Daily Current Affairs and GK | 18 March 2026

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

1. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organized the first national workshop on the MSME Online Dispute Resolution Portal.

• This workshop was held in New Delhi. Its primary objective was to ensure the speedy resolution of disputes for Micro and Small Enterprises.
• Another objective was to make this process more affordable. The main focus of this workshop was on technology-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Representatives from MSME industry associations participated in the event. Additionally, Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Councils were also in attendance.
• The central theme of the discussions was the further strengthening of dispute resolution systems.
• On this occasion, stakeholders were apprised of the various features of the MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal.
• The goal is to ensure the effective resolution of disputes through the MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

2. 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law organised by CCI in New Delhi.

• On 16 March, the 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law was organised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in New Delhi.
• The conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners and experts working in the area of ​​economics of competition law, has been organised by the CCI every year since 2016.
• Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing competition as a critical driver of human progress.
• Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of CCI, presented the Special Address, highlighting the role of economic analysis in preventing anti-competitive practices.
• Shri Gauba stressed that well-designed competition laws create a moral architecture for markets and support small businesses and fair market access.
• The rise of the digital economy and AI as structural changes in market dynamics was discussed, with emphasis on the need for regulatory adaptation.
• Over the past year, CCI implemented regulations following the 2023 amendment and introduced revised guidance on cost of production to standardize predatory pricing assessment.
• CCI dealt with antitrust matters across sectors such as defense procurement, liquor, and waste management, issuing cease-and-desist orders and penalties where necessary.