Author: ForumIAS

Centre not to file counter-affidavit on Article 35A News: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition has challenged the Article 35 A in the Supreme Court. Important Facts: The petition was filed by We The Citizens arguing that Article 35 A is against the very spirit of oneness of India as it creates a “class within… Continue reading Centre not to file counter-affidavit on Article 35A

Familiar moorings: on foreign policy re-orientation News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation visit namely Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore signals a re-orientation of India’s foreign policy. Important facts: India attempts to moderate India’s strategic position. Prior to the three-nation visit, PM Modi attended informal summits in China and Russia. India and the U.S are committed to… Continue reading Untitled

World Bank nod for ₹6,000 cr. groundwater recharge plan News: 1. The government has joined hands with the World Bank to execute scheme called the Atal Bhujal Yojana(ABHY). Reasons to join hands with World Bank: 2. To address concerns about depleting groundwater reserves in India. Important facts: 3. ABHY is designed as a Central Sector… Continue reading World Bank nod for ₹6,000 cr. groundwater recharge plan

Maternal mortality ratio in the country drops to 130 from 167 News: Maternal mortality ratio dropped across the country as per the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data. Important facts: As per the SRS data, the MMR (number of maternal deaths per 1, 00,000 live births) has dropped from 167 (in 2011-2013, the last SRS… Continue reading Maternal mortality ratio in the country drops to 130 from 167

RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% News: 1. The RBI raises repo rate as international crude oil price surges. Important facts: 2. The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. 3. The last hike was in… Continue reading RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%

RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% News: 1. The RBI raises repo rate as international crude oil price surges. Important facts: 2. The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%. 3. The last hike was in… Continue reading RBI hikes repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%

Co-op banks can become small finance banks, says RBI News: The Reserve Bank of India in its recent monetary policy statements announced to allow urban co-operative banks (UCB) to convert into small finance banks (SFB). Important Facts: The Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow voluntary transition of urban co-operative banks (UCB) into small… Continue reading Co-op banks can become small finance banks, says RBI

ICICI Bank’s growing troubles News: 1. Companies linked to ICICI Bank controversy come under Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) Important facts: 2. Since March 2018, one of India’s largest privater lenders – ICICI Bank – and its Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar, have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. 3. The allegations include… Continue reading ICICI Bank’s growing troubles

RBI tweaks norms to boost affordable housing lending News: RBI has made changes in PSL norms to boost affordable housing. Important facts: RBI has increased the loan limit of priority sector lending (PSL). The change in norms are: For metropolitan areas, loan limits have been raised from Rs 28 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, and… Continue reading RBI tweaks norms to boost affordable housing lending

India’s rank marginally improves in peace index News: 1. India’s rank has marginally improved in “global peacefulness” according to the Global Peace Index(GPI) Important facts: 2. The GPI is released by Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). 3. There is an overall decline of global peace owing to escalation of violence in West Asia and North Africa.… Continue reading India’s rank marginally improves in peace index