Current Affairs 28 July 2026

20% Local Language Programming Made Mandatory for Private FM Radio.

• 386 private FM channels are currently operational.
• Minimum 20% daily content must be broadcast in the local language.
• Programming should promote local culture, traditions, and folk music.
• 730 FM channels auctioned across 234 new cities (July 9–10, 2025).
• 18 successful bidders, including 9 new entrants.
• Phase-III policy allows use of Prasar Bharati infrastructure for quicker rollout.
• Expansion targets Aspirational districts and LWE-affected areas.
• Government issues LOIs and signs GOPAs with successful bidders.

Centre Bans Foreign Sharing of Telecom Infrastructure Information.

• DoT bars IP-I providers from sharing, storing, or transferring telecom infrastructure data outside India.
• 100% data localization: All telecom infrastructure data must be stored on servers within India.
• Annual security audits mandatory through CERT-In empanelled auditors.
• Non-compliance can lead to cancellation of IP-I registration under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Measure aims to strengthen cybersecurity and protect critical telecom infrastructure.

Supreme Court Bans Unauthorized Social Media Clips of Court Hearings.

• Supreme Court bans unauthorized recording, editing, or uploading of live-streamed court proceedings.
• Misleading edited clips may attract contempt of court proceedings.
• Copyright of court proceedings remains with the Supreme Court of India.
• Social media platforms must remove unauthorized clips within 24 hours of notice.
• Measure aims to protect judicial integrity and prevent misuse of court proceedings.

Indian Scientists Develop Affordable Zinc-Air Battery Technology.

• ARCI (DST) developed a low-cost electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
• Noble-metal-free catalyst cuts battery cost by about 60%.
• 3–4 times higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries.
• Suitable for EVs, renewable energy storage, and rural micro-grids.
• Safer and eco-friendly with a non-flammable water-based electrolyte.

European Union Slaps Google with €890 Million Antitrust Penalty.

• European Commission fined Google €890 million for abusing dominance in online advertising.
• Google found guilty of restricting rivals through anti-competitive ad contract clauses.
• Ordered to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by ending self-preferencing practices.
• EU antitrust fines against Google now exceed €8.2 billion since 2017.
• Google will appeal the decision before the EU General Court.