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Ethics of neurotechnology and neurowarfare

What’s the news? The rapid growth of neurotechnology, driven by advances in neuroscience and technology, has given rise to a field with immense potential and profound ethical implications. Central Idea Neurotechnology encompasses various aspects, from Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) to neuroimaging and neurostimulation. As this field expands, it poses challenges to human privacy, autonomy, and dignity.… Continue reading Ethics of neurotechnology and neurowarfare

India’s Draft Guidelines on Dark Patterns

Central Idea The Indian government has invited public feedback on draft guidelines aimed at preventing and regulating “dark patterns” on the internet, particularly within e-commerce platforms. These guidelines target deceptive tactics such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, forced action, subscription traps, and other manipulative practices. Understanding Dark Patterns The draft guidelines define dark… Continue reading India’s Draft Guidelines on Dark Patterns

$1.8 billion recovered under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act

Central Idea Assets worth over $12 billion have been attached since 2014 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Additionally, assets exceeding $1.8 billion have been recovered in the past four years under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018. About the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 The FEOA is a significant legal instrument… Continue reading $1.8 billion recovered under Fugitive Economic Offenders Act

Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) in the Fintech Sector

Central Idea In the rapidly evolving landscape of the fintech sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has called upon fintech entities to establish Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs). What is an SRO (Self-Regulatory Organization)? An SRO is a non-governmental entity entrusted with the task of formulating and enforcing rules and standards governing the behaviour of… Continue reading Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) in the Fintech Sector

NPCI Unveils Innovative UPI Features

Central Idea The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a range of groundbreaking features on the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. Hello! UPI: Voice-Enabled UPI Payments Hello! UPI, a remarkable addition, facilitates voice-enabled UPI payments in Hindi and English. Users can make UPI payments through voice commands via apps, telecom calls, and… Continue reading NPCI Unveils Innovative UPI Features

Unemployment: Measurement Challenges in Developing Economies

Central Idea The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in 2017 revealed India’s highest-ever recorded unemployment rate at 6.1%. The 2021-22 PLFS indicated a reduction to 4.1%, still higher than some developed economies like the U.S., where unemployment rates varied from 3.5% to 3.7% between July 2022 and July 2023. Comparing India and the U.S. unemployment… Continue reading Unemployment: Measurement Challenges in Developing Economies

VGF Scheme for Battery Infrastructure

Central Idea The Union Cabinet recently granted approval for a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme worth ₹3,760 crore to advance battery energy storage systems (BESS) development. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme VGF means a grant to support projects that are economically justified but not financially viable. The VGF scheme was launched in 2004 to support… Continue reading VGF Scheme for Battery Infrastructure

Reviving the Seethakali Folk Art

Central Idea Seethakali folk dance of Kerala has been fading from the public domain, and around three decades ago, it was on the verge of extinction. Seethakali Folk Art Seethakali is a traditional folk dance that originates from the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It is performed primarily by Dalit artists from the Veda and… Continue reading Reviving the Seethakali Folk Art

Strengthening export control measures for Dual-Use Items

Central Idea The government has recently announced its commitment to enhancing the control of dual-use items to prevent their misuse by non-state actors and terrorists. Dual-use items refer to goods that can be utilized for both civilian and military purposes. Understanding Dual-Use Items Dual-use items are commodities with the potential for application in both civilian… Continue reading Strengthening export control measures for Dual-Use Items

Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): Concerns and Considerations

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor recently addressed the issues and vulnerabilities surrounding Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns. What are Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)? UCBs are primary cooperative banks primarily situated in urban and semi-urban areas, catering to the financial needs of small borrowers and businesses.… Continue reading Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): Concerns and Considerations

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