Author: karthik

Australia to Ban YouTube & Social Media Syllabus:Governance YouTube has been added to the list of banned platforms for users under 16. Other platforms that are also banned for this age group include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). Companies that fail to comply with this ban may face fines up to AUD 50 million (~USD 32 million). The ban was triggered by a survey from Australia’s eSafety Commission, which found that 37% of children reported being exposed to harmful content on YouTube. Examples of this harmful content include misogynistic and hateful content, online challenges and violence, and videos related to unhealthy diets or exercise. With reference to Australia’s recent ban on digital platforms for minors, consider the following statements: The eSafety Commission acted based on direct surveillance of child accounts. A survey revealed YouTube as a major source of harmful online content. The penalties for non-compliance are civil but not criminal. The law sets a global precedent in regulating algorithmic content exposure. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 onlyB. 2, 3 and 4 onlyC. 1 and 4 onlyD. 2 and 4 only Correct Answer:  B. 2, 3 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – action was based on a survey, not direct surveillance. Statements 2 and 3 are factual. Statement 4 is interpretative but valid – few nations regulate content algorithms so strictly for minors. New Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Appointed Syllabus:Defence   A. Rajarajan has taken charge as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), effective August 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, who retired on July 31, 2025. Rajarajan is known as a composites expert and was a key force behind Vikram-S, which was India’s first privately built rocket. He brings nearly four decades of experience from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to this new role. In his previous role as Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, he was instrumental in modernizing and expanding ISRO’s launch infrastructure. He also led key mission support for several major projects, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, the Gaganyaan TV-D1 test, and LVM3 M2/OneWeb India-1. Consider the following statements regarding Dr. A Rajarajan, the newly appointed Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): He played a major role in India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. He served as Director of SDSC SHAR prior to this role. He was instrumental in the development of India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S. He has no prior experience in composite materials and structures. Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1, 3 and 4 onlyD. All of the above Correct Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 4 is incorrect: Dr. Rajarajan is well-known for his expertise in composite materials. The rest are factually correct as per ISRO’s recent announcements. Punjab Lifts Ban on Heritage Sports After 28 Years Syllabus:Culture   Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced the legalization of several heritage sports in Punjab, including bullock cart races, dog races, horse races, and pigeon racing. These sports had been banned since 1997 due to concerns about animal cruelty.   New Guidelines for Animal Welfare To ensure the welfare of the animals, new guidelines have been introduced. These include: Only non-violent methods, such as clapping, are allowed to guide the animals. Strict monitoring will be in place to prevent the misuse of food or abusive practices. There is a new emphasis on treating the animals like family members.   Revival of Rural Tradition & Culture The decision has been celebrated by villagers, youth, and enthusiasts of these traditional sports. It is seen as a step toward reviving Punjab’s cultural identity and is expected to promote community bonding and a digital detox for the youth. Pigeon racing, in particular, is noted as being popular and involving children and families. With reference to the recent legalization of heritage sports in Punjab, consider the following statements: The previous ban on bullock cart races in Punjab was based on directions from the Animal Welfare Board of India. The 2025 guidelines mandate non-violent methods only, such as clapping, for guiding animals. The move seeks to balance cultural traditions with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 1 and 3 onlyD. All of the above  Correct Answer: B. 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect – The original ban was judicial, not from the Animal Welfare Board, and was based on animal cruelty concerns post 1997. Statements 2 and 3 are aligned with recent reforms: non-violent engagement and legal safeguards under PCA Act. World Athletics: New Female Category Eligibility Regulations Syllabus:Games A new key rule has been introduced in athletics, making a mandatory SRY gene test a once-in-a-lifetime requirement for all female category athletes. This rule was first implemented at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, which began on September 13, 2025.   What is the SRY Gene Test? The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene test is used to confirm a biological male sex. The sample for the test is collected via a cheek swab or blood and is conducted by Member Federations to ensure authenticity and fairness.   Purpose of the Rule The primary purposes of this rule are to: Ensure biological fairness in women’s sports. Prevent gender identity alone from being the sole determinant of eligibility. Protect women athletes from what is described as a “biological glass ceiling.”   Other Key Measures In addition to the SRY gene test, other key measures include: The merging of regulations for athletes with DSD (Differences of Sex Development) and transgender athletes. The introduction of a pre-clearance requirement for eligibility. Support initiatives for gender-diverse XY athletes are also under consideration. With reference to the recently introduced SRY gene test in international women’s sports, consider the following statements: The SRY gene is located