The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the world’s largest quick-response body for disasters, recently celebrated its 18th Raising Day. The Indian Supreme Court denied Google’s plea against the refusal of interim stay on an approximately ₹1,337 crore penalty. The second phase of Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23 was initiated and Pankaj Kumar Singh was appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor (D-NSA).
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): A Brief Overview
Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NDRF is a dedicated task force for tackling natural and man-made disasters. Its first major assignment was the handling of the Kosi Floods in 2008. Union Minister of Home Affairs recently congratulated the unit on its 18th Raising Day on January 19.
The Google-CCI Issue: Stand of the Supreme Court
Google faced a setback when the Supreme Court of India refused to entertain its plea against NCLAT’s order declining the interim stay on a₹1,337 crore penalty. The apex court granted Google a week to deposit 10% of the penalty levied by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The tech giant ran afoul of CCI regulations for leveraging its dominant position in Android’s mobile device ecosystem-related markets. Meanwhile, Indian companies appreciated the court’s stand.
Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23: Promoting Sports in India
Sansad Khel Mahakumbh 2022-23, a unique initiative that spotlights sports talent and promotes sporting careers, had its second phase inaugurated in Basti, Uttar Pradesh. Various indoor and outstanding contests like basketball, football, hockey, and volleyball are organized under Khel Mahakumbh. Through these games, outstanding athletes are selected for additional training under the Sports Authority of India.
New Deputy NSA: Pankaj Kumar Singh
Pankaj Kumar Singh, the former Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), has been given the position of Deputy National Security Advisor (D-NSA) in the National Security Council Secretariat for a two-year term. Singh will support NSA Ajit Doval in crafting and implementing national security strategies, assessing threats from terrorism, data security, cyber threats, agency readiness, and co-ordination between different organizations managing security matters.
