Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
India Stakes Claim to the Top Leadership position at International Telecom Union (ITU)
•   India has nominated Ms. M. Revathi, Joint Wireless Advisor at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as its candidate for Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This marks India’s most significant bid in decades to influence global radio spectrum governance.
•   A specialized UN agency based in Geneva, the ITU ensures that the world’s communication systems work together, safely, securely, and fairly. The Radiocommunication Bureau of the ITU regulates the global radio frequencies and satellite orbits—crucial for 5G, 6G, space broadband, disaster response, managing these finite resources. As Director, Ms. Revathi would play a central role in shaping next-gen radiocommunication standards and ensuring equitable spectrum access.
•   ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for digital technologies (ICTs). The Organization is made up of a membership of 194 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with regional offices on every continent, ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family – connecting the world since the dawn of the telegraph in 1865.
•   ITU coordinates the global telecom systems through its three sectors: ITU-T (Standardization), ITU-D (Development), and ITU-R (Radiocommunication). The Radiocommunication Bureau manages the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources, ensuring countries and technologies (like 5G, aviation, space missions, etc.) don’t interfere with one another. This coordination is crucial for everything from mobile networks to GPS, weather satellites, and broadcasting.

INTERNATIONAL
Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88.
•   Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, ending an often turbulent reign marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the hidebound institution.
•   He was 88, and had survived a serious bout of double pneumonia.
•   Leaders across the world were reacting to the pope’s death with praise for his efforts to reform the worldwide church and offering condolences to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
•   Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose the next pope, increasing the possibility that his successor will continue his progressive policies, despite the strong pushback from traditionalists.

ECONOMY
Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector
•   The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, welcomed the decision to impose a 12 percent safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products.
•   This measure is a timely and necessary step to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market.
•   This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry.
CCI approves Google’s ₹20.24 crore settlement in Android TV antitrust case
•   The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Monday through a majority order, has approved a settlement proposal submitted by Google in connection with the Android TV case, marking a key resolution under the newly notified Competition Commission of India (Settlement) Regulations, 2024. The settlement amount has been finalized at ₹20.24 crore after applying a 15% discount as per regulatory provisions.

• The case was initiated based on information filed under Section 19(1)(a) of the Competition Act, 2002, by two individuals, Kshitiz Arya and Purushottam Anand. The complaint alleged that Google LLC, along with Google India Private Limited, Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited, and TCL India Holding Private Limited, had contravened several provisions of the Competition Act by abusing its dominant position in the Android TV ecosystem.
• According to the allegations, Google enforced restrictive agreements on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) through the compulsory bundling of the Play Store with its Android TV operating system. Further, it allegedly restricted OEMs from using or developing rival Android versions via Anti-Fragmentation Agreements. These practices, the complainants argued, hindered market access, suppressed competition, and stifled innovation—thus violating Section 4 of the Act.

SPORTS
Nishchay Wins Silver with 19.59m Throw at Asian U-18 Athletics Championship
• At the Asian U-18 Athletics Championship held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 16-year-old Nishchay from Haryana made headlines by winning the silver medal in the boys’ shot put event.
• Competing on the third day of the championship, Nishchay delivered a personal best throw of 19.59 meters, surpassing his previous best of 18.93 meters recorded just last month. This marks his second medal at the meet, showcasing his rapid growth and promising talent on the international stage.

APPOINTMENTS
Mangi Lal Jat Appointed Secretary of DARE & DG of ICAR
•   Dr. Mangi Lal Jat officially assumed charge as the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
•   With over 25 years of experience in agronomy, conservation agriculture, and climate-resilient farming systems, his appointment is seen as a major step toward enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and research innovation in India.
•   Jat succeeds Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who opted for voluntary retirement, and is set to serve a term of three years.

Published date : 23 Apr 2025 10:04AM