Govt to Partially Implement New Telecommunications Act from 26th June 2024

Current Context: The Telecommunications Act, 2023 is set to partially come into force on June 26, 2024.

• Here are the key points:
• Replacement of Outdated Regulations: The new act replaces outdated regulations such as the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950.
• Effective Sections: Sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61, and 62 of the Telecommunications Act will become effective on that date.
• Government Control: The new rule allows the government to take control and management of any telecommunication services or network in the interest of national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or during an event of war.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi: The universal service obligation fund will become Digital Bharat Nidhi, which can be used for funding research, development, and pilot projects instead of just supporting telecom services in rural areas.
• User Protection: The new rules also mandate protecting users from spam and malicious communications.

Question:

1 What the Universal Service Obligation fund be renamed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023?

• A) Bharat Digital Fund
• B) Digital India Fund
• C) Digital Bharat Nidhi
• D) Bharat Telecom Fund

Answer: C) The universal service obligation fund will become Digital Bharat Nidhi, which can be used for funding research, development, and pilot projects instead of just supporting telecom services in rural areas.