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Recently, a global collaborative investigative effort has revealed that, at least 300 individuals in India, were potentially identified for targeted surveillance using sophisticated spyware called Pegasus. However, the government has claimed that all interception in India takes place lawfully. Communication surveillance in India takes place primarily under two laws – the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Information Technology …

Recently, the first human death was recorded due to Bird Flu in India this Year. This was caused by H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus. Earlier, China reported the first human infection of H10N3 bird flu. Important points: A disease caused by avian influenza (AI) Type A viruses found naturally in wild birds worldwide. AI viruses are broadly classified as low pathogenic AI …

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a six-month extension to the commission appointed to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), up to 31st January 2022. This is the eleventh extension for the commission, which was initially due to submit its report in March 2018. Important points: It will enable the Commission to submit a comprehensive report on …

Recently, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016. The amendments are aimed at enhancing the discipline, transparency, and accountability in corporate insolvency proceedings. In March 2021 a sub-committee of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC) recommended a pre-pack framework within …

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha that National Health Mission (NHM) supported health system reforms have resulted in development of resilient health systems. Important points: NHM was launched by the government of India in 2013 subsuming the National Rural Health Mission (Launched in 2005) and the National …

The report titled “India Inequality Report 2021: India’s Unequal Healthcare Story” released by Oxfam India shows that the socio-economic inequalities seep into the health sector and disproportionately affect health outcomes of marginalised communities due to the absence of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The report suggested that the states which are attempting to reduce existing inequalities and …

Recently, in a RTI Reply, it has been revealed that the Centre is yet to appoint a director of inquiry, more than two years after the Lokpal came into being. Important points: As per the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, there shall be a Director of Inquiry, not below the rank of Joint Secretary to …

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld a 2013 judgment of the Gujarat High Court and struck down certain provisions of the Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011. It gave a major boost for federalism as the 97th Amendment shrank the exclusive authority of States over its co-operative societies, a sector considered as a massive contributor to the economy. Co-operatives According to …

Recently, China has reported the first human infection case with Monkey B virus (BV). Important points: Monkey B virus is an alphaherpesvirus enzootic (endemic) in macaques and it was initially isolated in 1932. Alphaherpesviruses are pathogens or neuroinvasive viruses that establish lifelong infections in the peripheral nervous system of humans and many other vertebrates. B virus is also commonly referred to as herpes …

Recently, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (labour union) wrote to the Prime Minister asking him to convene the Indian Labour Conference (ILC). It argued that since Indian Parliament has ratified Convention No 144 of the International Labour Organisation, it is now India’s legal obligation to hold the ILC in order to strengthen the tripartite mechanism. Important points: ILC …