LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Review of Meta–WhatsApp Data Sharing and Digital Regulation

• The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns about Meta’s handling of WhatsApp user data, suggesting that dominant digital platforms may obtain consent in a coercive environment.

• The controversy began with WhatsApp’s 2021 policy change that allowed wider data exchange with Meta, triggering regulatory scrutiny despite continued end-to-end encryption of messages.

• The Competition Commission of India held Meta responsible for misuse of market dominance and imposed a financial penalty, emphasising that users have limited realistic alternatives to WhatsApp.

• The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal supported the penalty but removed restrictions on data sharing, favouring privacy legislation over competition law to regulate data usage.

• Meta approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, but the court highlighted the powerful network effect of WhatsApp, which restricts meaningful user choice.

• The judiciary expanded the discussion beyond privacy, focusing on the commercial exploitation of personal data and questioning who benefits from its monetisation.

• Judges indicated the possibility of treating personal data as an economic asset, hinting at regulatory approaches similar to European digital laws.

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been asked to examine whether existing privacy safeguards adequately protect citizens’ digital rights.

• The court criticised the “free service” model of digital platforms, noting that users often become products through targeted advertising and data-driven business strategies.

• The Supreme Court has directed Meta to provide assurances on limiting data sharing, signalling stronger future oversight and potential reforms in India’s digital governance framework.

NATIONAL NEWS

PLASTINDIA 2026 Showcases Sustainable and Advanced Plastic Industry Innovations

• PLASTINDIA 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi on 5 February as a major global exhibition dedicated to the plastics sector.

• The event features participation from more than 2,000 international exhibitors, displaying modern technologies and industrial advancements.

• It highlights innovations related to machinery, raw materials, and circular economy-based plastic solutions.

• The exhibition has been uniquely organised as a Zero-Waste event, promoting environmentally responsible practices.

• The theme “BHARAT NEXT” reflects India’s vision of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.

• India’s industrial capabilities are being showcased through the focus on Men, Material, Machine, and Markets.

• The event is structured around four key pillars — Trade, Technology, Talent, and Tourism — to strengthen sectoral growth.

Bharat Taxi Introduced as India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

• Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi on 5 February 2026 in New Delhi, marking a new initiative in public transport services.

• It is the first ride-hailing service in India operating under a cooperative ownership model.

• The platform focuses on people-centric and inclusive mobility, while strengthening the cooperative movement.

• Drivers, known as “Sarathis,” are treated as key stakeholders, contributing to both management and service delivery.

• Bharat Taxi reduces dependency on private aggregator companies by introducing a driver-owned service structure.

• The service follows a zero-commission and no surge-pricing policy, ensuring fair pricing for passengers and drivers.

• It promotes driver welfare by offering direct income transfers, insurance protection, and retirement savings support.

• The “Bike Didi” initiative encourages women participation, with over 150 women drivers already associated with the platform.

SPORTS

RCB Wins Women’s Premier League 2026 Title

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the WPL 2026 championship after defeating Delhi Capitals in the final played at Vadodara.

• Delhi Capitals set a strong target by scoring 203/4, with Jemimah Rodrigues contributing 57 runs.

• RCB successfully chased the target in 19.4 overs, recording the highest successful run chase in a WPL final.

• Smriti Mandhana delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 87 runs off 41 balls, leading her team to victory.

• With this win, RCB became the first franchise to hold both IPL and WPL trophies at the same time.

• Smriti Mandhana was named the Player of the Match for her decisive innings in the final.

• Sophie Devine from Gujarat Giants received the Most Valuable Player award and also secured the Purple Cap for most wickets.

• Nandini Sharma was honoured as the Emerging Player of the Season, while Mandhana also claimed the Orange Cap for scoring the highest runs in the tournament.

India’s Performance at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026

• Samrat Rana and Suruchi Singh secured a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the championship held in New Delhi.

• Samrat Rana is the current world champion, while Suruchi Singh is known as a World Cup final winner, strengthening India’s medal prospects.

• India showcased a dominant performance, reaching 10 gold medals within the first two days of the competition.

• In individual categories, Rashmika Sahgal and Vanshika Chaudhary participated in the junior women’s 10m air pistol event, while Priyanshi Purva and Chahek Kohla competed in the youth women’s category.

• The Indian medal tally also included five silver medals and one bronze medal, reflecting consistent performance.

• The junior women’s team, comprising Rashmika Sahgal, Vanshika Chaudhary and Agam Grewal, won gold with a combined score of 1714, surpassing Kazakhstan by 43 points.

• The women’s youth team, featuring Priyanshi Purva, Chahek Kohla and Shiksha Saran, also won gold with a score of 1709, with Kazakhstan finishing second.

• The championship is being conducted from 2 to 14 February 2026 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi, with Uzbekistan placed second overall with three gold medals.

Esha Singh Clinches Gold at Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship 2026

• Indian shooter Esha Singh secured the gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol individual event.

• The championship was conducted at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.

• She achieved the victory on the first day of the tournament, showing excellent form.

• Esha staged a remarkable recovery in the final and finished with a score of 239.8.

• This achievement marked her second senior individual gold medal at the Asian Championships.

• Shooters from Chinese Taipei, Cheng Yen-Ching and Yu Ai-Wen, secured silver and bronze respectively.

• Esha also joined Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Singh in the team event, where India captured gold with a combined score of 1,726.

• In the men’s category, Samrat Rana added to India’s medal tally by winning bronze in the 10m air pistol event.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Meeting on Defence Technologies Held

• The 24th Indo-US Joint Technical Group Plenary Meeting on defence technology collaboration was organised by DRDO in New Delhi.

• The two-day dialogue concluded on 5 February 2026, reviewing progress in ongoing defence science partnerships.

• Both nations examined future challenges and proposals to enhance cooperation in advanced and emerging defence technologies.

• The discussions highlighted the importance of joint research and development to meet evolving security needs.

• The meeting stressed stronger involvement of universities, defence research institutions, and private industries.

• The session was jointly led by Dr. Chandrika Kaushik (DRDO) and Michael Francis Dodd from the United States.

• Indian delegates included representatives from the Tri-Services, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of External Affairs.

• Officials from the US Department of War and Department of State also participated, reaffirming commitment to deeper defence technology collaboration between the two countries.

National Conference of State Election Commissioners Scheduled in New Delhi

• The Election Commission of India will organise a national conference on 24 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The event will bring together State Election Commissioners from all States and Union Territories.

• This conference is significant as it is being conducted after a gap of more than 25 years, with the last one held in 1999.

• The session will be led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

• The leaders will address participants during the inaugural ceremony and policy discussions.

• State Election Commissioners will participate along with legal and technical experts to discuss electoral challenges.

• Chief Electoral Officers from all 36 States and UTs will also be present at the conference.

• The conference aims to strengthen coordination and improve institutional cooperation between the ECI and State Election bodies.