THE point made by Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Mr. Satya Nadella needs to be understood by Governments the world over. He has insisted that there should be a global regulation as regards safety and privacy of data so that various tech products are safe to use. Against the background of the complex issues that are dogging authorities and global tech majors as regards safety of information and right to privacy of the users, Mr. Nadella has made a valid point that needs to be pondered upon by the Governments and technologists the world over so as to evolve a common regulation that would act as a binding on all stake-holders. It is unfortunate, however, that despite the problems being faced on this count, a concerted action is not being initiated globally. Various Governments keep imposing curbs on tech majors and legal courts issue notices -- without a solution in sight. That is so because, most unfortunately, the tech majors, too, have used their technological prowess to access information that is private. Mr. Nadella’s suggestion for a globally common regulation has to be viewed from this angle.

 

 

BY REINSTATING the Parliament that was dissolved by embattled Nepalese Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli, the Supreme Court of Nepal has added a major twist to the political struggle in the Himalayan nation even as the world watches with keen interest what the electorate now chooses for the country’s future. Dissolution of the House of Representative in December 2020 was seen as a last-ditch effort by Mr. Oli to save his political future after major differences cropped up within his own Nepal Communist Party. Within the country’s political community, Mr. Oli is seen as a puppet of China. His anti-India stand, ostensibly at the behest of the Chinese Government, had ruffled many feathers within Nepal and his image took a further battering due to inept handling of the COVID-19 situation. Mr. Oli had viewed snap polls after dissolving the Parliament as an escape route to retain power. However, with the historic ruling by the SC he has an onerous task of proving majority in the House now. All the developments are of huge interest for India as it seeks an end to the border dispute stoked by Mr. Oli. Now, India will need its diplomatic outreach with a new vigour.