed during the 5th India Russia military industry conference held during the Defexpo 2020 in Lucknow. It will help in addressing the issue of regular spares and support for Russian military equipment with the armed forces
GS – 3
Wayanad Tiger Reserve proposal fails to find favour
The Kerala Forest Department had push forward the proposal to notify Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary a Tiger Reserve. However, the State Wildlife Advisory Board has rejected the proposal, citing public resistance.
The state of Kerala has two tiger reserve – Periyar Tiger Reserve and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.
ISRO making preparations to launch GISAT1 in March
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch a new earth observational satellite GISAT1 in the first week of March.
It is an earth observational satellite. It will be placed in geostationary orbit of around 36000km. It has high-resolution camera and can be used to keep a constant watch on borders.
The article highlights the detention of Dr. Kafeel Khan under the National Security Act by the UP govt. It says that the NSA’s misuse to suppress political dissent is a blot on India’s democratic credentials
India rejects Guterres mediation offer
The government has rejected the latest offer by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, saying that it would only discuss the matter bilaterally.
We are not growing at the rate needed to reach the $5 trillion target
Reaching a $5 trillion economy will require a GDP growth of9% and revival of private investment, which the Union Budget does not address, says former Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
