Author: ForumIAS

Consider privatising public sector banks: FICCI to govt. Context: Industry body FICCI has called for privatisation of public sector banks (PSBs) Details: Recently, FICCI President has said that the government should consider privatising public sector banks He added that the recapitalisation efforts by the government have had little effect on improving their health The statement… Continue reading Consider privatising public sector banks: FICCI to govt.

Govt. seeks RBI view on system faults Context: The Finance Ministry has sought the Reserve Bank’s view on the lapses in the banking system that led to the ₹11,500 crore fraud at the Punjab National Bank Details: Department of Financial Services has written a letter to the RBI to explain the shortcomings in the system… Continue reading Govt. seeks RBI view on system faults

PM calls for re-skilling existing workforce Context: The World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2018) or the ‘Olympics of IT’, coming to India for the first time. Introduction: The inauguration of the event held in Hyderabad, through video-conferencing. The three-day event comprises the Nasscom India Leadership Forum. Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled FutureSkills platform, a… Continue reading PM calls for re-skilling existing workforce

Punjab to install micro ATMs in co-op institutions across the State Context: The Punjab government plans to install micro ATMs in all its 3,535 primary agricultural cooperative societies and district central cooperative banks under its rural financial inclusion plan. Introduction: NABARD has accepted a proposal sent by the cooperative department to extend the digital transaction… Continue reading Punjab to install micro ATMs in co-op institutions across the State

NIA expands Khalistan probe Context: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has expanded its investigation into the revival of the pro-Khalistan movement in Punjab to countries such as the U.K., Australia, the UAE, Italy and Pakistan. Background: On November 30th 2017, the Home Ministry handed over the probe into the murder of RSS member Ravinder Gosain… Continue reading NIA expands Khalistan probe

Plea seeks protection for ECs from removal Context: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Election Commission of India to file their responses on a plea pointing out the vagueness in the procedure for the removal of two Election Commissioners. Different views: According to the petition this affects the top poll body’s… Continue reading Plea seeks protection for ECs from removal

‘No info from Centre on Naga pact’ Context: The Assam government has said that it had not received any communication from the Centre on the Naga Framework Agreement Details: The Assam government has said that it had not received any official intimation from the Centre on the Naga pact.  The government has asserted that it… Continue reading ‘No info from Centre on Naga pact’

‘Intolerance in India affects Bangladesh’ Context: Bangladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu has said that religious intolerance in India affects Bangladesh Details: Mr. Inu has made this remark at a conference for media professionals According to him, Bangladesh and India are unique as the (largest) minority community of India is the majority community of Bangladesh.… Continue reading ‘Intolerance in India affects Bangladesh’

Maldives president seeks extension to state of emergency Context: The state of emergency in Maldives has been extended by 30 days. Details: The state of emergency in Maldives has been extended by 30 days after a key parliamentary committee approved President Abdulla Yameen’s request The approval was given to the Decree for State of Emergency… Continue reading Maldives president seeks extension to state of emergency

New Zealand seeks clarity on India’s military ambitions Context: As India expands its influence in southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force Lt. Gen. Tim Keating has sought clarity on a probable military component to New Delhi’s ‘Act East’ policy. New Zealand seeks clarity: New Zealand wants to understand… Continue reading New Zealand seeks clarity on India’s military ambitions