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Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent a notice to WhatsApp asking it to withdraw a controversial update to its privacy policy which might be a threat to Data Protection of Indians. Important points: According to WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, users would no longer be able to stop the app from sharing data (such as …

In view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will give transgender persons a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 1,500. Important points: Immediate subsistence assistance to trans persons would be given through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), for which beneficiaries can register with the National Institute of Social Defence. NISD is an Autonomous Body and is registered under Societies …

Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved India’s first self-use Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for Covid-19 named as CoviSelf. It is developed by MyLab Discovery Solutions, a Pune-based molecular company. ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, and is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. Important …

Recently, India and Oman renewed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on military cooperation as well as on maritime security. Important points: The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India and an important speaker at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora. India is a member of IORA but not a member of GCC and Arab …

Recently, China has completed construction of a strategically significant highway enabling greater access to remote areas along the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh in India. Important points: The construction began in 2014 and is part of a wider infrastructure push in border areas in Tibet. The highway passes through the Grand Canyon of the Brahmaputra river (Yarlung Zangbo in …

The Union Government has integrated the E-Way Bill (EWB) system with FasTag and RFID. Important points: E-Way Bill is usually a unique bill number generated for the specific consignment involving the movement of goods. Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, EWBs are mandatory for inter-state transportation of goods valued over Rs. 50,000 from …

Setting up of 22 new regional AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) has been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) so far. Important points: PMSSY was announced in 2003 with objectives of correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and also to augment facilities for quality medical education in …

The effectiveness of the Social Security Code (SS Code) 2020 in helping the informal workforce is questioned by many. With SS Code 2020, two other codes were passed which are Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 and Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The SS Code 2020 subsumes nine regulations relating to social security, retirement and …

Indian security agencies in the past two years checked the antecedents of more than 9,000 Indians who wanted to enrol for the US’ Global Entry Program. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is being used for antecedent verification. Important points: Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows speedy clearance for …

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has witnessed speed and progress in various schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005: The scheme was introduced as a social measure that guarantees “the right to work”. The Ministry of Rural Development monitors the entire implementation …