Policy & Regulation

Roblox users must complete age checks to access chat features

Roblox now requires users worldwide to complete an age check to use chat and other communication features.

Indonesia blocks access to Grok over non-consensual sexual deepfakes

Indonesia temporarily blocked access to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot over the risk of fake, AI-generated pornographic content and non-consensual sexual deepfakes.

Telangana plans ₹1.02 crore accident insurance for all state government employees

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the state government will introduce ₹1.02 crore accident insurance cover for all government employees in the state.

NGT finds Varanasi Ganga riverbed ‘Tent City’ violated environmental norms

The National Green Tribunal said a ‘Tent City’ set up on the Ganga riverbed in Varanasi in 2023 was established and operated in violation of environmental laws and ordered recovery of environmental compensation that had been levied but not recovered.

Kerala High Court urges special cell for black magic and inhuman practices complaints

The Kerala High Court asked the State government to consider setting up a special cell to deal with offences and complaints involving black magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and other inhuman practices while hearing a PIL seeking an anti-superstition law.

India plans a three-year nationwide campaign against narcotics starting March 31

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a three-year nationwide campaign starting March 31 to crack down on narcotics and pursue a drug-free India.

India’s first commercial quantum computer set for deployment at IIIT-Dharwad

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge said India’s first commercial quantum computer will be deployed at IIIT-Dharwad, and he held meetings with QpiAI and Singapore-based ZWEEC on quantum technology and rural water security.

SpaceX receives FCC approval to expand second-generation Starlink constellation

SpaceX received FCC permission to construct, deploy, and operate an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing its total Gen2 authorization to 15,000 satellites worldwide with both fixed and mobile service.

Petition challenges freezing of bank accounts in cybercrime investigations

The Supreme Court agreed to examine a petition seeking a uniform SOP and guidelines for freezing and de-freezing bank accounts in cybercrime investigations, citing alleged arbitrary freezing of a petitioner’s account by a Tamil Nadu Police cyber cell.

Public feedback invited on draft Pesticides Management Bill to regulate pesticides

The Union Agriculture Ministry invited public comments on a draft Pesticides Management Bill to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968 and regulate pesticides to ensure safe and effective use while minimising risks to people, animals, other organisms, and the environment.

Supreme Court scrutiny of private university approvals and affidavit compliance

The Supreme Court said its enquiry into the establishment and benefits of private universities is not a “witch-hunt” or “headmaster” exercise, and questioned the Centre and States for not complying with orders on personally affirmed affidavits.

Trade unions call for Feb. 12 general strike over four Labour Codes

Ten Central Trade Unions called for a general strike on February 12 against implementation of four Labour Codes and threatened an indefinite strike if the Codes are not withdrawn.

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