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Q88 (IAS/2019) International Relations & Global Affairs › Global Indices, Reports & Agreements › Data protection regulations Official Key

Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as 'General Data Protection Regulation' in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted by the European Union (EU) on 14 April 2016 and took effect on 25 May 2018[1]. This landmark regulation, formally known as Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016, became directly applicable law on 25 May 2018[2]. The GDPR established comprehensive data protection and privacy rights for citizens across the European Union, taking effect uniformly across the EU countries[3]. This regulation represents one of the most significant data protection frameworks globally, setting standards for how organizations must handle personal data of EU residents. The other options (Australia, Canada, and the United States) have their own data protection laws, but none of them adopted a law specifically called "General Data Protection Regulation" with these particular dates.

Sources
  1. [1] https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/icann-eu-gdpr-2022-12-22-en
  2. [2] https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/librariesprovider2/data-and-evidence/english-ddh-260823_7amcet.pdf?sfvrsn=4c674522_2&download=true
  3. [3] https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/icann-eu-gdpr-2022-12-22-en
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as 'General Data Protection Regulation' in Apr…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 5/10

This is a classic 'Global Benchmark' Current Affairs question. The GDPR implementation in May 2018 caused a worldwide 'compliance panic' (flooding inboxes with privacy policy updates), making it unmissable for an alert aspirant. It tests awareness of global standards that influence Indian policy (Srikrishna Committee).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Did Australia adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 2016 and begin its implementation on 25 May 2018?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 4: Government Budgeting > Following are certain basic features of the above taxes: - > p. 170
Strength: 4/5
“Equalization Levy is not under the Income Tax law as tax on income, rather as an independent levy introduced through Finance Act 2016. There are various kinds of services under it and the clauses of "Equalization Levy" have been made effective with different dates. Three years back, the "sale of digital services (ads)" was notified. And from 1st April 2020, "Equalization Levy" (of 2%) is applicable on e-commerce firms also. So, if an e-commerce firm (say Amazon which is registered in US, and in India its status is non-resident) earns a REVENUE (and not profit) of say Rs. 100 from its online”
Why relevant

Describes a law (Equalization Levy) introduced in 2016 with different clauses becoming effective on later, specific dates.

How to extend

A student could use this as a pattern that laws can be enacted/introduced in one year (2016) and have staggered implementation dates, so check whether GDPR-like timing could occur in another country.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 783
Strength: 4/5
“It was made mandatory for every real estate project to be registered with its state's RERA. Unfortunately, this law required to be enforced by state governments. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) which came into force in April 2018, was required to tackle the large fraud cases reported by banks. Under the law, if an economic offender flees the country to avoid due process, he/she can be declared a 'fugitive economic offender' and their properties can be confiscated and auctioned to recover at least part of the debt. The government adopted the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 with the major guiding principles of enhancing domestic oil and gas production; bringing substantial investment; generating sizable employment; enhancing transparency; and reducing administrative discretion.”
Why relevant

Notes a government policy adopted in 2016 and another law (Fugitive Economic Offenders Act) coming into force in April 2018 — showing adoption vs later in-force dates.

How to extend

Use this as an example that national governments often adopt policies/laws in one year and bring them into force in a later year (e.g., 2018), so verify if Australia followed the same pattern for GDPR-like measures.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and POPs > p. 405
Strength: 3/5
“• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary. • MoEFCC had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986”
Why relevant

Shows that international treaty ratification (2006) and later domestic notification (March 2018) can be separated by years.

How to extend

Apply the general rule that international/regulatory changes may require domestic notification/implementation at a later date; check whether Australia had to notify/implement an international-style data protection rule later than its original passage.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.9.3 [Model] Agri Produce and Livestock Marketing Act 2017 > p. 316
Strength: 3/5
“Central Government brought a model law "Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2017" on 25th April 2017. The law seeks to liberalize the trade in agri-products and livestock and will thereby help in doubling the farmers' income by 2023. The new model law replaces the earlier model law proposed by the centre in 2003 which the states were not keen to adopt.”
Why relevant

Gives a concrete example of a model law being brought out on a specific date (25 April 2017), illustrating governments publish model/central laws on precise calendar dates.

How to extend

A student could compare official dates of model/central laws to determine plausibility of an April 2016 adoption date for a major regulation in another jurisdiction.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Parliamentary Legislation in the State Field > p. 147
Strength: 3/5
“However, any other state may adopt it afterwards by passing a resolution to that effect in its legislature The effect of passing a resolution under the above provision is that the Parliament becomes entitled to legislate with respect to a matter for which it has no power to make a law Some examples of laws passed under the above provision are Priz'e Competition Act, 1955, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976; and Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. D. To Implement International Agreements The Parliament can make laws on any matter in the ~tate List for' implementing the international treaties, agreements or conventions.”
Why relevant

Explains that a legislature can enact laws to implement international agreements, indicating a legal mechanism for adopting externally-originated regulations domestically.

How to extend

Use this mechanism to investigate whether Australia would 'adopt' an external regulation like the EU's GDPR or instead enact its own domestic law to implement equivalent standards.

Statement 2
Did Canada adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 2016 and begin its implementation on 25 May 2018?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 783
Strength: 4/5
“It was made mandatory for every real estate project to be registered with its state's RERA. Unfortunately, this law required to be enforced by state governments. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) which came into force in April 2018, was required to tackle the large fraud cases reported by banks. Under the law, if an economic offender flees the country to avoid due process, he/she can be declared a 'fugitive economic offender' and their properties can be confiscated and auctioned to recover at least part of the debt. The government adopted the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2016 with the major guiding principles of enhancing domestic oil and gas production; bringing substantial investment; generating sizable employment; enhancing transparency; and reducing administrative discretion.”
Why relevant

Gives an example of an Act (Fugitive Economic Offenders Act) that 'came into force in April 2018', showing laws often have specific coming-into-force dates separate from when they were adopted.

How to extend

A student could use this pattern (adoption date vs. later enforcement date) to check whether GDPR adoption (April 2016) and enforcement (May 2018) follow the common legislative practice of a gap between adoption and implementation.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > K.S. PUTTASWAMY CASE (2017) > p. 641
Strength: 3/5
“In both the cases, the Supreme Court had held that the right to privacy is not protected by the Constitution. This judgement also clarified that the various judgements subsequent to Kharak Singh, which have recognized the fundamental right to privacy, lay down the correct position of law. Young Lawyers Association case<sup>26</sup>(2018), Joseph Shine case<sup>27</sup> (2018), Navtej Singh Johar case<sup>28</sup> (2018) and other cases. Based on this judgement, the Supreme Court delivered (in 2018) a separate judgement on the validity of Aadhaar law. This judgement is popularly known as the Aadhaar judgement or Puttaswamy-II judgement. In this judgement, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016”
Why relevant

Notes the Aadhaar Act, 2016, whose constitutional validity was decided in 2018 — another instance where a 2016 law had major legal actions or implementation steps in 2018.

How to extend

Use this as an example that laws enacted in 2016 can have important implementation or validation milestones in 2018, supporting the plausibility of a 2016 adoption / 2018 enforcement timeline for other laws.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 5: Indian Tax Structure and Public Finance > GOOGLE TAX OR EQUALISATION LEVY > p. 88
Strength: 4/5
“• It was introduced in 2016 by the Central Government based on the recommendations of the Akhil Ranjan Committee. • It was introduced as a part of the IT Act. • It is levied @ 6 per cent in the form of an equalisation levy on the amount paid to non-resident companies without permanent establishment (Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) by Indian companies on 12 digital services including online advertisement provided by them.”
Why relevant

Describes the Equalisation Levy introduced in 2016 with clauses made effective on different dates, showing multi-stage introduction and separate effective dates are common.

How to extend

A student could infer that a regulation adopted in 2016 might reasonably have a later fixed enforcement date (like May 2018) and so seek external confirmation of specific dates for GDPR.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and POPs > p. 405
Strength: 3/5
“• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary. • MoEFCC had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986”
Why relevant

States that MoEFCC notified rules in March 2018 under an existing Act (Environment (Protection) Act, 1986), illustrating how governments notify rules under earlier statutes and set explicit notification dates.

How to extend

Apply this rule-pattern to suspect that a government (or body) could adopt/regulate data protection by notifying rules with a specific later effective date, prompting checking of official notifications for GDPR timing.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Parliamentary Legislation in the State Field > p. 147
Strength: 5/5
“However, any other state may adopt it afterwards by passing a resolution to that effect in its legislature The effect of passing a resolution under the above provision is that the Parliament becomes entitled to legislate with respect to a matter for which it has no power to make a law Some examples of laws passed under the above provision are Priz'e Competition Act, 1955, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976; and Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. D. To Implement International Agreements The Parliament can make laws on any matter in the ~tate List for' implementing the international treaties, agreements or conventions.”
Why relevant

Explains the parliamentary power to 'implement international agreements' and gives examples of laws passed under such provisions — a pattern where international instruments lead to national legislation.

How to extend

Use this to distinguish an international/regional regulation (like GDPR) from national implementation: a student should check whether GDPR is an EU regulation (applying to EU) or required separate national implementation by countries like Canada.

Statement 3
Did the European Union adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 2016 and begin its implementation on 25 May 2018?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"[Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016] ... which became directly applicable law on 25 May 2018."
Why this source?
  • Specifically names the Regulation with its official reference and date: 'Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ... 27 April 2016'.
  • States the regulation 'became directly applicable law on 25 May 2018', directly matching the implementation date in the statement.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was adopted by the European Union (EU) on 14 April 2016 and took effect on 25 May 2018 uniformly across the EU countries."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly says the GDPR 'was adopted by the European Union (EU) on 14 April 2016', confirming an April 2016 adoption date.
  • Confirms it 'took effect on 25 May 2018 uniformly across the EU countries', matching the stated implementation start date.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"It was adopted in 2016 and entered into application on 25 May 2018."
Why this source?
  • Official EU Council page notes the GDPR 'was adopted in 2016', supporting the adoption year.
  • Explicitly states the GDPR 'entered into application on 25 May 2018', confirming the implementation date.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and POPs > p. 405
Strength: 4/5
“• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary. • MoEFCC had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986”
Why relevant

Describes a treaty rule where ratification/acceptance affects when amendments become enforceable—showing international instruments often have distinct adoption/ratification and enforceability procedures and dates.

How to extend

A student could apply this pattern to EU law: expect separate adoption and enforcement/implementation dates for major legal instruments like the GDPR and then check EU legal records for those two dates.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The World after World War II > Single European Act (SEA) > p. 257
Strength: 4/5
“The Single European Act that came into force on July 1, 1987 expanded the EEC's scope further. It called for more intensive coordination of foreign policy among member countries. According to the SEA, each member was given multiple votes, depending on the country's population. Approval of legislation required roughly two-thirds of the votes of all”
Why relevant

Gives an example (Single European Act) showing a European-level act 'came into force' on a specific later date (July 1, 1987), illustrating that EU acts commonly have a clear coming-into-force date distinct from their signing/adoption.

How to extend

Use this as a template: look for an EU adoption (approval) date and a separate 'came into force' or implementation date for the GDPR.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
Strength: 3/5
“1951 April: Six west European countries, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg sign the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). 1957 March 25: These six countries sign the Treaties of Rome establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). 1973 January: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom join the European Economic Community (EEC). 1979 June: First direct elections to the European Parliament 1981 January: Greece joins the EEC. 1985 June: The Schengen Agreement abolishes border controls among the EEC members. 1986 January: Spain and Portugal join the EEC.”
Why relevant

Presents a detailed timeline of European integration with precise month/year (and sometimes day) entries for treaties, showing these sources routinely record exact dates for EU treaties and major legal steps.

How to extend

A student could reasonably search EU timelines or official EU legal publications (which record exact adoption and enforcement dates) to verify April 2016 and 25 May 2018 for the GDPR.

History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The World after World War II > European Union Flag - Euro Currency > p. 258
Strength: 3/5
“In December 1991, the members of EC came together and signed the Treaty of Maastricht by which the European Union was established in 1993 with a single market. With the establishment of European Union, the members worked on other areas such as foreign policy and internal security. This treaty paved the way for the creation of a single European currency – the euro. In 2017, Britain voted to exit the EU (British Exit known as "Brexit").”
Why relevant

Notes the Maastricht Treaty date and later EU developments, indicating the EU's statutory history is documented with specific enactment and effective dates (e.g., Maastricht leading to 1993 establishment).

How to extend

Treat the GDPR claim like other EU milestones: consult EU legal registers or authoritative EU documents that list both adoption and entry-into-force dates.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > European Union > p. 16
Strength: 2/5
“The European Union has evolved over time from an e c o n o m i c u n i o n t o a n increasingly political one. The EU has started to act more as a nation state. While the attempts to have a Constitution for the EU have failed, it has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency. It also has some form of a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations. The European Union has tried to expand areas of cooperation while acquiring new”
Why relevant

States the EU has evolved into an entity that legislates across many areas, implying it issues regulatory instruments (regulations) that would have formal adoption and implementation schedules.

How to extend

Use this general fact to justify checking the EU Official Journal or GDPR-specific summaries for exact adoption and application dates to test the statement.

Statement 4
Did the United States of America adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 2016 and begin its implementation on 25 May 2018?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) [Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016] (87), which became directly applicable law on 25 May 2018."
Why this source?
  • Identifies the GDPR as an EU regulation: 'Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016'.
  • States the GDPR 'became directly applicable law on 25 May 2018', confirming the adoption and start date but as EU law (not US law).
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"it was adopted in 2016 and entered into application on 25 May 2018."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly says the GDPR 'was adopted in 2016 and entered into application on 25 May 2018'.
  • Frames the GDPR as 'The EU general data protection regulation', indicating it is EU legislation rather than a United States law.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"the requirements of EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force on 25 May 2018"
Why this source?
  • Refers to the 'EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into force on 25 May 2018', again tying the law to the EU.
  • Shows organizations (IUCN) preparing for compliance with an EU regulation, implying the GDPR is EU-originated legislation.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Defence Vehicles > p. 48
Strength: 4/5
“Fig. 11.13 Production, Sales and Exports of Automobiles (million units) [Source: CMIE; Care Ratings Industry research, Automobile Update-Outlook FY 19] The financial year 2018 was an eventful year for the automobile industry . The following were the key features: • (i) Demonetization was announced in 2016.• (ii) Supreme court's BS-III vehicle ban became effective from April 1, 2017.• (iii) Goods and Service Tax was implemented from July1, 2018.• (iv) Continued ban on diesel cars by National Green Tribunal (NGT), September 2018.• (v) Cess increase in September 2017. Automobile industry was delicensed in July 1991 with the announcement of New Industrial Policy.”
Why relevant

Gives an example (GST) of a major law implemented in 2018 though related policy changes began earlier (demonetization 2016; GST implemented July 1, 2018).

How to extend

A student could use this pattern to ask whether a law said to be 'adopted' in 2016 but 'implemented' in 2018 follows common legislative timelines and so merits checking adoption jurisdiction and exact dates.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > 28.16 ROTTTRDAM CONVENTION > p. 406
Strength: 5/5
“• It was adopted in 1998 by a Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and entered into force on February 14, 2004. • The Convention creates legally binding obligations for the implementation of the Prior Informed Exporting. All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or means, without permission in writing.”
Why relevant

Shows the distinction between when an international convention is adopted and when it enters into force (adopted 1998, entered into force 2004).

How to extend

A student can infer that laws/regulations and international instruments often have separate 'adopted' and 'effective' dates, so they should check both for the GDPR claim.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and POPs > p. 405
Strength: 4/5
“• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary. • MoEFCC had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986”
Why relevant

Explains that ratification/acceptance affects whether amendments/enforcement apply to a state (India ratified Stockholm Convention in 2006 and had an opt-out mechanism).

How to extend

Use this to prompt checking whether a country must ratify/accept an instrument (or whether domestic adoption is needed) for it to apply — relevant to asking whether the US could 'adopt' GDPR.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Parliamentary Legislation in the State Field > p. 147
Strength: 4/5
“However, any other state may adopt it afterwards by passing a resolution to that effect in its legislature The effect of passing a resolution under the above provision is that the Parliament becomes entitled to legislate with respect to a matter for which it has no power to make a law Some examples of laws passed under the above provision are Priz'e Competition Act, 1955, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976; and Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. D. To Implement International Agreements The Parliament can make laws on any matter in the ~tate List for' implementing the international treaties, agreements or conventions.”
Why relevant

Describes how a national legislature implements international agreements and that Parliament can legislate to implement treaties/agreements.

How to extend

Suggests checking whether domestic legislative action is required for an international/regional regulation to apply in a particular country (i.e., did the US legislature adopt GDPR or would it require domestic implementing law?).

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > K.S. PUTTASWAMY CASE (2017) > p. 641
Strength: 3/5
“In both the cases, the Supreme Court had held that the right to privacy is not protected by the Constitution. This judgement also clarified that the various judgements subsequent to Kharak Singh, which have recognized the fundamental right to privacy, lay down the correct position of law. Young Lawyers Association case<sup>26</sup>(2018), Joseph Shine case<sup>27</sup> (2018), Navtej Singh Johar case<sup>28</sup> (2018) and other cases. Based on this judgement, the Supreme Court delivered (in 2018) a separate judgement on the validity of Aadhaar law. This judgement is popularly known as the Aadhaar judgement or Puttaswamy-II judgement. In this judgement, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016”
Why relevant

Mentions the Aadhaar Act, 2016 as an example of a national law enacted in 2016 and later subject to judicial review/upholding in 2018.

How to extend

Supports the idea that 2016 is a plausible year for countries to adopt privacy-related laws and that subsequent events in 2018 can be separate — prompting verification of which country adopted which law in those years.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC tracks 'Global Firsts' in regulation. If a law sets the 'Gold Standard' for the world (like GDPR for privacy or MiCA for crypto), memorize its Origin, Acronym, and Enforcement Year.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Current Affairs Sitter. Source: Front-page news and 'Explained' columns in May 2018 regarding the global impact of EU privacy rules.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Digital Rights & Privacy (GS-2/GS-3). The trigger was the Puttaswamy Judgment (2017) in India creating a need to study global privacy templates.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Privacy Vocabulary': Data Fiduciary vs. Data Controller, Right to be Forgotten, Data Portability. Compare with India's DPDP Act (Digital Personal Data Protection Act). Know the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee (2017) mandate.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a foreign law forces Indian IT giants (TCS, Infosys) to change their compliance norms, it becomes a syllabus topic. Note the 'Grace Period' logic: Adopted 2016 -> Implemented 2018 (2-year transition). UPSC loves testing these transition timelines.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Adoption date vs commencement/implementation date of laws
💡 The insight

A statute's enactment (adoption) date can differ from the date it is brought into force; the statement compares an adoption month/year with a later implementation date.

High-yield for UPSC because many questions test legal chronology—when laws are passed versus when they actually take effect. This links to constitutional procedures for enactment, gazette notifications and legislative timelines, and helps answer timeline and policy-implementation questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.9.3 [Model] Agri Produce and Livestock Marketing Act 2017 > p. 316
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 783
🔗 Anchor: "Did Australia adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Jurisdictional applicability of international/regional regulations
💡 The insight

Regional or international regulations require domestic adoption or enabling measures to apply within a country; asking whether Australia 'adopted' GDPR raises this jurisdictional issue.

Important for UPSC aspirants because it connects treaty/Regulation theory to practical domestic law-making—distinguishing between international instruments and national implementation. Useful across polity, international relations, and legislative competence questions, and for evaluating which rules bind which jurisdictions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Parliamentary Legislation in the State Field > p. 147
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 28: International Organisation and Conventions > India and POPs > p. 405
🔗 Anchor: "Did Australia adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Adoption date vs commencement (implementation) date of laws
💡 The insight

Laws are often enacted or adopted in one year and brought into force (commenced) on a later date; differentiating these two dates is essential to verify claims about when a law "began implementation."

High-yield for UPSC because many exam questions ask about when statutes came into force versus when they were passed or enacted. It links to constitutional provisions on commencement, legislative procedure, and administrative timelines, and helps answer questions asking for legal chronology or the effects of a law at a given date.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > K.S. PUTTASWAMY CASE (2017) > p. 641
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 783
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Defence Vehicles > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Did Canada adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 20..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Parliamentary power to implement international agreements
💡 The insight

Parliament can legislate to implement international treaties or agreements even on subjects in the State List, affecting domestic adoption of externally-originated rules.

Important for UPSC because questions test the constitutional basis for domestic implementation of international obligations and how that interacts with federalism. Mastering this concept helps answer questions on treaty implementation, Centre-state relations, and legislative competence.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 15: Centre-State Relations > II Parliamentary Legislation in the State Field > p. 147
🔗 Anchor: "Did Canada adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 20..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Cluster of major legislative reforms in 2016–2018
💡 The insight

Several significant measures (examples: acts or levies dated 2016 and major implementations in 2018) illustrate that important regulatory changes were enacted in 2016 and some came into effect in 2018.

Useful for preparing chronological and policy-change questions in prelims and mains; helps connect timelines across taxation, technology/regulatory laws, and administrative reforms. Enables answering comparative questions about reform waves and their implementation timelines.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 90: Landmark Judgements and Their Impact > K.S. PUTTASWAMY CASE (2017) > p. 641
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 5: Indian Tax Structure and Public Finance > GOOGLE TAX OR EQUALISATION LEVY > p. 88
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 783
🔗 Anchor: "Did Canada adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation" in April 20..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Timeline of European integration and major treaties
💡 The insight

Knowing the sequence of key EU milestones helps place any EU legal act in a historical and procedural timeline.

High-yield for UPSC: many questions ask for chronological evolution of the EU and linkages between treaties and policy powers. Mastering this aids answers on how EU competencies and legal reach developed, and it connects to topics on international organisations and treaty-based law-making.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
  • History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The World after World War II > European Union Flag - Euro Currency > p. 258
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > European Union > p. 16
🔗 Anchor: "Did the European Union adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation"..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Adoption date vs entry-into-force/implementation date for EU laws
💡 The insight

Distinguishes the date an EU act is adopted from the date it actually becomes applicable across member states — crucial for assessing claims about specific dates.

Important for UPSC: questions often hinge on precise legal timelines (when a law was adopted, published, or entered into force). Understanding this distinction helps evaluate policy claims and international legal obligations and links to administrative and legislative procedure topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > European Union > p. 16
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > TIMELINE OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION > p. 18
🔗 Anchor: "Did the European Union adopt the law called "General Data Protection Regulation"..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Brussels Effect': The EU is currently rolling out the 'EU AI Act' (Artificial Intelligence Act) and 'MiCA' (Markets in Crypto-Assets). These are the next logical 'Global Standard' questions likely to appear.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Nomenclature Hack: The term 'Regulation' (as opposed to 'Act') is a specific legal instrument in the European Union (e.g., Dublin Regulation, REACH Regulation). The US, Canada, and Australia typically pass 'Acts' (e.g., Privacy Act, CLOUD Act). The name 'General Data Protection Regulation' inherently sounds like EU bureaucracy.

🔗 Mains Connection

Connects to GS-2 (Fundamental Rights - Right to Privacy) and GS-3 (Cyber Security). The principles of GDPR (Consent, Purpose Limitation, Data Minimization) form the theoretical basis for answers on India's Data Protection architecture.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2009 · Q32 Relevance score: -6.41

A present group of nations known as G-8 started first as G-7, Which one among the following was not one of them ?

IAS · 1997 · Q54 Relevance score: -6.60

The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in

NDA-I · 2018 · Q97 Relevance score: -6.96

Which one of the following countries did NOT participate in the 21st edition of Exercise Malabar ?

CDS-II · 2021 · Q31 Relevance score: -7.00

The federation of which one of the following States has been described as ""An indestructible union of indestructible states""?