# Telecom reforms

• The cabinet on Wednesday approved several measures to extend a lifeline to the cash-strapped telecom sector.

• Cabinet redefined the much litigated concept of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to exclude non-telecom revenue and a four year moratorium on players’ dues to the government.

• Telecom minister Ashwini vaishnaw said the government was keen on ensuring that there were more players in the sector and consumers retained choices when asked about the fears of a duopoly emerging with just two major telecom players – Bharti Airtel and Reliance jio.

• Telecom minister announced nine structural reforms and five procedural reforms for the sector.

• Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector has also been allowed upto 100% under the automatic route.

# National crime records bureau

• There was a 28% increase in the registration of cases in 2020 in the country compared to 2019.

• An almost 21 fold jump was recorded in cases of disobedience to the order duly promulgated by public servant.

• Crimes against scheduled castes, with a total of 50,291 cases, showed an increase of 9.4%.

# Sputnik light

• The drug controller general of India (DCGI) has recommended that the Single-dose version of the Sputnik V vaccine – Sputnik light – be tested in Indians.

• The Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy’s laboratories, which is licensed to manufacture the vaccine, had presented updated safety, immunogenicity and efficacy data of Sputnik light phase III clinical trial conducted in Russia.

# PLI for auto sector

• The union cabinet on Wednesday approved a 26,058 crore rupees production linked incentive (PLI) scheme to spur manufacture of advanced technology and green vehicles, auto parts and drones.

• The government estimates the scheme will attract 42,500 crore rupees in fresh investment into the automobile and auto components industry over five years.

# Air India

• The Tata group has submitted a financial bid for acquiring Air India, which the government plans to privatise.

• The group’s holding company Tata sons confirmed the bid but declined to divulge details.

• Tata sons has an 83.7% stake in Air-Asia India and holds 51% in Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore airlines.