A Reserve Bank of India(RBI) expert committee tasked with reviewing the current framework for the micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has submitted its report. The panel has recommended doubling the cap on collateral-free loans to Rs 20 lakh from the current Rs 10 lakh.This will be extended to borrowers falling under the Mudra scheme,self-help groups… Continue reading RBI panel on MSMEs suggests Rs 20 lakh collateral-free loan under Mudra
Author: ForumIAS
Countries reducing n-warheads but modernising arsenals: report
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released the findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2019.The report assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security. The report has found that the worldwide total of nuclear warheads has decreased since 2018 but countries are modernising their nuclear arsenals. The report says that at the start… Continue reading Countries reducing n-warheads but modernising arsenals: report
Virtual biopsy device can non-invasively detect skin tumours
Recently,researchers from the United States have developed a ‘virtual biopsy’ device. The virtual biopsy device can quickly and non-invasively determine whether a skin tumour is cancerous and needs to be removed surgically. Currently,doctors who perform surgical biopsies often do not know the extent of a tumour and whether it will be necessary to refer the… Continue reading Virtual biopsy device can non-invasively detect skin tumours
E-com firms take up data localisation issues with Goyal
Recently,Commerce minister has met industry stakeholders on e-Commerce and data localisation issue. During the meeting,the industry raised concerns around data localisation rules which requires storing of customer data exclusively in India without creating mirror sites overseas. In April 2018,Reserve Bank of India(RBI) had asked payment firms to ensure their data are stored exclusively on local… Continue reading E-com firms take up data localisation issues with Goyal
India emerges as fifth largest market for flexi-staffing: ISF
According to a report by the India Staffing Federation (ISF),India has emerged as the fifth largest country in flexi-staffing globally. Flexible staffing is an alternative to hiring permanent employees.The employer hires part-time workers,temporary employees to fill staff vacancies from flexi staffing firms. The report said that the workforce under flexi-staffing grew at an annual growth… Continue reading India emerges as fifth largest market for flexi-staffing: ISF
US lawmakers move legislation to give India NATO ally status
The US lawmakers have moved a legislation seeking key amendment in the country’s Arms Control Export Act. The amendment seeks to bring India at par with the US NATO allies which are Israel, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea when it comes to the sale of high-tech military items. The proposed legislation follows the National… Continue reading US lawmakers move legislation to give India NATO ally status
15 more Finance Ministry officials get marching orders over graft charges
The Central Government has compulsorily retired 15 senior customs and central excise officials. These officers either had corruption cases registered against them by the CBI or were involved in bribery, extortion and disproportionate assets cases. The orders issued by the Finance Ministry have invoked rule 56(j) of the Fundamental Rules.Based on this rule,the President has… Continue reading 15 more Finance Ministry officials get marching orders over graft charges
U.S. deploys more troops to West Asia
The United States has approved the deployment of additional troops to the West Asia against the backdrop of increasing tensions with Iran. This decision came amid allegations of Iranian attacks on two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The US has said that it does not seek conflict with Iran but the action had been… Continue reading U.S. deploys more troops to West Asia
Rise of populist forces poses a challenge to judiciary: CJI Gogoi
Chief Justice of India(CJI) has said that the rise of populism presents a challenge to the independence of courts and asked the judiciary to stand up to the populist forces and protect constitutional ethos. These comments were made at the two-day conference in Sochi,Russia that has participation at the level of Chief Justice and Judges… Continue reading Rise of populist forces poses a challenge to judiciary: CJI Gogoi
Explained: Why employers fear Brazil’s slavery ‘dirty list’
Brazil’s dirty list is under scrutiny as major firms have been found to have used legal means to avoid being put on it. Dirty list is a registry of employers that have been found by the Brazil Government to have engaged in slave labour.It gives transparency to a decision already reached by the Brazilian state.… Continue reading Explained: Why employers fear Brazil’s slavery ‘dirty list’

