India’s First Transgender-Led Health Clinic Reopens as ''Sabrang'' in Hyderabad
Context
India’s pioneering transgender-led health clinic, earlier known as Mitr Clinic, has reopened in Hyderabad under the name Sabrang Clinic, backed by renewed funding from Tata Trusts. The clinic had previously shut down due to a funding freeze by USAID.
About Sabrang Clinic
- What It Is:
Sabrang Clinic is India’s first health facility fully operated and managed by transgender individuals, catering specifically to the healthcare needs of the transgender community.
- Key Services Offered:
- Gender-affirming care
- HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
- Mental health support
- Primary and general healthcare services
- Unique Features:
- A safe, stigma-free space for transgender patients
- Empowerment through employment in the healthcare sector for transgender staff
Significance
- Addresses persistent discrimination and marginalization of transgender individuals in mainstream medical institutions
- Promotes inclusive healthcare access and sets a precedent for community-led care models
- Demonstrates a shift toward community empowerment and health equity
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WHO Launches “3 by 35” Initiative to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases
Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the “3 by 35” initiative, aimed at reducing the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by significantly increasing health taxes on:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Sugary drinks
Key Goal
Raise the price of these harmful products by at least 50% through taxation over the next 10 years.
Expected Outcomes
- Generate $1 trillion in additional global public revenue
- Reduce premature deaths linked to NCDs
- Improve long-term health equity and financial stability
What Is a Health Tax?
A health tax is levied on products harmful to public health to:
- Discourage consumption
- Offset healthcare costs
- Fund health services
Why Health Taxes Are Needed
- Health Burden: NCDs cause over 75% of global deaths, with tobacco and unhealthy diets as major drivers
- Economic Cost: Tobacco alone cost the global economy $1.4 trillion in 2012
- Revenue Potential: A 50% health tax could generate $740 billion annually, about 0.75% of global GDP
- Equity Impact: Poorer populations are more affected by NCDs, making health taxes a tool for reducing health inequities
India’s Efforts to Curb Unhealthy Consumption
Domestic Tax Measures
- Aerated drinks: Taxed at 28% GST + 12% compensation cess
- HFSS Foods (High Fat, Sugar, Salt): Taxed at 12% GST
- FSSAI Norms: Trans fats capped at 2% by mass in edible oils and fats
Global Best Practices
- Colombia (2016): Cigarette tax hike led to a 34% drop in smoking rates
- Saudi Arabia: A 50% sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax led to a 19% decline in consumption within a year
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Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025
Released by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)
Edition: 19th
Coverage: 163 countries
Indicators Used: 23 indicators across three main domains:
- Level of Societal Safety and Security
- Extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict
- Degree of Militarisation
Key Findings:
- Global peacefulness has worsened on average.
- South Asia is the second least peaceful region, suffering the largest regional decline.
- Top ranked country: Iceland (1st place)
- India''s rank: 115th
- Least peaceful country: Russia (163rd)
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SAKSHAM-3000 – India''s High-Capacity Switch-Router
Launched by: Ministry of Communications and Rural Development
Developed by: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
What is it?
- 25.6 Tbps switch-router designed for next-gen digital infrastructure
- Tailored for data centres, telecom operators, and AI-driven enterprises
Key Features:
- Supports: 32 ports of 400G; Ethernet speeds from 1G to 400G
- Applications: Powers 5G/6G networks, cloud infrastructure, AI workloads
- Network compatibility: Leaf to super-spine roles in CLOS architecture
Technology Highlights:
- Uses C-DOT Router Operating System (CROS)
- Compatible with Layer-2, IP, and MPLS networks
- Equipped for time-sensitive applications using PTP and Sync-E
- Energy-efficient, with hot-swappable power and fan units
- Advanced QoS management with WRR and WRED
Strategic Importance:
- Supports India’s push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in high-end telecom and data tech
- Future-ready platform for legacy and cloud-native network environments
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Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
- Plastics not only pollute oceans and landfills but also enter the human body via microplastic particles and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
- Endocrine System:
- Made up of glands that produce hormones.
- Hormones are chemical messengers that carry information and instructions between cells.
- Influences nearly every cell, organ, and bodily function.
- About Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs):
- EDCs are natural or synthetic chemicals that disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system.
- Exposure occurs through air, food, water, and skin contact.
- EDCs interfere with hormones by:
- Mimicking hormones, tricking the body.
- Blocking natural hormones from working.
- Changing hormone levels by affecting their production, breakdown, or storage.
- Altering body sensitivity to hormones.
- There are about 85,000 man-made chemicals globally; over 1,000 are identified as EDCs.
- Common EDC examples include Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates found in plastics.
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DengiAll
- India has achieved 50% enrolment in the first phase III clinical trial for its indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll.
- About DengiAll:
- Developed by Panacea Biotec Limited under a licensing agreement with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Contains weakened forms of all four dengue virus subtypes.
- The virus composition is the same as the NIH-developed vaccine, differing only in inactive ingredients.
- Phase I and II trials in India showed a balanced, strong immune response to all four dengue types.
- The vaccine was found to be safe and well tolerated.
- Multiple Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institutes are involved in evaluating efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety.
- ICMR’s National Institute of Translational Virology (NITVAR) and AIDS Research Institute coordinate the trial.
- Key Facts about Dengue:
- It is a mosquito-borne viral infection.
- Common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially urban and semi-urban areas.
- Transmission:
- Spread by bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes carrying one of four dengue virus types.
- Not contagious person-to-person except from mother to child during pregnancy.
- Symptoms:
- High fever, headache, body aches, nausea, rash.
- Most recover in 1-2 weeks.
- Severe cases can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever.
- Treatment:
- No specific cure; treatment focuses on relieving pain and symptoms.
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Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopter
- The Indian Army will soon receive its first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States.
- About Apache AH-64E:
- The world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
- Used for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions.
- Origin: United States.
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- Also called Apache Guardian.
- The AH-64E is the latest model used by the US Army.
- Global Users:
- Countries including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK use it.
- Apache in India:
- Indian Air Force currently operates 22 AH-64E helicopters.
- In 2020, Boeing signed an agreement to supply six more to the Indian Army.
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Garcinia kusumae – New Garcinia Species Discovered in Assam
Overview:
- Discovered in: Assam
- Genus: Garcinia (locally known as thoikora in Assamese)
- Species name: Garcinia kusumae
Key Features:
- Type: Dioecious evergreen tree
- Height: Up to 18 metres
- Flowering Season: February to April
- Fruit Maturity: May to June
- Unique Traits:
- Up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle
- Fewer stamens per flower (except Garcinia assamica)
- Fruits produce blackish resinous exudate
Cultural and Medicinal Uses:
- Sun-dried pulp: Used in sherbet with salt and sugar – prevents heat stroke, quenches thirst
- Culinary use: Cooked with fish in curries
- Medicinal value: Traditional remedy for diabetes and dysentery
- Seed aril: Eaten raw with salt, chillies, and mustard oil
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Roll Cloud Over Portugal
Recent Event:
- A rare roll cloud was observed off Portugal''s coast during an extreme heatwave, surprising onlookers.
About Roll Clouds:
- A type of arcus cloud – tube-shaped, horizontal, and detached from parent thunderstorms
- Altitude: Typically forms between 2,000 to 7,000 metres
- Common in: Coastal and mountainous areas – Alps, Japan, Scotland, northern Australia
What is an Arcus Cloud?
- Low, horizontal cloud associated with thunderstorm outflows or cold fronts
- Two Types:
- Shelf Cloud – attached to the storm
- Roll Cloud – detached, appears to roll around a horizontal axis
- Formed when cold downdraft air from a storm pushes into warm, moist air
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Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)
- Ethiopia’s Prime Minister announced that the GERD on the Blue Nile is complete and will be officially inaugurated in September.
- About GERD:
- Formerly called the Millennium Dam.
- Located in Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia near the Sudan border.
- Built on the Blue Nile, a major tributary of the Nile River.
- Capacity: 6.45 Gigawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa.
- Construction began in April 2011.
- Owned by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO).
- Dispute:
- Egypt and Sudan fear the dam will reduce their Nile water share.
- Both countries have repeatedly requested Ethiopia to halt filling the dam until a comprehensive agreement is reached.
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Polar Anticyclone
Context: Chile and Argentina ranked among the coldest places on Earth outside the polar regions, due to polar anticyclones.
What is a Polar Anticyclone?
- A high-pressure wind system formed by cooling of surface air layers.
- Cooling makes surface air denser, causing sinking air and inflow of air at higher levels, increasing pressure.
- High-pressure center surrounded by low-pressure areas, with winds flowing outward.
- Wind rotation:
- Northern Hemisphere: Outward and clockwise
- Southern Hemisphere: Outward and anti-clockwise
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Chhattisgarh Forest Department Withdraws Directive on Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR)
Context:
- The Chhattisgarh Forest Department withdrew a directive that restricted other government departments, NGOs, and private entities from working on Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), which undermined the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
About CFRR:
- CFRR is part of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA).
- It grants communities the right to protect, regenerate, conserve, and manage community forest resources via Gram Sabhas (village councils).
- CFR areas are common forest lands traditionally protected by communities for sustainable use.
- Communities can formulate rules for forest use, fulfilling their responsibilities under the FRA.
National Working Plan Code 2023:
- A guiding document issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) first in 2004, amended in 2014.
- Provides scientific management principles for forest divisions.
- The withdrawn directive tried to align CFRR with this code but was seen as restrictive.
Forest Rights Act, 2006:
- Aim: To correct historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities, ensuring their livelihood, food security, and rights.
- Rights recognized include:
- Individual Rights: Self-cultivation, habitation, in-situ rehabilitation.
- Community Rights: Grazing, fishing, access to water bodies, intellectual property, traditional knowledge, and protecting customary rights.
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PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Dissemination Portal
- Recently launched to provide open access to National and State-level student performance data.
- Purpose:
- Helps States and Union Territories design targeted plans to improve learning outcomes and bridge skill gaps.
- What is PARAKH?
- Stands for Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
- Established within NCERT in 2023.
- Aims to standardize school board assessments across India.
- Staffed by leading assessment experts with knowledge of Indian and international education systems.
- Works to bring school boards across States and UTs onto a common platform.
- Supports mandates of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Major Areas of Focus:
- Capacity development in competency-based assessment.
- Conducting large-scale achievement surveys.
- Ensuring equivalence of different school boards.
- Developing holistic progress cards for all school stages: foundational, preparational, middle, and secondary.
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Television Rating Point (TRP)
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has proposed amendments to the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies-2014 to better reflect India’s diverse and changing media consumption habits.
- What is TRP?
- TRP measures the popularity and viewership of television programs.
- Higher viewership means a higher TRP.
- TRP is calculated over a period, usually a week.
- Broadcasters and advertisers use TRP to assess which programs attract more viewers.
- Advertisers decide where to place ads based on TRP; investors use it to make financial decisions.
- How is TRP Calculated in India?
- TRP is calculated by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).
- BARC installs devices called “BAR-O-meters” in selected households (over 58,000 homes).
- These meters record which channels or programs are watched by family members or selected people.
- This method is known as People Meters.
- Another method is picture matching, where the device records a small portion of the screen being watched.
- Collected data is analyzed to calculate TRPs.
- BARC releases weekly TRP ratings every Thursday, ranking channels and programs.
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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
Context:
- The DAC recently approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore, emphasizing 100% indigenous sourcing to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
Recent Approvals:
- ₹1.05 lakh crore worth of capital acquisitions were approved under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
- Naval acquisitions got Approval of Necessity (AoN) for Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Submersible Autonomous Vessels, and Super Rapid Gun Mounts.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is close to finalizing procurement of three regiments of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QR-SAM) worth about ₹30,000 crore for the Indian Army’s air defence.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a ₹62,700 crore contract for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (Prachand) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking the biggest-ever helicopter deal.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
- DAC is the top decision-making authority in the Ministry of Defence for all procurement-related matters.
- Established in 2001 after reforms following the Kargil War (1999) based on the Group of Ministers Report on National Security.
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Composition:
- Chaired by the Defence Minister.
- Members include the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Objectives:
- Ensure timely, cost-efficient, and capability-focused defence procurement while optimizing the allocated budget.
Key Functions:
- Approves the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals.
- Gives in-principle approval to the 15-year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP).
- Categorizes procurement into Buy (Indian), Buy & Make, and Make categories.
- Decides on Transfer of Technology (ToT) and offset obligations for contracts above ₹300 crore.
- Addresses single-vendor procurement issues.
- Oversees field trial evaluations and assesses performance of defence equipment.
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Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Context:
- The Prime Minister announced during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago that people of Indian origin up to the sixth generation in that country will now be eligible for OCI cards.
About OCI:
- OCI is a type of permanent residency granted to foreign nationals of Indian origin, allowing them to live, work, and travel in India without needing a visa.
- Launched in August 2005 under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2005.
- Administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Objective:
- To maintain a connection with the global Indian diaspora by providing long-term rights to stay and participate in India''s economic and cultural life, without granting dual citizenship.
Eligibility (as per Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955):
- Foreign citizens who:
- Were Indian citizens after 26 January 1950.
- Were eligible for Indian citizenship on 26 January 1950.
- Belonged to a territory that became part of India after 15 August 1947.
- Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
- Minor children with at least one parent being an Indian citizen.
- Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI holders (marriage must be at least 2 years old).
Not Eligible:
- Applicants or ancestors who were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any country notified by the Indian government.
Key Features of OCI Card:
- Provides a multiple-entry, lifelong visa to India.
- No requirement for police reporting, even for extended stays.
- Allows employment in India without a visa.
- Equal rights with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in education, finance, housing, and property ownership, except for agricultural land.
- Permits purchase of residential and commercial properties in India.
- Does not grant dual citizenship, but offers most rights except voting and holding constitutional offices.
- Applications and status tracking are done online via the OCI portal.
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Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG), 2025
Context:
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways updated the MVAG to include new mobility trends like bike taxis, electric vehicles (EVs), and app-based autorickshaws.
About MVAG:
- Regulatory framework under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, governing app-based ride-hailing platforms (e.g., Ola, Uber, Rapido).
- Issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Key Features:
- Driver Welfare and Earnings:
- Drivers using their own vehicle get at least 80% of the fare.
- Drivers using aggregator-owned vehicles get at least 60%.
- Mandatory health insurance of ₹5 lakh and term insurance of ₹10 lakh per driver.
- Low-rated drivers (bottom 5%) must undergo quarterly training.
- Passenger Protection:
- ₹5 lakh travel insurance mandatory per passenger.
- Aggregators must resolve complaints within 3 days and inform passengers of outcomes.
- Fares charged only from pick-up to drop-off.
- Fare Regulation:
- States to fix base fares per vehicle category.
- Aggregators can charge between 50% less than base fare up to twice the base fare as a dynamic pricing cap, limiting surge pricing.
- Penalties for Cancellations:
- 10% penalty (up to ₹100) on driver or rider for unjustified cancellations.
- Valid cancellation reasons must be listed publicly.
- Bike-Taxi Legal Recognition:
- Non-transport motorcycles allowed for ride-hailing with state approval.
- Clarifies legality for bike taxi services like Rapido.
- EV Promotion & Accessibility:
- States may set annual EV adoption targets for aggregators.
- Inclusion of vehicles accessible for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) is mandatory.
- Driver Screening:
- Mandatory police verification, medical and psychological tests before onboarding.
- Aggregators to provide induction and annual refresher training.
- Grievance and Licensing:
- Aggregators must appoint grievance officers and display contact details publicly.
- Centralized portal to manage licenses, renewals, and deposits.
- Compliance and Penalties:
- Violations can result in fines from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore.
- Repeat violations may lead to license suspension (3 months) or cancellation.
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RBI’s New Policy on Pre-Payment Charges
Context:
- RBI has prohibited lenders from charging pre-payment fees on floating-rate loans taken by individuals and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), effective from 1 January 2026.
Pre-Payment Mechanism:
- Pre-payment means repaying a loan partially or fully before the scheduled time.
- It can reduce the interest amount or loan tenure.
How it Works:
- Loan agreements state if pre-payment is allowed, any charges, lock-in periods, and payment limits.
- Types:
- Part-prepayment: Paying a lump sum along with EMIs to reduce the principal.
- Full prepayment (foreclosure): Paying off the entire loan early.
- Benefits: Lowers interest burden and shortens EMI or tenure.
New RBI Decision:
- No pre-payment penalties on floating-rate loans for individuals (non-business) and MSEs.
- Applies to new or renewed loans from 1 January 2026.
- Covers both partial and full pre-payments without penalty, no lock-in period, no restriction on source of funds.
Reason for Policy:
- RBI found inconsistent and unclear pre-payment charges by lenders.
- Borrowers, especially MSEs, faced difficulties closing loans early, leading to financial strain.
- The move supports credit mobility and promotes competition among lenders.
Significance:
- Reduces hurdles for MSEs, aiding economic growth and employment.
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and startup ecosystems by increasing financial freedom.
- Protects consumers from hidden fees and enforces clear disclosure of pre-payment terms in loan documents.
- Encourages financial inclusion for first-time borrowers, rural users, and women entrepreneurs.
- Harmonizes rules for loans up to ₹50 lakh across banks, NBFCs, cooperative banks, and regional rural banks.
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Russia Officially Recognises the Taliban
Context:
- Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in 2021.
About Russia:
- Location: Northern Eurasia, spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
- Size: Largest country in the world (~17 million sq. km) across 11 time zones.
- Capital: Moscow.
- Neighbours: Shares land borders with 16 countries (most in the world), including Norway, China, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; maritime borders with Japan and the USA.
- Governance: Federal semi-presidential republic.
- President: Vladimir Putin (Head of State)
- Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin (Head of Government)
- Geography:
- Mountain ranges: Ural (divides Europe and Asia), Caucasus (Mount Elbrus - highest peak in Europe), Altai, Sayan, Kamchatka.
- Rivers & Lakes: Volga (Europe’s longest river), Lena, Yenisei, Ob (Siberian rivers), Lake Baikal (world’s deepest freshwater lake), Lake Ladoga (Europe’s largest lake).
- Landscapes include tundra, taiga, steppes, semi-deserts, and large permafrost areas.
- Rich in natural resources like oil, gas, metals, timber.
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Surveillance Pricing (Personalized/Dynamic Pricing)
Context: New York State was sued by the National Retail Federation over surveillance pricing practices.
What is Surveillance Pricing?
- Business practice of adjusting prices for products or services based on data collected about individuals.
- Data can include browsing history, purchase patterns, location, and more.
- Enables personalized or dynamic pricing tailored to consumer behavior and profiles
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OPCW’s 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia — New Delhi
Event:
- OPCW, in collaboration with India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), hosted the 23rd regional meeting in New Delhi.
About OPCW:
- Implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
- CWC was adopted in 1992, enforced from 1997.
- First multilateral disarmament treaty eliminating a whole class of weapons of mass destruction within a fixed timeline.
- Has 193 member states, including India (original signatory).
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
India’s Role:
- NACWC implements the CWC in India under the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.
- In 2024, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) received the OPCW-The Hague Award for advancing CWC goals and enhancing chemical industry safety in India — the first chemical industry body worldwide to earn this honor.
- ICC is India’s oldest chemical industry association.
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International Olympic Committee (IOC) Flags Issues Amid India’s 2036 Olympics Bid
Context:
- IOC recently raised concerns over governance issues in the Indian Olympic Association and a rise in doping violations as India pushes to host the 2036 Olympics.
About IOC:
- Founded in 1894.
- Independent, nonprofit international organization.
- Acts as the guardian of the Olympic Games and promotes ethics and good governance in sports worldwide.
- Members represent the IOC globally, not their countries.
- Fully privately funded.
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