Author: ForumIAS

Frame a law to oversee auditors, SC tells govt. Context: The Supreme Court has directed the government to frame a law to regulate the auditing profession, saying “failures of auditors have resulted in scandals in the past.” Details: The judgment came on a petition filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation seeking an investigation… Continue reading Frame a law to oversee auditors, SC tells govt.

No second thoughts on issues: Naidu Context: Recently, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has said that the Union government’s “indifferent approach” and “failure in implementing the A.P. Reorganisation Act and assurances given in Parliament” would not deter Andhra Pradesh from achieving its target of becoming the world’s preferred destination by 2050. Details: According to Naidu,… Continue reading No second thoughts on issues: Naidu

Govt. schedules meeting on Lokpal for March 1 Context: The government will invite the leader of the single largest Opposition party to attend a meeting scheduled for March 1 to discuss the long-pending appointments to the anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal. Significant development: This is a significant development as the government has for years taken the position… Continue reading Govt. schedules meeting on Lokpal for March 1

Leaders break ground on Afghan section of TAPI Context: The long-awaited mega gas pipeline project of Turk­menistan, Afghanis­tan, Pakis­tan and India (TAPI) connecting the energy-rich Central Asian nation with the South Asian countries was inaugurated on Friday. Introduction: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India ceremonially broke ground on the Afghan section of an ambitious, multi-billion dollar… Continue reading Leaders break ground on Afghan section of TAPI

Concerned about new Indian tariffs, says U.S. official Context: The Donald Trump administration has moved the U.S. closer to India than any previous administration on strategic issues, but disagreements on commercial issues remain challenging. What is more in news? The union budget and the new round of tariffs is seen ro make commercial issues more… Continue reading Concerned about new Indian tariffs, says U.S. official

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