Daily Current Affairs for CLAT 2026
Stay updated with Daily GK & Current Affairs for CLAT 2026. Boost your CLAT prep with trending news, legal updates & exam-focused current topics.
1.Closing In On TB: India’s Diagnostic Revolution and the Fight Against Tuberculosis
Introduction: Why in News?
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Although preventable and curable, it continues to pose serious challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and containment—especially in high-burden countries like India. In July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), signaling a fresh wave of commitment, innovation, and urgency in India’s public health mission. The recent article by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a leading voice in global public health, emphasized how advances in diagnostics, vaccines, and digital tools are transforming the country’s approach to ending TB.
This moment is crucial not just for India’s healthcare sector but also for law and governance scholars preparing for CLAT 2026 and UPSC 2026. It demonstrates the intersection of public policy, technology, rights-based healthcare delivery, and global health diplomacy—topics of high relevance for competitive exams.
Current Context and TB Burden
The World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global TB Report 2024 recorded a global decline in TB incidence by 8.3% from 2015 to 2023. India outperformed this average with a 17.7% reduction, making it a global front-runner. These improvements are attributed to the strategic implementation of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which combines community engagement with cutting-edge diagnostic tools.
Despite these achievements, the challenge remains substantial. In 2023 alone, an estimated 2.7 million people worldwide who developed TB were not diagnosed or notified, especially in regions with weak diagnostic systems. In India, nearly 50% of all TB cases in high-burden settings go undetected due to subclinical infections, where patients carry the infection but exhibit no symptoms. This silent transmission is a key contributor to India’s TB burden.
Learning from the 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
India’s 100-day “TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” was launched as a concentrated campaign to plug the gaps in detection. This initiative included:
- Proactive screening of vulnerable populations.
- Deployment of mobile chest X-ray units.
- Use of AI-based image analysis to identify abnormalities.
The results were striking—2.85 lakh asymptomatic TB cases were detected out of 7.19 lakh diagnoses. These individuals would have remained untreated under conventional symptom-based methods, continuing to spread the disease unknowingly.
This campaign demonstrated the power of community-based outreach, combined with technological interventions, in improving disease detection and reducing transmission chains.
Bridging the Diagnostic Gap with New Technology
One of the most persistent challenges in TB control is the diagnostic gap. Traditional sputum smear tests, though widely used, are invasive, time-consuming, and often ineffective for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Emerging innovations are addressing this issue:
- Non-invasive sample collection: Methods like nasal swabs and tongue swabs are easier to administer and less discomforting.
- Open PCR platforms: These drastically reduce the cost of high-accuracy molecular testing, making them scalable even in rural and semi-urban areas.
- AI-assisted radiography: Artificial intelligence can analyze chest X-rays faster and more accurately than manual methods.
These technologies not only make TB detection more efficient and affordable but also enable early identification, improving the patient’s survival and reducing community spread.
Nutrition and Socioeconomic Support: The Nikshay Poshan Yojana
Undernutrition is one of the leading risk factors for TB progression and death. Recognizing this, the government has doubled the monthly aid provided through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)—a direct-benefit transfer scheme supporting nutritional needs of TB patients.
Such schemes represent the rights-based approach to health governance, where economic vulnerability is addressed as a determinant of health outcomes. For law aspirants, this has direct connections to:
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 47),
- Right to Health under Article 21 (as interpreted by the Supreme Court), and
- International Covenants on Socio-Economic Rights.
Differentiated Care Models and Risk Stratification
India is now shifting toward differentiated TB care, where the type of service depends on the patient’s risk profile and disease severity. This includes:
- Early triage to refer serious cases to specialized facilities.
- Prioritization of inpatient care for high-risk individuals.
- Basic outpatient support for low-risk patients.
This strategy has a dual benefit—it reduces mortality while also optimizing resource utilization, ensuring that the most critical patients receive intensive care.
Vaccine Development: Lessons from the COVID-19 Playbook
Perhaps the most groundbreaking strategy lies in TB vaccine development. Drawing from the success of India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign, experts argue that similar models of:
- Global collaboration,
- Streamlined regulation, and
- Public investment
must now be applied to TB.
India’s scientific infrastructure and biopharmaceutical sector—responsible for producing billions of COVID vaccines—is now being mobilized to develop next-generation TB vaccines, including promising mRNA-based candidates currently under clinical trial.
India’s leadership in this domain offers diplomatic and economic advantages in the international health arena and aligns with its SDG 3 goal of ending epidemics by 2030.
India’s Global Leadership and PM Modi’s Role
India’s approach to TB has become a global model, especially for low- and middle-income countries grappling with similar public health challenges. PM Modi’s personal engagement with the issue has:
- Kept TB elimination high on the political agenda.
- Inspired international collaboration.
- Promoted ambitious health targets backed by digital infrastructure and financial schemes.
This kind of political will is crucial in combating long-term public health threats and has become a soft power tool for India in global forums.
2.INS Tamal: The Last Imported Warship and India’s Journey to Maritime Atmanirbharta
Why in News
On July 2, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned the INS Tamal, a Talwar-class frigate built in Kaliningrad, Russia, at the Yantar Shipyard. This ship marks a historic moment — it is the last foreign-built warship India is likely to induct. Going forward, the Navy plans to rely entirely on indigenously built warships in line with India’s pursuit of self-reliance or “Atmanirbharta” in defence manufacturing.
This event signals the culmination of decades of focused shipbuilding reforms, evolving industrial policies, and strategic vision aimed at bolstering India’s naval autonomy and indigenisation.
IN The Strategic Importance of INS Tamal
INS Tamal is part of a four-ship order placed by India with Russia under Project 11356. Two of these were to be constructed in Russia, while the other two are being built in India.
Ships in the Order:
- INS Tush – Delivered
- INS Tamal – Commissioned in July 2025
- INS Triput – Under construction in Goa
- INS Tanasya – Under construction in Goa
INS Tamal is an advanced version of the Krivak III-class warships. The Indian Navy describes it as a “moving sea fortress,” with the capability to carry out multi-dimensional warfare operations — surface, air, and underwater.
Technical Features of INS Tamal
- Displacement: 4,035 tonnes
- Length: 124.8 meters
- Beam (width): 15.2 meters
- Speed: 30 knots (~55.5 km/hr)
- Range: 4,850 nautical miles (~8,980 km)
- Crew: 250 sailors and 26 officers
Armament:
- Air Defence:
- 24 x Shtil-1 surface-to-air missiles
- 8 x Igla short-range missiles
- Anti-Ship & Land Attack:
- 8 x BrahMos missiles
- 1 x 100mm A-190E naval gun
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW):
RBU-6000 rocket launchers
- 533mm torpedo tubes
- Close-in Defence:
- 2 x AK-630 30mm guns
Aviation:
- Can host one Ka-31 or Ka-28 helicopter, useful for surveillance, ASW, and early warning roles.
Sensors and Systems:
- Electronic warfare suites
- Fire control radar
- Sonar and torpedo defense mechanisms
Understanding the Term: Frigate
The word “frigate” originated in the Age of Sail in Europe and referred to fast, medium-sized warships with a single gun deck used for patrols and escort duties.
Modern Definition:
Frigates today are multirole surface combatants equipped for:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Anti-aircraft operations
- Anti-ship warfare
They are typically smaller than destroyers but more agile, making them ideal for coastal patrols and open-sea missions alike.
Other Warship Classes Mentioned
Talwar-Class Frigates:
- Built in Russia based on the Krivak III design.
- Serve as India’s frontline warships.
- Feature stealth, advanced sensors, and BrahMos.
Kolkata-Class Destroyers:
- Built indigenously by Mazagon Dock Limited.
- Feature high-tech systems and stealth capabilities.
- Serve as India’s most advanced destroyers.
Vishakhapatnam-Class Destroyers:
- An advanced version of the Kolkata class.
- Emphasises indigenous radar, propulsion, and weapon systems.
- Around 75% indigenous components.
India’s Naval Shipbuilding Journey
1960s: The Beginning
- India commissioned its first locally built vessel, INS Ajay, in 1960.
- Early efforts were limited to small patrol boats.
Collaboration Phase
- 1970s: British collaboration led to the Leander-class frigates, with only 15% indigenous content.
Design and Development Ecosystem
- 1964: Creation of Central Design Office (CDO)
- 1970s: Became the Directorate of Naval Design (DND)
- 1990s onward: DND evolved to design carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines.
Indigenous Construction
- 2000–2011: 33 ships (57,000 tonnes)
- 2011–2021: 40 ships (92,000 tonnes)
- 2021–2025: 39 ships commissioned, 33 built in India
Challenges in Indigenisation
- Dependence on foreign propulsion and weapons systems.
- Delays in Indian shipyards due to infrastructure bottlenecks.
- Skilled labour shortages and vendor base limitations.
- However, Indian private shipyards and PSU shipyards have made rapid progress in recent years.
Geopolitical and Strategic Importance
INS Tamal was built in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania. It is geopolitically significant as a militarized zone in the Baltic Sea region, which often hosts Russian naval deployments.
India’s long-standing relationship with Russia includes:
- BrahMos missile development
- Nuclear submarine leasing (INS Chakra)
- Frigate and destroyer supplies
3.Puri Airport Project Halted: Olive Ridley Turtles, Migratory Birds, and Environmental Law — A Deep Dive
- INTRODUCTION: WHY THIS IS IN NEWS?
On July 3, 2025, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) withheld clearance for a proposed international airport in Puri, Odisha. The deferral comes amid concerns about the threat posed to Olive Ridley turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, migratory birds, and the loss of over 13,000 trees along a cyclone-prone coastal belt.
The FAC’s decision is significant not only from an environmental lens but also for its legal, ecological, and constitutional implications, making this case highly relevant for CLAT 2026 aspirants.
- THE PROJECT: WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED?
- Name: Shree Jagannath International Airport
- Location: Sipasarubali, Puri, Odisha
- Area Proposed: 471 hectares, including 27.88 hectares of forest land
- Estimated Cost: ₹5,631 crore
- Authority Involved: Union Civil Aviation Ministry (cleared in May 2025)
Despite its infrastructure goals, the airport’s proposed site is close to wildlife sanctuaries, turtle nesting beaches, and migratory flyways, triggering strong objections.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: WHAT’S AT STAKE?
- Loss of Trees and Coastal Ecosystem
The project would result in the cutting of 13,000 trees – mostly casuarina, cashew, acacia, and noni, which act as:
- Natural windbreakers protecting the coastline from cyclones
- Coastal green belts that stabilize sand dunes and reduce sea erosion
- Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Disruption
The region falls close to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Division and Balukhand Sanctuary, both of which are key nesting habitats for Olive Ridley turtles. As of March 2025, 345 nests were recorded. These turtles:
- Nest synchronously in mass nesting events called arribadas
- Are highly sensitive to light, noise, and coastal changes
- Impact on Central Asian Flyway
The area is part of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)—a major migratory route for over 279 species of waterbirds flying from Russia and Siberia to South Asia. Disruption in these corridors may:
- Lead to bird collisions with aircraft
- Destabilize wintering patterns of endangered migratory species
- Irrawaddy Dolphins and Chilika Lake
The proposed airport’s proximity to Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest lagoons and home to Irrawaddy dolphins, is also alarming. These dolphins are:
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Known for their shallow estuarine habitat near Chilika’s Satpada region
- LEGAL AND POLICY VIOLATIONS FLAGGED
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980
The project’s boundary wall was built on forest land without prior clearance, violating this Act.
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification
CRZ Rules prohibit large infrastructure in coastal eco-sensitive zones. The site falls within regulated limits.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Both Olive Ridley turtles and Irrawaddy dolphins fall under Schedule I, requiring the strictest protection.
- Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980
Violation of this Act was observed due to unauthorized construction activities within the proposed forest zone.
- RESPONSE BY THE ODISHA GOVERNMENT
The Odisha government responded that:
- The boundary wall was temporary and aimed at preventing encroachment.
- The wall has now been dismantled.
- A Wildlife Conservation Plan would be developed.
- Studies by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) are being initiated to evaluate the impact on turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds.
- ROLE OF KEY AGENCIES
Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)
- A statutory body under MoEFCC that reviews requests for the diversion of forest land.
- Ensures ecological sustainability, compensatory afforestation, and mitigation before approving forest land use.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Autonomous body based in Dehradun.
- Provides scientific and technical input for wildlife management.
- Advises on species conservation, habitat restoration, and impact assessments.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Conducts faunal surveys and environmental assessments.
- Currently studying the impact of the airport project on dolphins and migratory birds.
VII. WHAT IS THE CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY (CAF)?
➤ Overview
The Central Asian Flyway is one of nine major global migratory flyways, stretching:
- From Arctic Russia to Indian Ocean
- Passing through Siberia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India
➤ Importance
- Supports over 279 migratory waterbird species
- Includes threatened birds like the Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-headed Goose, and Siberian Crane
- India hosts key stopover sites: Chilika Lake, Keoladeo Ghana, Kutch, and Sundarbans
➤ Legal Instruments
- Covered under Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- India has committed to protect stopover habitats under CMS’s CAF Action Plan
VIII. WHAT ARE OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES?
- Smallest of all sea turtles
- Nest along the eastern coast of India, especially in Odisha (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya)
- Known for synchronous nesting behavior (arribada)
- Threatened by:
- Coastal development
- Light and noise pollution
- Fishing trawlers
Human interference
4.Countering China: The Quad’s Critical Minerals Initiative and Its Strategic Impact
INTRODUCTION – WHY IN NEWS?
On July 3, 2025, the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) — comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia — announced a strategic move to establish a secure and resilient supply chain for critical minerals, challenging China’s dominance in the global rare earth elements (REEs) market.
This initiative aims to ensure technological sovereignty, mitigate supply chain disruptions, and reduce economic coercion by China, which currently holds a near-monopoly on rare earth processing and exports.
- WHAT ARE CRITICAL MINERALS?
Critical minerals are naturally occurring metallic or non-metallic elements essential for:
- Clean energy technologies (solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles)
- Defense and aerospace (fighter jets, missiles)
- Semiconductors and electronics
Examples include:
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Neodymium, Lanthanum, Terbium, Dysprosium, Scandium
- Strategic Metals: Gallium, Germanium, Antimony, Lithium, Cobalt
These minerals are often limited in availability, difficult to substitute, and vulnerable to geopolitical supply disruptions.
III. CHINA’S DOMINANCE: THE CORE CONCERN
- Processing Power, Not Just Mining
While many countries mine rare earths, China dominates 80–90% of the global processing and refining capacity, especially for:
- NdFeB magnets (Neodymium-Iron-Boron)
- High-strength magnets used in EVs, wind turbines, and military equipment
- Economic Coercion Tactics
China has:
- Restricted exports of critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and antimony
- Imposed licensing requirements on companies seeking magnets or rare earths
- Denied export permits to Indian automakers, citing military application concerns
- QUAD’S STRATEGIC RESPONSE
- Joint Statement Objectives
The Quad nations declared:
- Urgent need to reduce dependency on a single country (China)
- Concerns over “abrupt constriction and future reliability” of key supply chains
- Plan to create a critical minerals alliance to ensure national and economic security
- Secure Supply Chains for Strategic Autonomy
India, Japan, the US, and Australia are:
- Pooling resources and expertise
- Investing in exploration, processing infrastructure, and recycling technologies
- Identifying alternative mining zones in Australia, India (e.g., Odisha, Andhra), and Africa
- ECONOMIC IMPACT ON INDIA’S EV SECTOR
India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) sector is already experiencing:
- Supply delays due to Chinese restrictions
- Pending applications for rare earths not cleared by China
- Pressure to import entire motor assemblies instead of individual components
This hits India’s:
- Make in India mission
- FAME (Faster Adoption of Electric Mobility) initiative
- Battery and auto component manufacturing ecosystem
GROWTH OF GLOBAL GEOTECHNOLOGICAL COMPETITION
Strategic Significance of REEs
- They are the “vitamins of modern technology.”
- Without REEs, digital economies, clean tech, and military systems cannot function.
Past Trade Tensions
- 2010: China cut off REE exports to Japan after a maritime dispute
- 2018–2020: US-China trade war escalated rare earth tensions
- 2023–25: China imposed new restrictions on gallium and germanium
These events proved that overdependence on a geopolitical rival is a national security risk.
VII. INDIA’S CURRENT STRATEGY
India is adopting a multi-pronged strategy:
- Policy reforms for faster mineral auctions
- Partnerships with Japan and Australia for REE tech
- Expansion of domestic exploration in states like:
- Odisha
- Andhra Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Jharkhand
- India’s National Mineral Policy and PLI Scheme (Production-Linked Incentives) also encourage local processing.
VIII. LEGAL, POLICY & STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR CLAT 2026
- Legal and Economic Themes
Relevant Legal Concepts:
- Economic Sovereignty
- Doctrine of Self-Reliance (Atmanirbharta)
- WTO trade restrictions and national security exception (Article XXI of GATT)
Relevant Constitutional Principles:
- Article 21: Right to Livelihood
- Article 39(b): Equitable distribution of resources
- International Agreements to Know
- Convention on Strategic Materials (non-binding)
- Indo-Japan Critical Minerals Agreement
- US Critical Minerals Security Act (2024)
- QUAD Mineral Security Partnership
- CASES AND PRECEDENTS (FOR CLAT LEGAL REASONING)
- Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. UOI (2G Case)
➤ Held that natural resources must be allocated through fair and transparent means. - M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1996)
➤ Reaffirmed Public Trust Doctrine for natural resources. - Reliance Natural Resources Ltd. v. RNRL (2010)
➤ Emphasized national interest in pricing and control of natural resources.
- GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE QUAD INITIATIVE
- Indo-Pacific Security Alignment
By building critical mineral resilience, the Quad:
- Counters China’s weaponization of trade
- Enhances strategic depth in the Indo-Pacific
- Serves as an economic bulwark alongside AUKUS, IPEF, and ASEAN
- Message to Global South
India, as a developing economy:
- Asserts its voice in global supply chain governance
- Champions fair trade without coercion
- Builds “South-South” collaboration on technology and sustainability
5.Dynamic and Surge Pricing in Cab Aggregators: Understanding Legal, Economic & Policy Implications
WHY IN NEWS?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 1, 2025, released the revised Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, authorising cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, Rapido to charge up to twice the base fare through dynamic pricing. This move aims to formalise surge-based pricing during high demand while ensuring flexibility in urban transport management.
The issue is relevant for CLAT 2026 aspirants as it blends legal framework, economic policy, and regulatory discretion—core themes in Legal Reasoning and Current Affairs.
- INTRODUCTION TO DYNAMIC PRICING
What is Dynamic Pricing?
Dynamic pricing refers to flexible price setting based on real-time demand and supply. Prices go up when demand surges and drop during lean periods. It is a key aspect of market economics, based on the principle that:
“The price of a product will increase when its demand rises relative to its supply.”
Real-Life Examples:
- Ola/Uber fares surge during rain or festivals.
- Airline tickets rise during holidays.
- Movie tickets and hotels cost more on weekends.
- Electricity prices may peak during heatwaves to manage load.
Dynamic pricing helps businesses maximize revenue, manage resource allocation, and improve consumer availability.
III. SURGE PRICING: A SUBSET OF DYNAMIC PRICING
While often used interchangeably, surge pricing is a specific type of dynamic pricing. It refers to an additional fee imposed during times of exceptional demand. Ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Ola use this model extensively.
How Surge Pricing Works:
- During rush hours or rain, available cabs reduce.
- Fare multiplier or surge charges apply (e.g., 1.5x, 2x base fare).
- It incentivizes more drivers to move toward that location.
- Eventually, demand is balanced, and fares stabilize.
Surge pricing, although controversial, has been shown to improve service delivery during high-demand periods and support efficient driver allocation.
- MOTOR VEHICLE AGGREGATOR GUIDELINES, 2025
What are they?
These guidelines are issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to regulate digital platforms aggregating transport services, such as Uber, Ola, etc.
Key Features of the 2025 Guidelines:
- Fare Regulation:
- Aggregators can charge 50% below to 200% above the base fare.
- Earlier, the upper cap was 1.5x.
- States are expected to adopt the guidelines within 3 months.
- Driver and Passenger Safety:
- Emergency SOS buttons.
- Verified drivers with ID and police clearance.
- Background checks mandatory.
- Compliance:
- Periodic audits of fare structures.
- Redressal mechanisms for passengers.
- Base Fare Notification:
- States will notify specific base fares by vehicle category.
These guidelines aim to formalise digital mobility while protecting consumer interest and promoting competitive pricing.
- LEGAL & POLICY PERSPECTIVES
- Constitutionality:
Under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, every individual has the right to practice any profession or carry out trade/business. The aggregator companies invoke this right.
However, reasonable restrictions under Article 19(6) allow the government to regulate pricing to avoid exploitative practices, especially in public interest.
- Regulatory Role of State:
Transport is a Concurrent List subject, meaning both Centre and States can legislate.
- Centre: Frames model guidelines.
- States: Implement base fares and monitoring mechanisms.
This federal structure ensures uniformity with flexibility, as local conditions can affect surge (e.g., monsoon in Mumbai vs. traffic in Delhi).
- ECONOMIC THEORY BEHIND DYNAMIC PRICING
- Law of Demand and Supply:
If demand increases (say, after a concert or during a storm) and supply is constant or limited, prices will rise.
- Incentive Theory:
Higher fares incentivize drivers to operate during challenging hours (late night, rain), improving availability.
- Market Efficiency:
Rather than long waiting times, dynamic pricing allocates resources efficiently.
CLAT Insight: These principles are often tested under Legal Reasoning where aspirants must balance market freedom and public welfare.
VII. DYNAMIC PRICING IN OTHER SECTORS
- Indian Railways:
- In 2006, a dynamic pricing model was first proposed for Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
- In 2016, a formal Flexi-Fare Scheme was launched:
- Fare increased by 10% for every 10% of berths booked.
- Capped at 1.5x of base fare.
- Airlines:
- Flight tickets are priced by software based on demand, seat availability, and timing.
- E-Commerce:
- Amazon’s ‘Automated Pricing’ Tool adjusts prices in real-time.
- Price fluctuations depend on competition, demand, reviews, stock, etc.
VIII. ETHICAL DEBATES & PUBLIC CRITICISM
- Arguments in Support:
- Improves resource allocation.
- Encourages driver availability.
- Helps avoid transport blackouts.
- Reflects real-time market conditions.
1.Arguments Against:
- Seen as price gouging, especially during emergencies.
- May discriminate against low-income passengers.
- Lacks transparency and leads to unpredictable expenses.
- Notable Incidents:
- In the UK, Ticketmaster faced criticism for hiking concert ticket prices.
- Surge pricing during COVID lockdowns drew public ire in India.
- INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY: UBER’S PRICING MODEL
Wharton Business School Study (2016)
- Found Uber’s surge pricing subsidized off-peak fares.
- Allowed the company to serve areas that would otherwise remain unviable.
- Encouraged driver flexibility and consumer satisfaction.
Uber’s Surge Technology:
- Drivers get real-time area maps:
- Light Orange = low surge
- Dark Red = high surge
- Fare breakdown shows base fare + surge amount
- COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: INDIA VS. GLOBAL PRACTICE
Feature |
India |
USA |
UK |
Surge Pricing Cap | 2x (now) | No cap (varies by state) | Under scrutiny |
Govt Oversight | Strong | Limited | Moderate |
Transparency Tools | Mandated | App-based | Mixed |
India’s model balances market efficiency with state regulation, unlike the U.S., where pricing is mostly deregulated.
