Author: ForumIAS

Adopting a ‘wait and watch’ approach Context: Differing preoccupations in both countries, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit this month was a subdued affair compared to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran. Geographical dynamic: The future of the Iran- P5+1-European Union (EU) nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA), concluded in 2015 is… Continue reading Adopting a ‘wait and watch’ approach

U.S. tightens H-1B approval process, IT firms worried Context: The U.S. government has announced fresh measures to tighten the scrutiny of H-1B visa petitions Details: The new visa policy makes the procedure of issuing H-1B visas to those to be employed at one or more third-party worksites very tough The companies filing H-1B petitions for… Continue reading U.S. tightens H-1B approval process, IT firms worried

U.K. industry body to shut India office Context: A U.K. industry body which facilitates defence and aerospace partnerships has decided to shut its office in India. What is more in news? While a few large U.K. companies such as BAE Systems have their own offices in India, the Small and Medium Enterprises which cannot afford… Continue reading U.K. industry body to shut India office

Rustom-2 UAV takes to the skies Context: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a test-flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle Rustom-2. Introduction: The flight was conducted at its Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga of Karnataka. Significance: This flight assumes significance because this is the first flight in user configuration with a… Continue reading Rustom-2 UAV takes to the skies

OVL drops plan to build Iran LNG facility Context: ONGC Videsh Ltd. has dropped plans to build a $5 billion LNG export facility in Iran Details: ONGC Videsh Ltd. has opted to only invest in developing a giant gas field in the Persian Gulf for which the revised cost is being worked out In 2017,… Continue reading OVL drops plan to build Iran LNG facility

Lithium ion batteries charge up rural houses Context: The shift towards lithium ion batteries from the older technology of lead acid batteries has allowed firms like KAHO India Private Limited to help the Centre achieve its rural electrification target even in areas beyond the reach of the grid About KAHO India: KAHO India is a… Continue reading Lithium ion batteries charge up rural houses

Why has coal mining been opened up? Context: The Centre opened up commercial coal mining for the private sector recently. Key facts: About 70% of power generated in India uses coal. Domestic coal has been able to meet only 75% of our annual coal demand. What is the significance of the move? With this decision,… Continue reading Why has coal mining been opened up?

PNB: freeze on lending feared Context: The Indian industry had called for better control systems to check financial frauds and also suggested gradual reduction in government holding in public sector banks (PSBs). Why in news? Recently, PNB found that the SWIFT system had been misused by junior-level branch officials, who had fraudulently issued letters of… Continue reading PNB: freeze on lending feared

Is the endgame for NPAs in sight? Context: The bank frauds involving Punjab National Bank (PNB) and the associated companies comes at the time when  the Indian banking system is already reeling under the pressure of growing NPAs, or non-performing assets which will touch nearly Rs. 10 lakh crore by March this year. Reasons of… Continue reading Is the endgame for NPAs in sight?

Can banking recover? Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) attempt to purge the banking system of bad loans has begun to resemble the spring-cleaning of a long-neglected kitchen cupboard. NPA: Indian banks recognise a loan as an NPA if its interest or principal repayments are overdue for more than 90 days. Statistics of Gross… Continue reading Can banking recover?