- BEIJING’S WAR AGAINST AIR POLLUTION
SUBJECT: ENVIRONEMENT
- Beijing’s 2015 pollution levels were similar to Delhi’s current levels
- Beijing reduced pollution by one-third between 2013-2017
- The article suggests Delhi can learn from Beijing’s approach
- Beijing’s Strategy Involved:
- Three-phase coordinated effort
- End-of-pipe treatment for industries
- Elimination of obsolete industrial capacity
- Green construction management
- Strict monitoring and penalties
- Financial investment increased significantly
- Specific Measures: Retrofitted cars with diesel particulate filters
- Gradually tightened emission standards
- Clean energy renovation for power plants
- Improved industrial pollution control
2. THE KNOTTY PROMISE OF SECTION 69
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The article discusses Section 69 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replacing Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC, addressing sexual relations under the pretense of marriage.
- While aiming to curb exploitation, it raises concerns about gender bias, misuse, and challenges in proving intentions in modern relationships.
- Legal experts and cases highlight the complexities surrounding this reform and its implications.
3. SEBI MULLS ALLOWING RETAIL INVESTORS IN ALGO TRADING
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Algorithmic trading, or algo trading, refers to the use of computer programs and algorithms to execute financial market trades automatically.
- These algorithms follow predefined instructions, such as price, volume, timing, and other market conditions, to execute trades at high speed and efficiency. Algo trading minimizes human intervention, reduces errors, and can capitalize on market opportunities faster than manual trading.
- It is widely used for strategies like arbitrage, market making, and trend following in stock markets, forex, and commodities
4. NOW, CCI RAPS TABLE TENNIS BODY’S UNFAIR PRACTICES
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has directed the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) and its affiliates to cease anti-competitive practices.This action follows a complaint filed in 2021 by the TT Friendly Super League Association, which alleged abuse of dominance and restrictive practices by TTFI, including denial of access to players and restrictive clauses in their regulations.
- Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Established Under: The CCI was established under the Competition Act, 2002,to prevent practices that harm competition in the Indian market.
- Legal Provisions: Section 3: Deals with anti-competitive agreements.
- Section 4: Prohibits abuse of dominant position.
- Section 5 & 6: Regulate combinations like mergers and acquisitions to avoid adverse impacts on competition
5. SWISS SHOCK : EFTA MEMBER LOBS BACK INDIA’S MFN TAX VOLLEY
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Suspension of MFN Clause: Switzerland has suspended the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause under its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, effective January 1, 2025.
- Reason for Suspension: The decision follows an October 2023 ruling by the Indian Supreme Court, which stated that the MFN clause does not automatically apply unless explicitly notified under India’s Income Tax Act.
- Impact on Indian Firms: Indian companies operating in Switzerland will face higher tax rates, with dividends taxed at 10% instead of the previous 5%.
- This increases tax liabilities and reduces the competitiveness of Indian firms compared to businesses from countries still benefiting from MFN provisions
- Affected Sectors: The financial services, pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors, which have significant operations in Switzerland, are expected to face the most impact
