SNIPPETS 04 MAY 2026

USTR Special 301 Report: Released by: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), under Trade Act 1974+ The report identifies countries that are considered by the US as not providing adequate and effective protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) or fair and equitable market access to IP rights holders from the US+ Not legally binding but used as pressure tool in trade negotiations+ India was retained on Special 301 Report Priority Watch List indicating concerns over intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement.

Gig workers: The Code on Social Security, 2020, defines a gig worker as a person who works outside a traditional employer-employee relationship+ Types: Platform and Non platform-based workers+ Platform workers are those whose work is based on online apps or digital platforms. E.g., Ola, Zomato, Urban Company, etc+ Non-platform gig workers are generally casual wage workers and own account workers in the conventional sectors, working part-time or full time.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): National Standards Body of India under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016+ Headquarters: New Delhi+ Regional Offices: Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Delhi+ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published standards for medical assistive technologies like Elbow crutches, Walking sticks, Multi-legged walking sticks, etc