Latest news with #AOS
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio, deposit insurance and more (Week 113)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio, consider the following statements: 1. It is an assessment of lending risk that financial institutions and other lenders examine before approving a mortgage. 2. Loan assessments with low LTV ratios are considered higher-risk loans. 3. Higher LTVs are better in the eyes of lenders. 4. Mortgages become more expensive for borrowers with lower LTVs. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — After the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced draft guidelines for gold loans last month, the Finance Ministry advised that loans under Rs 2 lakh be exempt from the stricter standards, and that the requirements take effect until January 1, 2026, to guarantee proper implementation. — For lenders, if the gold was not properly evaluated, if the loan amount was too large in relation to the gold's worth (known as the loan-to-value or LTV ratio), or if gold prices fall, the whole value may not be recovered. Furthermore, because auctions are a time-consuming procedure, the lender may experience liquidity issues if too many gold loans default. What Is the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio? — The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a measure of lending risk that banks and other lenders consider before authorising a mortgage. Loan assessments with high LTV ratios are typically classified as higher-risk loans. Thus, if the mortgage is granted, the loan will have a higher interest rate. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. — A loan with a high LTV ratio may also require the borrower to pay mortgage insurance to cover the lender's risk. This sort of insurance is known as private mortgage insurance (PMI). — Lenders prefer lower LTVs, but they need borrowers to make greater down payments. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — When the loan-to-value ratio is 80% or lower, most lenders provide the lowest possible interest rate to mortgage and home equity applicants. — Mortgages cost more for borrowers with greater LTVs. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the Agreement on Safeguards (AOS), consider the following statements: 1. It is provided by the World Trade Organisation. 2. Safeguard measures shall be applied to a product being imported, irrespective of its source. 3. A Member may apply a safeguard measure only following an investigation by the competent authorities. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — On May 9, India submitted a paper to the WTO designating the American metals tariffs, which went into force on March 12, as 'safeguard measures'. The WTO's Agreement on Safeguards (AOS) defines safeguards as protectionist measures that a member nation may impose if it decides that certain product imports are significantly large and have the potential to 'cause or threaten serious injury' to the local competition. Hence, statement 1 is correct. About AOS — A Member may apply a safeguard measure to a product only if it has determined, in accordance with the provisions outlined below, that such product is being imported into its territory in such increased quantities, absolute or relative to domestic production, and under such conditions as to cause or threaten serious injury to the domestic industry that produces similar or directly competitive products. — Safeguard measures must be applied to any imported commodity, regardless of its origin. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — A Member may only adopt a safeguard measure after an inquiry by that Member's competent authorities under processes previously established and made public in accordance with Article X of GATT 1994. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: Which of the following Indian companies partnered with France's Dassault Aviation to manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft? (a) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (b) Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (c) Larsen & Toubro Limited (d) Tata Advanced Systems Explanation — India is slated to become the first country, other than France, to produce the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft. Dassault Aviation of France and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) will collaborate to establish a 'cutting-edge' production facility in Hyderabad to manufacture key structural sections of the Rafale, such as the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), consider the following statements: 1. It is a pioneering International Organisation committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger and malnutrition. 2. The headquarters of ICRISAT is in Manila, Philippines. 3. The organisation works to improve drylands in the Asia region only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 2 and 3 only Explanation — The International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) launched a new Centre of Excellence for transformation of agriculture in developing countries through South-South cooperation. About ICRISAT — The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering international organisation dedicated to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation that affect the 2.1 billion people who live in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and elsewhere. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 3 is not correct. — It is headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Hence, statement 2 is not correct Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the deposit insurance, consider the following statements: 1. The DICGC does not insure regional rural banks. 2. The insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per depositor is for all accounts held by the depositor in all branches of the insured bank. 3. The DICGC does not insure deposits made by foreign, central, or state governments, as well as interbank deposits. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Deposit insurance is provided by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a specialised branch of the Reserve Bank of India. About DICGC — The DICGC aims to safeguard 'small depositors' from the risk of losing their savings in the event of a bank failure. — The insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per depositor applies to all accounts held by the depositor at all branches of the insured bank. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The DICGC insures all commercial banks, including foreign bank branches in India, local area banks, regional rural banks, and cooperative banks. However, the DICGC does not cover primary cooperative societies. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Savings, fixed, current, and recurring deposits are all protected. The DICGC does not insure deposits made by foreign, central, or state governments, as well as interbank deposits. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the international organizations dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting sustainable development in developing countries. 1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 2. International Development Association 3. International Finance Corporation 4. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency 5. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes 6. The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development 7. Institute for Research on Poverty Which of the above mentioned institutions make up the World Bank Group? (a) 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (b) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 (d) 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Explanation According to — The World Bank has created new organizations within itself that specialize in different activities. All these organizations together are called the World Bank Group. It consists of: * IBRD lends to low- and middle-income countries; * International Development Association (IDA) lends to low-income countries; * International Finance Corporation (IFC) lends to the private sector; * Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) encourages private companies to invest in foreign countries; and * International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) helps private investors and foreign countries work out differences when they don't agree. — Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing and disseminating evidence to inform policies and programs to combat poverty and inequality in the US. — The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD) is an international NGO that actively works on poverty alleviation by promoting human rights, sustainable development and climate change. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR), consider the following statement: 1. It is arrived at by dividing the capital of the bank with aggregated risk weighted assets for credit risk, market risk and operational risk. 2. The lower the CRAR of a bank the better capitalized it is. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to — Capital to risk weighted assets ratio is arrived at by dividing the capital of the bank with aggregated risk weighted assets for credit risk, market risk and operational risk. — The higher the CRAR of a bank the better capitalized it is. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. Population growth would depress living standards in the long run. 2. Technology would raise productivity on the one hand and improve health on the other. 3. Malthus had suggested that the way to avoid mass starvation and disease in the wake of a population far exceeding resources was to exercise 'moral restraint'. Which of the above statements are true according to Thomas Malthus? (a)1 only (b)1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Thomas Malthus' argument in 1798 that population growth would depress living standards in the long run. Unaware of how technology would raise productivity on the one hand and improve health on the other, Malthus had suggested that the way to avoid mass starvation and disease in the wake of a population far exceeding resources was to exercise 'moral restraint'. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 112) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Fibre2Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Stepan expands AOS output across US facilities
Stepan Company a global leader in specialty and intermediate chemicals, announced a significant increase in its production capacity for Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS). Through strategic capital investments and process improvements, Stepan has expanded its AOS capacity by 25%. Stepan Company has increased its Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS) production capacity by 25 per cent through capital investments and process upgrades at facilities in Illinois, California, and Georgia. AOS is a versatile, eco-friendly surfactant used in personal care and industrial products. The expansion boosts efficiency, reliability, and Stepan's ability to meet rising demand. With the broadest network of sites and plants producing AOS in North America, Stepan continues to expand its production capacity through strategic initiatives at its Millsdale, Illinois; Anaheim, California; and Winder, Georgia facilities. These efforts included targeted capital investments and process enhancements that have strengthened operational efficiency across multiple locations—delivering increased capacity, greater flexibility, and enhanced reliability for Stepan's customers. "We are excited to announce these enhancements to our AOS production capabilities," said Brandon Suttle, Asset Manager – Sulfonation BM - Product Management. "These improvements not only increase our capacity but also position us to better serve our customers with high-quality AOS products." Stepan's Alpha Olefin Sulfonates are versatile surfactants used in detergents, personal care products, cleaning and industrial applications. Known for their fat-dissolving power, foam stability, and gentle cleansing properties, AOS is ideal for green bathroom cleaners, daily shower cleaners, liquid dishwashing detergents, shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. With the rise in demand for sulfate-free products, AOS is a preferred choice for formulators. It offers environmental benefits and produces dense, stable foam, making it appealing for luxurious lather. AOS is also used in Oilfield, Agriculture, Construction, and Emulsion Polymerization industries. Adriano Galimberti, Vice President & Surfactants North America at Stepan, added, "Our commitment to continued improvement and operational excellence has enabled us to prioritize these investments to meet the growing demands of our customers." Stepan continues to explore additional improvements to further expand capacity, develop specialty AOS products, and enhance product quality. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘I'm really weak' – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role
Kamara is fighting against TWO illnesses KAM'S NEW GIG 'I'm really weak' – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHRIS KAMARA admitted 'I'm really weak' after giving a health update while securing a new role. The Sky Sports legend, 67, was forced to step back from broadcasting two years after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS). 1 Chris Kamara admits 'I'm really weak' after landing a new role Credit: Getty The condition sees sufferers struggle to speak as the brain is unable to properly control the muscles used to form words. Kamara exclusively told The Sun last month that he had travelled to Mexico for treatment. He also suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his balance and coordination. And now, the fan favourite has managed to land himself a new role. For one day only, Kamara will be serving free chip butties at Camden Market with Burton's Fish 'N' Chips on Friday June 6. The surprise gig was carefully considered before being accepted by Kamara because of his AOS and dyspraxia. And he admits his health battle has left him feeling 'really weak' overall. Kamara told The Star: 'I'm choosy these days. "That's what's happened with the work because even though I've got the acceptance of my condition, I still don't want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me. 'So I'm not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. Fans have 'tears in eyes' as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return What is apraxia of speech? Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they'd like to say, but having trouble communicating their words. The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people. They explained: "Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at 'automatic' speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke. The condition does not affect a person's understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. The main symptoms are: being able to say a word correctly one minute and then not the next difficulty at the beginning of words greater difficulty with longer words aware of mistakes but unable to correct them speaking slowly being better at 'automatic tasks' such as counting and singing. "Whereas now I'm a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won't work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance. 'So I'm weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn't great. "Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you're going to fall even though you probably won't, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that.' On his dyspraxia, Kamara added: 'Walking is fine but the thing is if I trip I can't put my arms out anymore to stop my fall, so if I was riding a bike, when you stop, the brain won't allow your feet to go down and stop you falling. 'You just fall over the sides, it's crazy, but the brain is so complex, it's amazing. 'I didn't realise the compartments of the brain, where if you talk in an accent. So (for me) I advise speaking in a Scottish accent. "The flow is quicker than my normal speeds, which is crazy, but that's the brain for it.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm really weak' – Chris Kamara gives health update as Sky Sports legend reveals new role
CHRIS KAMARA admitted 'I'm really weak' after giving a health update while securing a new role. The Sky Sports legend, 67, was forced to step back from broadcasting two years after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech (AOS). Advertisement 1 Chris Kamara admits 'I'm really weak' after landing a new role Credit: Getty The condition sees sufferers struggle to speak as the brain is unable to properly control the muscles used to form words. Kamara exclusively told The Sun last month that he had travelled to Mexico for treatment. He also suffers from dyspraxia, which affects his balance and coordination. And now, the fan favourite has managed to land himself a new role. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL For one day only, The surprise gig was carefully considered before being accepted by Kamara because of his AOS and dyspraxia. And he admits his health battle has left him feeling 'really weak' overall. Kamara told Advertisement Most read in Football "That's what's happened with the work because even though I've got the acceptance of my condition, I still don't want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me. 'So I'm not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope. Fans have 'tears in eyes' as Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara reunited with old pal Jeff Stelling on shock commentary return What is apraxia of speech? Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they'd like to say, but having trouble communicating their words. The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people. They explained: "Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at 'automatic' speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke. The condition does not affect a person's understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. The main symptoms are: being able to say a word correctly one minute and then not the next difficulty at the beginning of words greater difficulty with longer words aware of mistakes but unable to correct them speaking slowly being better at 'automatic tasks' such as counting and singing. "Whereas now I'm a bit more choosy and will I put myself in a situation where it won't work out alongside my apraxia, I have dyspraxia, which affects your balance. 'So I'm weak, really weak, and you know, going down these stairs isn't great. Advertisement "Going up these stairs is fine, but going down these stairs, the brain tells you you're going to fall even though you probably won't, so you have to hold on to the banister and getting on planes and things like that.' On his dyspraxia, Kamara added: 'Walking is fine but the thing is if I trip I can't put my arms out anymore to stop my fall, so if I was riding a bike, when you stop, the brain won't allow your feet to go down and stop you falling. 'You just fall over the sides, it's crazy, but the brain is so complex, it's amazing. 'I didn't realise the compartments of the brain, where if you talk in an accent. So (for me) I advise speaking in a Scottish accent. Advertisement "The flow is quicker than my normal speeds, which is crazy, but that's the brain for it.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Industrials Stock with Solid Fundamentals and 2 to Turn Down
Even if they go mostly unnoticed, industrial businesses are the backbone of our country. Unfortunately, this role also comes with a demand profile tethered to the ebbs and flows of the broader economy, and investors seem to be forecasting a downturn - over the past six months, the industry has pulled back by 11.4%. This performance was worse than the S&P 500's 2.1% loss. Despite the lackluster result, a few diamonds in the rough can produce earnings growth no matter what, and we started StockStory to help you find them. Taking that into account, here is one industrials stock poised to generate sustainable market-beating returns and two we're steering clear of. Market Cap: $9.54 billion Credited with the invention of the glass-lined water heater, A.O. Smith (NYSE:AOS) manufactures water heating and treatment products for various industries. Why Are We Wary of AOS? Core business is underperforming as its organic revenue has disappointed over the past two years, suggesting it might need acquisitions to stimulate growth Demand will likely be soft over the next 12 months as Wall Street's estimates imply tepid growth of 2.8% Capital intensity has ramped up over the last five years as its free cash flow margin decreased by 7.5 percentage points At $67.12 per share, A. O. Smith trades at 17.4x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than AOS. Market Cap: $1.47 billion Established when Max Hillman purchased a franchise operation, Hillman (NASDAQ:HLMN) designs, manufactures, and sells industrial equipment and systems for various sectors. Why Does HLMN Give Us Pause? Sales stagnated over the last two years and signal the need for new growth strategies Poor expense management has led to an operating margin of 3.7% that is below the industry average Underwhelming 4% return on capital reflects management's difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities Hillman's stock price of $7.51 implies a valuation ratio of 13.1x forward P/E. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including HLMN in your portfolio, it's free. Market Cap: $50.63 billion Operating a network of municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. and Canada, Waste Connections (NYSE:WCN) is North America's third-largest waste management company providing collection, disposal, and recycling services. Why Is WCN Interesting? Annual revenue growth of 10.5% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle Operating margin expanded by 4.1 percentage points over the last five years as it scaled and became more efficient Robust free cash flow margin of 15.2% gives it many options for capital deployment Waste Connections is trading at $195.93 per share, or 36.2x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it's free. Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free.
