Context

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the refurbished Kochrab Ashram and unveiled the Master Plan for the Gandhi Ashram Memorial at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

About Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development Project

• Location: More than 120 acres of land on the Sabarmati River in the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
• Budget: Rs 1,200 crore.
• Masterplan of the Project: The Masterplan suggests restoring, conserving, and rebuilding almost half of the 63 structures that existed in the original ashram. 
  • In total, 36 structures will be repaired and 20 will be preserved.

Settlements of Mahatma Gandhi

Kochrab Ashram

• Kochrab Ashram was the 1st Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after coming to India from South Africa in 1915.
  • It is maintained by Gujarat Vidyapeeth.

About Dandi March

Major Non-Violent protest: The Dandi March, also known as Salt March / Salt Satyagraha, was a major non-violent protest action led by Mahatma Gandhi in March-April 1930.

• First Act of Civil disobedience: The march was the first act in an even-larger campaign of civil disobedience (satyagraha) Gandhi waged against the British rule in India that extended into early 1931.
• Support: It garnered Gandhi widespread support among the Indian populace and considerable worldwide attention.
• Names: The Salt March is also known as the Dandi March and the Dandi Satyagraha. 
• People involved: It was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India led by Mahatma Gandhi. He started this march with around 80 volunteers. Many people joined him on the way. 
• Duration: The 24-day march lasted from 12 March 1930 to 6 April 1930. 
• Journey: Gandhi led the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram, 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi, which was at a small town called Navsari (in Gujarat). 
• Objective: 
  • It was a direct-action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly under the 1882 British Salt Act. 
  • Objective was to produce salt from the seawater in the coastal village of Dandi, as was the practice of the local populace until British officials introduced taxation on salt production and deemed their sea-salt reclamation activities illegal. 
• Significance: 
• • Poorna Swaraj declaration: The march directly followed the Poorna Swaraj declaration of sovereignty and self-rule by the Indian National Congress on 26 January 1930.
  • It started the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement. When Gandhi broke the salt laws on 6 April 1930, it sparked large scale acts of civil disobedience against the British Raj salt laws by millions of Indians. 

News Source: Indian Express

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Context

The Department of Pharmaceuticals issued the UCPMP 2024 (Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices).

Key Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 On Ethical Practices of Pharma Companies

• Transparent and Clear set of Rules: The pharmaceutical sector should only engage with healthcare professionals for Continuing Medical Education (CME) based on clear, transparent, and verifiable rules.
• Prohibition of Activities in Foreign Countries: Conducting such activities in foreign countries is prohibited by the uniform code.
• Prohibition from offering Incentives: Medical representatives shall not offer any incentives or pay for access to a healthcare practitioner.
• No Pecuniary Grant to Healthcare Professionals: Companies or their representatives should not pay cash or monetary grants to any healthcare professional or their family members (both immediate and extended) under any pretext.
  • Gifting is prohibited by any pharmaceutical company or its agent (distributors, wholesalers, retailers, etc).
• No benefit in Kind:  No pharmaceutical corporation or its representative may offer, supply, or guarantee any financial or in-kind benefit to any individual competent to prescribe or supply medications.
• No Paid Travel and Accommodation: Pharmaceutical businesses or their agents should not provide paid travel or hotel accommodations to healthcare professionals or their family members, unless the person is a CME speaker.
• Allowed Funds for Research: The Union government has granted corporations permission to donate research funds to healthcare experts, as long as they do it in a transparent manner.
• Supporting Research Studies: The guidelines enable the industry to fund research for studies approved by organizations such as the Indian Council for Medical Research/ the Drug Controller General of India.

Key Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 On Drugs

• Consistent with Marketing Approval: The UCPMP states that promotion of a drug must be consistent with the terms of its marketing approval.
• Accurate Assessment: Claims about a drug’s usefulness must be based on an up-to-date assessment of all available evidence.
• Specifying Exact details and Effects: The term ‘safe’ should not be used without qualification, nor should it be asserted categorically that a medicine has no adverse effects, toxic dangers, or risk of addiction.
• Categorically using the word “New”: Any drug or therapy intervention that has been widely advertised in India for more than a year cannot be described as ‘new’.

Implementation of the UCPMP 2024:

• Formation of an Ethics Committee: All associations have been asked to form an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices in order to ensure rigorous compliance with the UCPMP.
• Establishing a Dedicated Portal: Create a dedicated UCPMP portal on their website and take essential steps for code implementation.
• Grievance Redressal: All Indian pharmaceutical associations are required to post the UCPMP on their websites, along with a thorough method for registering complaints.
  • This will be linked to the UCPMP portal of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

Need for the UCPMP 2024:

• Preventing Unethical Practices: The UCPMP 2015 for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry is being implemented (effective 1.1.2015) to prevent pharmaceutical businesses from engaging in unethical acts.
• No Legal Backing: Much of the criticism directed at this version of the code stemmed from its voluntary character. There was no legal backing for its provisions, therefore they remained impotent.
• Making the Guidelines Mandatory: Several health campaigners have long demanded that it be made mandatory. The Department of Pharmaceuticals’ annual report for 2017-18 pressed on making it mandatory.
  • While the government has now removed the word ‘voluntary’ from the code, which was there in the previous version, it has stopped short of making it mandatory.
• Request by the Government: It has now simply’requested’ the pharmaceutical industry’ organizations to ensure that the code is ‘executed’.

News Source: Business Standard

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Context

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has cautioned against the manufacture and sale of unapproved drugs, specifically against drugs falling under the category of “New Drugs”.

CDSCO Directive: Unapproved Drugs Meropenem & Disodium EDTA

• Awareness Among Manufacturers: CDSCO has directed that all manufacturers be made aware of the two drugs – Meropenem (an antibacterial agent) and Disodium EDTA (used to treat calcium overload).
  • It highlighted that certain manufacturers engage in the production and marketing of these drugs that have not yet been approved by the CDSCO.
• Directive on Unapproved Drugs: It communicated to all zonal/sub-zonal offices of CDSCO and the Indian Drugs/Pharmaceutical Association forum that no new drug shall be manufactured for sale unless the licensing authority approves it.
  • Moreover, a person who intends to manufacture a new drug in the form of Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) or Pharmaceutical formulation shall make an application for grant of permission to the central licensing authority as per the specifications.

News Source: The Hindu

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Recently, the first phase of the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was inaugurated in Sehore district in Bhopal. 

What is the Atmospheric Research Testbed? 

• The Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) program focuses on studying atmospheric processes using advanced measurement systems.
• Objective: To understand cloud dynamics, land-atmosphere interactions, and radiative processes.
• Conduct detailed observation missions and model simulations to test theories and improve how weather models represent convection and land surface processes.
• Organize thorough observations and model tests to enhance our understanding of how convection and land surface interactions are represented in weather models.
• Phases of Implementation
• • Phase One: Under this phase, an ART in central India was to be established to study convection, land-atmosphere interactions, and precipitation.
  • Phase Two: Under this phase,  an ART in the northeast/eastern region would be set up to investigate severe thunderstorm processes.

Significance of Atmospheric Research Testbed:

• Increased understanding of atmospheric processes: The testbed in Bhopal is a distinctive facility for observing weather phenomena.
  • It will help to  enhance meteorological department understanding of cloud systems, land-atmospheric interactions, and tracking of low-pressure systems and depressions.

• Improvement in forecasts: In recent times, the monsoon season has witnessed erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change.
  • The facility will help  to collect crucial data to better observe these changes and improve forecasts.
• Detection of unfavorable patterns: Consistent monitoring will allow for the detection of unfavorable patterns and facilitate prompt interventions which will further ensure the safety of coastal ecosystems, marine life, and human health.
• Facilitation in government planning: Agriculture in the region, stretching from Gujarat to West Bengal across central India, relies on rainfall. 
  • Therefore, Timely accurate forecasts of monsoon will help the government as well as farmers  to make the right decision according to the requirements. 

Indian Monsoon Season

• Indian Monsoon Season: During the June to September southwest monsoon season, India receives about 70% of its annual rainfall.
  • Rainfall in the core monsoon zone is sustained by the interaction between southwest monsoon winds and westward-moving low pressure systems or depressions.

News Source: Indianexpress

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Context

The Union Health Secretary, introduced the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) in India. 

Other Initiatives

• During the event, various programmes were launched such as
  • The National Rabies Control Programme Website
    • Objective: It aims to provide valuable information and support for controlling Rabies effectively.
  • The National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses. 
  • Objective: This initiative aims to enhance the surveillance of zoonotic diseases nationwide. 

About National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)

• The NAP-SE offers directions for states, union territories, and stakeholders to design customized action plans according to their individual needs and circumstances. 
• Vision:  To reduce snakebite deaths significantly.
• Framework: It offers a wide-ranging structure for states to create their own strategies for handling, preventing, and managing snakebites.
  • For coordination between SNO and DNO, states will nominate state and district nodal officers. 
  • One Health Approach: The plan highlights a comprehensive ‘One Health’ approach. It encourages cooperation among human, wildlife, tribal, and animal health sectors.

• Snakebite Helpline: In 5 states Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi,  Snakebite Helpline number (15400) will be piloted. 
  • This helpline aims to offer  immediate assistance, guidance, and support to victims of snakebite. 
• The NAPSE has outlined important steps to be taken to address the human, wildlife, and animal aspects.
  • The strategic action for human health component are 
    • Ensuring provision of anti snake venom at all health facilities 
    • Strengthening surveillance of snake bite cases and deaths in humans 
    • Strengthening of emergency care services at District Hospitals/ CHCs including services for ambulance, 
    • Institutionalization of Regional Venom Centre’s and inter-sectoral coordination.
  • The strategic action for wildlife health components are educating and raising awareness, distributing antivenom, strengthening key stakeholders, conducting research and monitoring, and safely relocating snakes. 
  • For the animal and agriculture side, actions include preventing snake bites in livestock, engaging with communities, and more.

News Source: PIB

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Context

Recently the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) published the surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.

FAO Publishes First National Report on AMR Surveillance in India’s Fisheries, Livestock Sectors

• Sample Collection: Samples were obtained from 3,087 farms spanning 42 districts in 12 Indian states, and included fish or prawn tissues as well as pond or ocean samples.
• Bacterial Isolates: A total of 6,789 bacterial isolates were examined, including 4,523 freshwater, 1,809 prawns, and 457 mariculture strains.
• Resistance Profile: Resistance profiles were examined for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio sp., and Aeromonas species.

Key Findings of the FAO Report

• Resistance Patterns in Fisheries Sector in India:

• • Species-Specific Resistance:  Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were highly resistant to penicillin across all three Aquaculture  systems (Freshwater system, Brackish Water system and Marine Production Systems).

• • Variation Across Environments: Marine samples showed greater resistance to cefotaxime, but freshwater fish displayed substantial resistance to ciprofloxacin.
  • Aquaculture of Shrimps: Shrimp samples notable resistance to cefotaxime and ampicillin.

• Resistance Patterns in Livestock Sector:

• • Origins of  Animals: AMR profiles were determined for E. Coli and Staphylococcus isolates from cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
  • Poultry Resistance: Poultry-origin isolates showed higher resistance rates to several antibiotics than other food animals.

Multidrug Resistance Analysis

• MDR Patterns: The report analyzed multidrug resistance (MDR) patterns in E coli isolates of aquaculture origin, revealing that 39 per cent of isolates exhibited MDR, which indicates resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes. 

• Detection of MDR: MDR was also detected in E coli isolates from food-animal samples. 
  • The most prominent MDR was observed against a combination of cefotaxime-enrofloxacin and tetracycline, with approximately 15.8 percent of poultry isolates exhibiting this simultaneous resistance.
  • Complexity of AMR: The detection of ESBL and AmpC type β-lactamase producers highlights the complexity of AMR issues.

About Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR)

• Infrastructure: INFAAR, founded by ICAR, consists of 20 laboratories, comprising 17 ICAR Research Institute Laboratories, one Central Agriculture University Laboratory, one State Agriculture University Laboratory, and one State Veterinary University.
• Collaborative Support: FAO and USAID provide technical help to INFAAR, improving its data gathering and analysis skills.
• Goals of Expansion: INFAAR’s expansion goals include adding more laboratories and improving surveillance coverage.

Antibiotic Use and AMR Trends

• Antibiotics Impact: Antibiotic use in food animal production leads to AMR development, necessitating surveillance to guide policy decisions.
• Production System: Three major aquaculture systems—freshwater, brackish, and marine—were investigated, covering a wide range of conditions.
• Panel of antibiotics: The antibiotics examined were amikacin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefotaxime, cefepime, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, imipenem, meropenem, and tetracycline.

News Source: Down to Earth

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• Archaeological Survey of India to Unveil Revamped Website and Sign MoUs for Monuments Adoption under Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0.

About Adopt a Heritage Scheme

• Launching: The scheme was launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, ASI, and State/ UTs Government. 
• Objective:  To ensure quality and inclusive provision of amenities through active participation of private and public sector organizations and individuals. 
• Process: The Director-General of ASI may receive voluntary contributions towards the cost of maintaining a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) 1958, Act.

Need For Adopt a Heritage 2.0

• Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about the prescribed guidelines
• Infeasibility: Infeasibility of amenities proposed for adopted heritage sites
• Complexity:  Complexity induced by semi-commercial activities at the adopted sit

Key Highlights of Adopt a Heritage 2.0

• Smāraka Sārathī: Any private/ public sector company/ trust/ NGO/ society that has been selected by ASI for the programme (earlier called as monument mitra). 
• Funding of projects: Private and public sector companies shall utilize their CSR fund while others may provide voluntary contribution.
• Flexibility: Either adopt a monument in whole or provide a particular amenity such as drinking water facility, cleaning services, etc. for one or several sites.
•  Four-pronged framework of amenities: Hygiene, Accessibility, Safety, and Knowledge. 
• Term of Appointment: Selected stakeholders have a five-year initial term of appointment that can be extended for an additional five years.
• Application Process: Corporate stakeholders interested in participating in the programme can apply to adopt a monument or specific facilities at a monument using a dedicated web portal with the URL indianheritage.gov.in.
  • The webpage provides detailed information on the monuments available for adoption, including gap analysis and estimated budgetary requirements.
• List of Monuments: The monuments include Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Uggar Sain’s Baoli, Humanyun’s Tomb, Upper Fort Aguada, Elephanta Caves, Agra Fort, Bhimbetka, Buddhist Stupa, Kailasanatha temple, Group of Temples Khajuraho, Safdarjung Tomb, Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, Area between Jamali Kamali and Balban’s Tomb Sun temple, Konark.

News Source: PIB

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Recently, the Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship inaugurated India’s first FutureLABS centre in C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Inaugurates India’s 1st FutureLABS Centre at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram

• This FutureLABS Centre will be named the Centre for Semiconductor Chips & Systems for Strategic Electronics.

About the Centre for Semiconductor Chips & Systems for Strategic Electronics

• Chip Manufacturing Ecosystem: It will catalyse an ecosystem for next-generation chip design, manufacturing, and research.
• Strengthen the R&D Ecosystem: It will help to  strengthen domestic research and development (R&D) and innovation in automotive, computing, communication, strategic electronics, industrial electronics, and internet-of-things. 
• Significance: 
• • Automotive sector: Focus on R&D and industry-government collaboration to develop electric vehicles, onboard sensors, and autonomous connected devices. 
  • Information and Technology Sector: Focus on R&D in high-performance, quantum, and exascale computers, indigenous microprocessors, accelerators, and blockchain, among others.

News Source: PIB

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Recently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day.

19th Foundation Day of NCPCR: Key Highlights

• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day on 12th March 2024 at Jacaranda Hall, Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
• Pariksha Parv Campaign: The Commission invited children from different parts of the country to acknowledge their efforts and participation in the Pariksha Parv campaign. 
  • Pariksha Parv 6.0: To encourage the children one activity was performed,

• • • A small video message from children to express their experiences, patterns, go-to routines etc. about dealing with exam stress/anxiety. 

NCPCR: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

• About: It is a Statutory Body (Established under Section 3 of the Commission for Protection Of Child Rights Act, 2005).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development. 
• Composition: 1 chairman + 6 other members (2 members should be women except the chairman).
• First Chairman: Shanta Sinha, Present Chairman : Priyank Kanungo 
• Tenure & Appointment: 
  • Tenure of Chairperson: 3 years or up to 65 years of Age. 
  • Tenure of Members: 3 years or up to 60 years of age .
  • Appointment: Central Government based on the recommendation of a 3 member select committee, under the chairmanship of minister in charge of Ministry of Women & Child Development. 
• Reappointment: Eligible for up to 2 terms. 
• Power: It has all power of civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 when inquiring into matters under the CPCR Act,2005
• Functions: 
  • Evaluate and assess the safeguards: for protecting child rights and suggest measures for their effective implementation.
  • Reports: Submit annual reports to the central government regarding the functioning of these safeguards.
  • Policy Review and Recommendations: Review international treaties and policies on child rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation. 
  • Inquiry : Investigate violations of child rights and recommend legal action in such cases.
  • Conduct research: in the field of child rights.
  • Spread awareness: about child rights through various means like publications, media, and seminars. 
  • Monitoring and Inspection: Inspect juvenile custodial homes and other institutions for children under the control of the central or state government. 
• Mandate: 
  • To monitor the effective implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; 
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and 
  • Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

News Source: PIB

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This Article is based on the news “PM witnesses ‘Bharat Shakti Exercise’ – a Tri-Services Firing and Manoeuvre Exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan” which was published in the PIB. Recently, a tri-service military exercise “Bharat Shakti Exercise 2024” was held in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

• The exercise commenced with the Army’s Special Forces, MARCOS of the Indian Navy and GARUDS of the Indian Air Force.

Objective of the Bharat Shakti Exercise

• Display of Self-Defence Power: It displayed an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country.
• Demonstration of Integrated Operational Capabilities: It simulated realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Participated in Key Equipment and Weapons Systems

• By Indian Army: T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons System, showcasing the advanced ground warfare and aerial surveillance capabilities. 
• Indian Navy: Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, highlighting maritime strength and technological sophistication. 
• Indian Air Force: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, demonstrating air superiority and versatility in air operations.

Demonstrated Technologies & Systems

• Firepower and ammunition.
• Logistic capabilities for transporting equipment and evacuating injured and casualties using the latest technologies.
• The integration of individual communication systems of the tri-services, the ‘e-Tarang’ software tool, GIS-related systems, topographical maps, hydrographic charts, and air navigation charts with analysis and operational planning capabilities.
• Systems and platforms integrated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
• The aspects of India’s cyber and multi-domain operations capabilities along with the operations of the three services.

Significance of Bharat Shakti Exercise

• First-of-its-kind Exercise: It is the first-of-its-kind exercise on such a scale that is not tailored towards any direction (northern or western border) or any adversaries.
• Showcase of Operational Capabilities: Through live firepower and manoeuvre demonstration, it showcased the tri-services operational capabilities to counter any threat, leveraging indigenous capability and the ability to undertake conflicts in the face of global upheavals.

Conclusion

It highlights the resilience, innovation, and strength of India’s domestic defense capabilities on the global stage towards realizing the idea of Aatmanirbharta in defense.

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This Article is based on the news “Panel recommends law to regulate Big Tech firms” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL), formed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) last February, released its report, recommending legislation to regulate the market power of Big Tech firms like Google and Meta.

Committee on Digital Competition Law Submits Its Report

• It follows the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance which proposed a separate digital competition law.
• The CDCL was tasked with examining whether India needed an ex-ante framework (where the conduct of Big Tech is sought to be regulated and specified practices are upfront declared illegal) or not.
• The MCA invited public comments on the expert committee report and the draft bill.

About Big Tech

• Big Tech, also known as the Tech Giants, are the most dominant companies in the information technology industry, majority of which are centered in the United States.
  • For example Google, Meta, Amazon, etc.

Recommendations by the Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL)

• Classification: 

  • The committee prepared a draft targeting firms with a “significant presence” in the market for a “Core Digital Service,” terming these “Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises,” or SSDEs.

• A Twin Test: 

  • An enterprise is deemed an SSDE if it passes a twin test:
    • The Significant Financial Strength Test: Based on India-specific turnover (Business), global turnover, global market capitalisation, and gross merchandise value. 
    • The Significant Spread Test: Based on presence in a Core Digital Service in India on the basis of the number of end-users and business users.
      • Discretion of CCI: Even if the quantitative thresholds are not met, the CCI can designate an enterprise as an SSDE if it thinks that the company has a “significant presence” with respect to a core digital service (CDS) along multiple factors.

• Associate Digital Enterprises (ADGs): 

  • In cases where enterprises providing Core Digital Services are part of a group, designation may not be limited to just one enterprise in the group, but group firms could be regulated as ADGs.

• Regulations: 

  • Differential obligations upon different SSDEs and ADEs depending on factors such as their business models and size of their user base.

• Self Declaration: 

  • The proposed Bill requires digital companies to notify the CCI that it fulfills the criteria to qualify as SSDE based on the criteria set in the Bill.

• Key Criterion for Identification of SSDEs:

  • Turnover in India of not less than Rs 4,000 crore
  • Global turnover of not less than $30 billion
  • Gross merchandise value in India of not less than Rs 16,000 crore
  • Global market capitalisation of not less than $75 billion
  • At least 10 million end users for its core digital service
  • 10,000 business users for its core digital service

• Obligations: 

  • SSDEs cannot directly or indirectly favour its own products, services, or lines of business, or those of related parties and also not use or rely on non-public data of business users operating on its core digital service.
    • The designated SSDEs will also be prohibited from engaging in anti-competitive practices (ACPs) such as self-preferencing, anti-steering, and restricting third-party applications, among others, for the identified service.
  • The CCI can impose different sets of regulations for different CDSs and obligations for different SSDEs. 
  • The SSDEs and ADEs should not engage in any behaviour (such as dividing up their business, etc.) that will allow them to escape the regulations. 
  • SSDEs are prohibited from using any non-public data of their business users or cross-using personal data of end users collected from different CDSs. They must also allow users to access third-party applications and change default settings.

• Penalty: 

  • If a firm does not self-designate, the penalty would be derived from not the individual company’s domestic revenues, but from the entire corporate group’s global turnover. 
    • The penalty could be restricted to a maximum of 10% of the global turnover. 

• Exemptions: 

  • The Centre is proposed to be empowered to exempt enterprises from any provisions, rules, or regulations for three reasons:
    • State Security or Public Interest
    • India’s obligations under bilateral or global treaties
    • If the enterprise performs a sovereign function on behalf of the central or state government

• Significance: 

  • This will have a major impact on the big tech enterprises as they will now also be subject to a separate regulatory regime. 

Significance of Big Tech Firms

• Economy: The impact of Big Tech is felt on a global level. They are continually looking to expand their reach, influencing the domestic economy of almost all countries.
• Society: Big Tech influences societal change by being accessible to the masses. The products of these companies are widely used and can impact the consumer choices.
• Politics: Big Tech have the reach and capability to create political opinion. These can be in the form of political ads on their platform and also promoting the opinion of certain political leaders on social media.
• National Security: Since Big Tech operates across the world, countries claim that these companies support rival economies, which ultimately affects national security. 
  • Example: Huawei was blamed by the US for spying on behalf of China.
• Technology: The Big Tech are well known for their innovation and technology development. They are the first to introduce ground-breaking technologies.

Why is There a Need for Regulation On Big Tech companies in India?

• Increasing Pace of Digitisation: The Competition Act of 2002 intervenes after the occurrence of an anti-competitive conduct and it was designed at a time when the extent and pace of digitalisation as is witnessed today could not be foreseen.
  • India is currently adopting an ex-post framework where a regulator adjudicates whether certain acts of a player are illegal after they have been committed.
    • Ex post actions always take place on information available, sufficient evidence is presented to demonstrate the negative externalities and costs with a market failure. 

• A Danger of Monopoly: Big Tech firms are able to rapidly increase their user base (owing to their ) and establish market power that is difficult for a new entrant in the industry to dislodge.As such, digital markets bear the risk of becoming irreversibly polarised in favour of the incumbent.
• Predatory Pricing and deep discounting: It entails the lowering of prices that forces other firms to be out competed. 
  • Amazon and Flipkart were accused of deep discounting and creating in-house brands to compete with local sellers.
• Need for New Legislation: To introduce an ex-ante legislation specifically applicable to large digital enterprises, to supplement the Competition Act.
  • The recommendations, if implemented, would better equip the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to rule on competition matters for tech firms.
• Self-Preference: A crucial aspect of self-preferencing beyond the search algorithms is the bundling of services, especially with pre-installed apps, where the manufacturers eliminate competition without the consumer’s consent. 
  • Example: Apple is facing heat in the U.S. and Europe over pre-installed apps.
• Privacy Violations: Big Tech firms have faced criticism for infringing on user privacy, leveraging personal data for commercial purposes, and concerns on monitoring of users’ online activities.
  • Example: Facebook’s unauthorized data sharing with Cambridge Analytica, exposing user data to political manipulation.
• Tax Avoidance: Allegations of tax evasion have been leveled against Big Tech as they establish their businesses in low-tax jurisdictions to minimize their tax obligations.
  • Example: Apple’s use of the “Double Irish with a Dutch Sandwich” tax avoidance scheme.
• Job Displacement: Many technological advancements endorsed by Big Tech, such as automation, have resulted in job losses, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries.
• Disregard for Local Laws: Big Tech companies have been accused of disregarding domestic laws and claiming immunity based on their international origins.
• Dissemination of Misinformation: Platforms operated by Big Tech have been accused of amplifying misinformation, with implications for the rule of law and public order.
  • Example: WhatsApp being used to spread false information leading to violence and unrest, as seen in India.
• Political Influence: The political biases of Big Tech become evident when they selectively promote specific political ideologies and thoughts.
  • Example: Twitter’s decision to ban former U.S. President Donald Trump from its platform.

What Are the Issues and Challenges Associated with regulating Big Tech Firms?

Such ex-ante regulation could potentially stifle innovation by imposing burdensome regulations on tech companies.

• • Unintended Consequences: This could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced consumer choice and higher prices.
  • Over-Regulations: The ex-ante regulation for the e-commerce sector may be untimely and excessive and may lead to over-regulation.
    • Amazon said it is already heavily regulated by the foreign direct investment policy, which mandates that it can only act as an online marketplace and not as a seller.
  • Unsuitable Approach: A one-size fits-all approach similar to the DMA model would be unsuitable for effective regulation of digital markets since it remains untested. 
    • Flipkart by mentioning the European Digital Markets Act said that this one-size fits-all approach is unsuitable. 

How is India Regulating Big Tech firms?

• Safe Harbour Clause: 

  • Currently, big tech companies in India are protected by the safe harbour of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) of the USA along with its Indian counterpart Section 79 of India’s Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act).
    • Safe harbour, as prescribed under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000 is legal immunity that online intermediaries enjoy against content posted by users on their platforms.
    • However, now India is working on its own Digital India Act—a replacement of IT Act 2000 along with many others like Telecom bill, data localisation and others.

• Competition Act, 2002: 

  • In India, antitrust issues are governed by the Competition Act, 2002, and the Competition Commission of India checks upon monopolistic practices. 
    • It established the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to eliminate practices having adverse effects on market competition.

• Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022: 

• • Regulation of Mergers and Acquisitions: Mergers and acquisitions with transaction value of more than Rs 2,000 crore will require CCI’s approval.
  • Prohibition of anti-competitive Practices: The Bill expands the definition of anti-competitive practices to include self-preferencing and other practices that can harm consumers and businesses.
  • New powers for the CCI: The Bill gives the CCI new powers to investigate and prosecute anti-competitive practices.
  • Increased Transparency: The Bill requires Big Tech companies to provide more information to the CCI about their business practices.

Global Perspectives on Regulation of Big Tech Firms 

• Europe: 
  • Digital Markets Act (DMA): The DMA will directly ban harmful business practices by very large digital players, create a fairer and more competitive economic space for new players and European businesses.
  • Digital Services Act (DSA): This act targets categories of online services, from simple websites to internet infrastructure services and online platforms.
• USA: The US adopted Anti-trust legislation targeting the dominance of Big Tech companies by giving states greater power in competition cases and increasing money for federal regulators.
• Australia: Competition watchdog in Australia recommended tighter regulation of Facebook and Google, and moves to improve media competition.
  • The Online Safety Act will have the power to force social media companies to delete posts that amount to online bullying, and to find the companies and those who hosted the alleged abuse.

Conclusion

In the world of global diplomacy and technological advancements countries need to recognize the new dynamic of bargaining power between State and Big Tech firms and these big tech firms need to build efficient and effective compliance processes, addressing regulation at scale while keeping costs under control and maintaining the ability to innovate at pace.

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