US Antitrust Ruling Against Google

Syllabus: Governance  Source: IE Context: On August 5, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly in “general search services” and “search text ads” through exclusive deals with companies like Apple and Samsung.   What are “Anti-trust” issues? Antitrust laws and regulations are designed to promote fair competition and …

Draft Broadcast Services Bill 2024

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions Source: IE Context: The recently introduced draft Broadcast Services Bill 2024 has raised concerns about freedom of speech. The draft is the revision of the previously proposed Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.   What are Broadcast Services? Broadcast Services involve …

e-Sankhyiki Portal

Source: PIB  Context: The e-Sankhyiki Portal, launched by India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on National Statistics Day 2024, is a comprehensive data platform designed to provide easy access to reliable statistical data. The portal offers two main modules: the Data Catalogue Module, which catalogues over 2,300 datasets including key indicators like the …

Organ Donation in India

Syllabus: Source: Th  Context:  The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have recently released data on Organ donation in India.   Major Findings: Women Lead in Living Donations: 9,784 women donated organs, surpassing 5,651 male donors. Record High Transplants: Total transplants in 2023 reached 18,378, the highest ever. Deceased Donations: More deceased donors were men (844) …

QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework

Source: PIB  Context: The Quality Council of India (QCI) has launched the QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework to promote excellence among states, enhancing citizens’ quality of life towards a developed India (Viksit Bharat). The framework evaluates performance across four pillars: Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and Sushasan (Governance). Key highlights: Shiksha: Uttar Pradesh …

Counting Nutritional Deficiency Among the Poor

Syllabus: Social Justice: Poverty and Hunger Issues Source: TH Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022-23) has highlighted significant nutritional deficiencies among India’s poor.   Key Findings of the Report Expenditure Thresholds: Rural India needs ₹2,197 (₹1,569 for food, ₹628 for non-food); Urban India needs ₹3,077 (₹2,098 for food, ₹979 for non-food) for adequate nourishment. …

Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law made more Stringent

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Fundamental Rights Source: TH Context: Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly amended the 2021 Anti-Conversion Laws, making its provisions more stringent.   Aim of the amendments: The amendment strengthens the 2021 anti-conversion law to curb alleged “organized and well-planned” activities by “foreign and anti-national elements” accused of influencing demographic changes …

The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Economy: Energy  Source: ET Context: The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, introduced in the Rajya Sabha.   The Bill aims to: It aims to amend the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948. Originally, oilfields, mines, and minerals were regulated under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, …

Bangladesh Crisis: Ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Government

Syllabus: International Relations: India’s Neighbourhood Source: IE, IE Context: Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amid violent protests. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has taken control and is in the process of forming an interim government.   What led to the protest and fall of the government? Sheikh Hasina’s government fell …

Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Disaster Management/ Geography Source: Th Context: The Minister of State for Home Affairs introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, to amend the Disaster Management Act, 2005   Aim of the Bill: The Bill aims to introduce changes for effective pre-planning of disaster events, integration of …

Supreme Court Ruling on Sub-Classification of SCs and STs

Syllabus: Social Justice, Governance Source: Indian Express Context: On August 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of India ruled in the case of State of Punjab and Ors Vs Davinder Singh and Ors that states can sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to grant additional quotas for the more disadvantaged within these categories.   …