Author: ForumIAS

Iran becomes India’s No. 2 oil supplier News Iran was the second-biggest oil supplier to Indian state refiners between April and June, after Iraq Important facts Iran replace Saudi Arabia as second largest supplier of oil India and other major buyers of Iranian oil are under pressure to cut imports from the country after Washington… Continue reading Iran becomes India’s No. 2 oil supplier

Banks agree to resolve stressed assets quickly News 24 public, private and foreign banks have signed inter-creditor agreements (ICA) to resolve stressed assets. Important facts The move comes after RBI dismantling of all the existing resolution mechanisms, such as the joint lenders’ forum in its 12 February circular RBI asked lenders (Banks, NBFC) to start… Continue reading Banks agree to resolve stressed assets quickly

Stimulus mode News Goods and Services Tax Council has announced a reduction in the tax rates for over 85 goods. Important Analysis 2. Reduction in Tax slabs On consumer durables such as television sets, washing machines and refrigerators, along with a dozen other products, have been slashed from 28% to 18%. This rate cut leave… Continue reading Stimulus mode

PM in Africa amid a fall in trade News  PM to visit three African Nations to Boost India-Africa Bilateral Relation Important facts 2. This visit is important as it is a reflection of Indian engagement and the priority of India with African nations. 3. Indian engagement with African nations has been increased over last 4… Continue reading PM in Africa amid a fall in trade

Changing the order of battle Article K. Narayanan, former national security advisor, says that traditional diplomacy paved the way for summit diplomacy. Important analysis 2. Diplomacy is one of the world’s oldest professions. 3. However, summit level diplomacy is comparatively a recent phenomenon which started during the 2nd world war 4. The first instance was… Continue reading Changing the order of battle

Cosmetic repair News:  Recently, a group of banks signed an inter-creditor agreement. Important facts: 2. The move comes after RBI dismantling of all the existing resolution mechanisms, such as the joint lenders’ forum in its 12 February circular 3. The banks include- public sector banks, private sector banks, and foreign banks. 4. About Inter-creditor agreements… Continue reading Cosmetic repair

India needs smart urbanisation Article: Feroz Varun Gandhi, Politician, highlighted the need  for smart urbanisation Important Analysis: 2. Over 34% of India’s current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. Smaller clusters have risen (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-15 lakh population). According to one estimate, India’s urban population could increase… Continue reading India needs smart urbanisation

Lok Sabha passes anti-graft amendment Bill News: The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018. Important facts: 2. Key features of the Bill are given below: The Bill seeks to punish bribe-givers and bribe takers. Jail terms of three to seven years, besides fine, to those convicted by receiving or giving brides… Continue reading Lok Sabha passes anti-graft amendment Bill

Proving the hardliners in Tehran right Article: Stanly Johny, author, highlighted that the cornerstone of Donald Trump’s West Asia policy is Israel’s security. Important facts: 2. The U.S. president Donald Trump recently gave open threats against Tehran from historical hostility towards post-revolutionary Iran, to engagement during Obama era. 3. The focus of Trump’s West Asia… Continue reading Proving the hardliners in Tehran right

SC pulls up Centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal News: The government affidavit on Lokpal is “wholly unsatisfactory” says Supreme Court. Important facts: 2. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, filed a contempt petition against the government for not appointing a Lokpal despite an April 2017 judgment by the court 3. On this the court said… Continue reading SC pulls up Centre for its delay in appointing a Lokpal