Author: ForumIAS

Innovations to combat ‘microfiber’ pollution Context: Innovators are coming up with solutions to combat microfiber pollution What is microfiber pollution? Once clothes reach a washing machine, the synthetic fabrics release tiny strands: so-called microfibers. Hundreds of thousands of microfibers are flushed down the drain. Many reach beaches and oceans where they can remain for hundreds… Continue reading Innovations to combat ‘microfiber’ pollution

First U.S. LNG shipment to reach India from Louisiana facility this month Context: India will receive its first LNG import from the U.S. later in March Details: The sale purchase agreement was signed in December 2011 Under the terms of the agreement, GAIL would purchase approximately 3.5 million tonnes of LNG per year from Cheniere’s… Continue reading First U.S. LNG shipment to reach India from Louisiana facility this month

India to join multilateral lender EBRD Context: India to join multilateral lender EBRD Introduction: European Bank of Reconstruction and Development shareholders approve its entry as 69th member. EBRD’s board of governors, which represents all the existing shareholders of the UK-based bank, voted in favour of India’s membership application last week Significance of this decision: This… Continue reading India to join multilateral lender EBRD

‘ONGC Videsh, Iran’s IDRO Oil sign accord’ Context: ONGC Videsh has signed a MoU to collaborate with IDRO Oil in developing Susangerd field What has happened? ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC), has signed a pact with Iran’s IDRO Oil to jointly bid for a $1 billion… Continue reading ‘ONGC Videsh, Iran’s IDRO Oil sign accord’

Rs. 1,000 cr. for research and innovation Context: The Centre had sanctioned Rs. 1,000 crore for the Phase II of the Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme. Explanation: Under the IMPRINT-II, a fund is being created by the Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Human Resource Development together, in which participation… Continue reading Rs. 1,000 cr. for research and innovation

‘Aadhaar link deadline may be extended: govt. Context: The Union government has indicated in the Supreme Court that the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail various services and welfare schemes run by the government might be further extended beyond March 31 Reason cited: The Centre said that since some more time would be… Continue reading ‘Aadhaar link deadline may be extended: govt.

Turf wars with ISRO stall connectivity: DoT official Context: India builds the cheapest satellites but has the most expensive bandwidth, a government official said on Tuesday, blaming turf wars between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Telecom (DoT) for delays in taking connectivity to far-flung areas. Introduction: It will cost around… Continue reading Turf wars with ISRO stall connectivity: DoT official

Delhi govt. clears plan for ration at doorstep Context: The Delhi government has approved a proposal to start home or doorstep delivery of ration under the Targeted Public Distribution System. Introduction: The decision was taken following a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to the government official, there are around… Continue reading Delhi govt. clears plan for ration at doorstep

Banks face $3 bn write-off from PNB scam Context: The ₹12,700 crore Letters of Undertaking (LoU) fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) could punch a bigger hole in India’s banking system. Introduction: The closure of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi’s jewellery businesses by investigative agencies, is likely to result in another ₹8,000 crore of… Continue reading Banks face $3 bn write-off from PNB scam