SEBI SURVEILLANCE TILL MAY 28
Why in news? The tightened surveillance measures for stock markets, introduced on March 23 for a period of one month, have been extended until May 28. In a statement on 21st April, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said the stock markets are expected to remain volatile in the near future on account of […]
ADDITIONAL TRADE BARRIERS VIOLATE WTO’S PRINCIPLE
Why in news? India’s recently adopted policy to curb opportunistic takeovers of domestic companies goes against the principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India said on 20th April 2020. This is the first response from the Chinese side after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in an April […]
OPEN UP E-COM SERVICES: IAMAI
Why in news? The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on 20th April 2020 said it had requested the government to open up e-commerce services, adding that the online vs offline debate is an ‘incorrect portrayal’ of the ground reality as lakhs of sellers from the physical markets also sold online. This follows the ‘last-minute […]
U.S. OIL PRICES FALL BELOW ZERO, GOES TO MINUS $37.63 PER BARREL
Why in news? Traders fled from the expiring May U.S. oil futures contract in a frenzy, this led to sending the contract into negative territory for the first time in history. May U.S. crude futures plunged to a depth never before seen, settling on the day at minus $37.63 a barrel. Why did this happen? […]
INDIA SIGNS $1.5 BILLION LOAN WITH ADB
Focus: GS-II Indian Economy, Prelims Why in news? The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $1.5 billion loan that will support the government’s response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on 28th April 2020. Earlier, the ADB’s Board of Directors approved the loan to provide budget support to the government […]
PANDEMIC WILL DEEPEN JOB AND LIVELIHOOD CRISIS OF MIGRANTS
Why in news? Migrant workers, who constitute about 50% of the urban population and many of whom are engaged in what are called “3D jobs” (dirty, dangerous and demeaning) are likely to face job and livelihood crisis owing to COVID-19 pandemic, according to findings of a research. Details of how grave the situation is? The […]
QUICK NOD LIKELY FOR CHINA INVESTMENTS
Why in news? The Centre plans to fast track the review of some investment proposals from neigbouring countries such as China following concerns new screening rules could hit plans of companies and investors. Background To avoid opportunistic takeovers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, India said this past week that all foreign direct investment from countries […]
CENTRE SHOULD ACT NOW ON FRANKLIN TEMPLETON ISSUE
Why in news? The government was urged to act swiftly, before the markets reopen on 27th April, to resolve the situation created by Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund’s decision to wind up six debt schemes. Background about the Franklin Templeton crisis Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund’s decision to wind up six debt schemes is a matter of grave […]
NO PLAN TO EASE FISCAL DEFICIT TARGETS
Why in news? Despite the strain on government finances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no credible proposal to amend the legislation meant to control the fiscal deficit, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission said. Speaking to presspersons after a two-day meeting of the Commission’s Economic Advisory Council said the government was currently looking […]
RBI TO RESTART OPERATION TWIST TO MANAGE YIELDS
Why in news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced simultaneous purchase and sale of government bonds in a bid to soften long-term yields. The central bank will buy ₹10,000 crore of bonds maturing between 2026 and 2030 and sell the same number of T-bills. Details On a review of current and evolving liquidity […]