Telecommunications Act, 2023: UPSC Prelims Notes
In News: Government Notifies Telecom Rules 2026
- The government notified Telecom Rules 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The notified rules cover Principal, Captive and Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services.
About: Telecommunications Act, 2023
- The Telecommunications Act replaces the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and associated telecommunications legislations.
- It also replaces the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 within India’s telecom regulatory framework.
- The Act introduces an authorisation framework replacing the earlier telecom licensing system.
- The Act provides a broader telecommunications definition capable of regulating messaging applications.
Key Provisions
- The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been renamed as the Digital Bharat Nidhi.
- Digital Bharat Nidhi finances telecom infrastructure in remote and isolated regions.
- The Act empowers the Central Government to seize telecom infrastructure on national security or war grounds.
- Existing provisions retain powers for interception orders by authorised senior government officials.
- The new framework includes anti-spam obligations for telecom operators and Internet Service Providers.
- Satellite Communication: The Act recognises satellite internet, though operational rules remain under further consideration.
Authorisation Framework
- The new authorisation regime replaces the previous licensing framework for telecom service providers.
- The framework simplifies regulatory paperwork for telecom operators and Internet Service Providers.
- Existing operators may migrate voluntarily or shift after expiry of their current licences.
Source: The Hindu
World Bank Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP): UPSC Prelims Notes
In News: World Bank Revises Climate Finance Targets
- The World Bank announced the withdrawal of its climate finance allocation targets under the Climate Change Action Plan. The decision followed U.S. objections regarding climate-focused financing priorities within the World Bank Group.
About: Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP)
- The Climate Change Action Plan was launched by the World Bank Group during 2020. The plan covered a five-year period ending during the year 2026.
- CCAP required 35 percent of total financing for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
- The climate finance target increased to 45 percent during the year 2023.
- The World Bank will retain CCAP implementation despite retiring the climate finance allocation targets.
Key Features
- The World Bank will continue supporting Nationally Determined Contributions submitted by partner countries.
- The Bank will continue reporting net greenhouse gas emissions under its institutional scorecard.
- The Bank will also monitor climate resilience beneficiaries through its existing reporting framework.
Climate Co-benefits
- Climate mitigation projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple development sectors.
- Climate adaptation projects strengthen resilience against climate-related risks faced by vulnerable communities.
India Projects
- World Bank support includes climate resilient agriculture projects benefiting smallholder farmers across India.
- The Bank supports forest restoration and biodiversity conservation projects in Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya.
- The portfolio includes Atal Bhujal Yojana supporting community-led groundwater management initiatives.
- World Bank assistance covers green hydrogen, solar parks and battery storage projects.
- The Bank also supports the One Health livestock disease programme addressing zoonotic spillover risks.
Source: The Hindu
Dark Patterns: UPSC Prelims Notes
In News: IRDAI Intensifies Action Against Dark Patterns
- IRDAI has launched measures to identify and curb dark patterns within the insurance sector. The regulator partnered with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) to study misleading digital practices affecting insurance consumers.
About: Dark Patterns
- Dark patterns are design techniques that manipulate users into making unintended digital decisions.
- These practices influence consumer behaviour through misleading interface designs and deceptive online choices.
- Consumers often purchase unwanted products or disclose personal information because of such practices.
- Dark patterns make subscription cancellation difficult and reduce transparency during online transactions.
IRDAI Measures
- IRDAI partnered with the Indian Institute of Public Administration to examine insurance-related dark patterns.
- The regulator introduced a self-assessment checklist for insurers to identify deceptive digital practices.
- The checklist encourages insurers to review consumer interfaces before introducing new digital products.
- IRDAI has advised insurers to improve product transparency and simplify customer communication.
Insurance e-Marketplace
- The regulator introduced Bima Sugam to improve transparency, accessibility and efficiency in insurance distribution.
- Bima Sugam serves as a digital marketplace supporting easier access to insurance products and services.
Source: Indian Express
