The Union Cabinet has approved the Promulgation of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Ordinance, 2019. The ordinance is in regard to the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018. It seeks to tackle the problem of illicit deposit taking activities in India and protect the interests of depositors. It provides for complete prohibition on promoting, operating, issuing… Continue reading Ordinance to curb Ponzi schemes gets a nod
Author: ForumIAS
Govt relaxes norms for startups
The government has relaxed the norms under the definition of Start-Ups. The changes brought in are: (a) The investment limit of angel investors to seek exemption under the Income Tax Act, 1961 has been increased to Rs 25 crore from 10 Crore. (b) An entity shall be considered as a startup up to 10 years from… Continue reading Govt relaxes norms for startups
Daily Quiz: UPSC Prelims Marathon – February 20, 2019
[WpProQuiz 889]
Answers: Mains Marathon – UPSC Mains Current Affairs Questions – February 19, 2019
Archives Q.1) Pulwama attacks have exposed the gaps in our security apparatus and the urgent need to have a well-articulated national security doctrine. Comment Answer: Doctrine is a stated principle of government policy mainly in foreign or military affairs. Need to have a NSD: National Security Doctrine would enable government to address the crucial issue… Continue reading Answers: Mains Marathon – UPSC Mains Current Affairs Questions – February 19, 2019
7 islands in Lakshadweep and Andamans identified for seaplane operations
During the 5th meeting of Island developement agency, Four islands in the Andamans and three in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations, while private sector participation has been invited for tourism based projects. These islands are (a) Swaraj Dweep (b) Shaheed Dweep (c)Hutbay and (d) Long in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and (a) Kavaratti… Continue reading 7 islands in Lakshadweep and Andamans identified for seaplane operations
Standard mediclaim policy on the cards, guidelines to be framed
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued draft guidlines on uniform health insurance product, to be called a standard Mediclaim Policy offering basic cover by all insurers including general and health insurance businesses. The minimum basic sum insured under the standard product shall be Rs 50,000, with a maximum limit of Rs 10… Continue reading Standard mediclaim policy on the cards, guidelines to be framed
Cabinet approves Phase II of rooftop solar programme
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Phase-II of the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme (GCRSP). Under the phase II Programme Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured. Further, focus will be on increased involvement of DISCOMs and performance based incentives will be provided to them. The Grid Connected Rooftop… Continue reading Cabinet approves Phase II of rooftop solar programme
Triple talaq ordinance to be renewed
The Union Cabinet gave its nod to issue the Triple Talaq ordinance, which makes the practice of instant triple talaq by Muslim men a penal offence. The Triple talaq Bill makes pronouncement of triple talaq void and illegal. It seeks to make the practice of instant triple talaq a punishable offence with imprisonment of up… Continue reading Triple talaq ordinance to be renewed
Govt. provides more for mid-day meal costs
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the revision of norms under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a centrally-sponsored Scheme that provides children studying in Classes I-VIII of government and government aided schools with cooked mid day meal. The key objectives of the MDMS is to a) improve the nutritional status of… Continue reading Govt. provides more for mid-day meal costs
SC upset at the plight of illegal migrants in Assam
The Supreme Court reprimanded the Assam government’s efforts to deal with the illegal immigration crisis as figures showed that in the past decade, out of 52,000 persons declared foreigners by Tribunals under Foreigners Act, only 166 could be deported. Around 938 are being held in six detention centres in the state. Illegal migrants are Doubtful… Continue reading SC upset at the plight of illegal migrants in Assam

