MeitY Explores Standalone AI Law: Consent Framework for Synthetic Content, Curbs on Agentic Autonomy

IT Rules 2026 Amended: Social Media Intermediaries Must Remove Sensitive Content in 2 Hours

The Centre has tightened the IT Rules, 2021 through amendments effective February 10, 2026, drastically reducing the timeline for social media platforms to remove sensitive content—from 24 hours to just 2 hours. This move aims to curb deepfakes and AI-generated harmful content, and non-compliance will strip platforms of their safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.

Centre Notifies Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2026; Mandates Common Time Reference

India has mandated Indian Standard Time (IST) as the single legal time reference under the Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2026. This move aims to synchronize critical infrastructure like banking, telecom, and power grids, while reducing dependence on foreign time sources like GPS, enhancing national security.

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

ISI Bill 2026 Introduced in Lok Sabha: Replaces Governing Council with 11-Member Board, Sparks Autonomy Debate

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026, introduced in Lok Sabha, proposes to replace the 33-member Governing Council with an 11-member Board of Governors and change the institute's structure from a society to a body corporate. Faculty and opposition parties oppose the bill, citing loss of autonomy, while the government argues it is necessary for expansion and accountability. The bill would repeal the 1959 Act governing ISI.

RDI Fund: Govt Defends Conflict Safeguards; 62% of ₹2,192 Cr Loans Went to Panel-Linked Firms

The RDI Fund, created to support deep tech companies, faces controversy as 62% of first-round soft loans (₹2,192 crore) went to firms linked to selection panel members. The government defends safeguards including super-majority voting and 10% stake disqualification, noting the second cohort has only 1 of 13 such companies. Congress seeks a parliamentary review on August 13.

IT Rules 2025 Amendments: Joint Secretary Rank Mandated for Content Removal, Monthly Review by Secretary

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology informed Lok Sabha that amendments to IT rules (November 2025) enhance safeguards for content removal, requiring Joint Secretary-level officers to issue directions and monthly review by Secretary. This is crucial for understanding intermediary liability and digital governance.

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India's First Geo-Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit; SC Invokes Article 142 to Quash CJP Protest Cases

A day of high exam relevance: ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated geo-imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, breaking a failure streak. The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to close cases linked to CJP protests, raising important constitutional questions. Other key updates include OpenAI’s new autonomous AI model, Manipur’s NRC-first demand for Census deferral, mistrust in GDP data, and Tata Chemicals’ Kenya dispute.

Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed as 54th GSI Director General, First Woman in 176 Years

Varsha Ashok Aglawe, a palaeontologist with over three decades of experience, has become the first woman to head the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year history. This landmark appointment signals a gender shift in India's premier geoscientific institution and comes with strategic priorities on critical mineral exploration and mineral security—key for national resource self-sufficiency.