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News at a Glance |
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Telangana: India Post helps transform geolocation with DIGIPIN |
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Telangana records over 50,000 new cancer cases every year |
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Polity and Governance: The Registration Bill, 2025 |
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International Relations: US strikes 3 nuclear sites in Iran |
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Disaster Management: Blowouts in Oil and Gas Wells |
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Science and Technology: Navigating the Impact of AI on the News Industry |
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Defence: INS Tamal: India’s Latest Stealth Multi-Role Frigate |
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Social Justice: Organ Transplantation Programme in India |
India Post helps transform geolocation with DIGIPIN
Source: The Hindu
TGPSC Syllabus Relevance: Science and Technology
Context: About DIGIPIN
Why in News
India Post launched DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric geolocation code, to improve precision in mail delivery and public services across India, including Telangana.
Background
- More than five decades after the introduction of the six-digit Postal Index Number (PIN), India Post has rolled out the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) — a transformative, high-precision geospatial addressing system.
- This new system aims to overcome the limitations of the traditional PIN code by offering location accuracy up to four metres and supporting modern applications such as drone deliveries, emergency response, and digital commerce.
What is DIGIPIN?
- DIGIPIN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that represents precise geographic coordinates. Unlike the older six-digit PIN code system that denotes a broad area averaging 170 square kilometres, the DIGIPIN maps each unique 4×4 metre square grid across India, allowing for location identification with an accuracy of up to four metres.
Salient Features of DIGIPIN
- Format: A 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g., AB12CD3456).
- Coverage: The entire Indian landmass has been divided into uniform 4m x 4m grids. Interestingly, the grid system also extends into some neighbouring areas, such as parts of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
- Location Accuracy: Offers high-precision geolocation, significantly improving upon the broad coverage of the traditional PIN code.
- Accessibility: DIGIPIN can be generated using devices with GPS/location enabled via the India Post portal.
- Integration: Part of India Post’s IT 2.0 initiative, it will be embedded into mobile devices provided to postal staff to support digital delivery of postal, financial, and insurance services.
Institutional Collaboration
DIGIPIN is the result of a multi-institutional collaboration involving:
- India Post – National postal infrastructure and implementation
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad – Technical design and development
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) – Satellite-based data and mapping
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Spatial intelligence and satellite coordination
Why DIGIPIN Was Needed
- The traditional six-digit PIN code, introduced in 1972, was designed for efficient mail sorting, not precise delivery.
- With rapid urbanisation, e-commerce growth, and the increasing need for emergency response efficiency, several shortcomings of the older system became apparent:
- Lack of precision: One PIN code often covers large and densely populated areas.
- Dependence on local knowledge: Delivery relied heavily on the familiarity of postal staff with local addresses.
- Manual errors: Addresses were often written without PIN codes, leading to delays and misrouting.
DIGIPIN addresses these challenges by offering machine-readable, GPS-based precision that enables automated and reliable service delivery.
Potential Applications of DIGIPIN
- Postal and Courier Services: Ensures accurate delivery, especially for last-mile services and in informal settlements or rural areas.
- Drone Deliveries: Facilitates navigation for drone-based postal or commercial deliveries.
- Emergency Response: Enables rapid dispatch of ambulances, disaster relief, or law enforcement to exact locations.
- E-Governance and Utility Services: Assists in land record digitisation, property tax mapping, and infrastructure planning.
- Financial Services: Can be used to verify the address in digital banking and insurance, similar to Aadhaar or UPI.
- E-commerce and Logistics: Enhances customer experience with accurate delivery times and real-time tracking.
Challenges and Limitations
- Urban Complexes: In high-rise buildings or dense apartment clusters, multiple residences may share a common 4×4 metre grid, making unit-level differentiation difficult.
- Digital Literacy and Access: Awareness, mobile device access, and GPS availability may be limited in rural areas.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Geolocation-based services require strict data protection measures to avoid misuse.
Future Roadmap
- India Post is planning the introduction of a Digital Address Layer, which will function similarly to a UPI ID.
- Users may be able to customise and manage their addresses in formats like username@domain, linking descriptive addresses to the precise DIGIPIN for easier sharing and usage.
Conclusion
- DIGIPIN represents a major step forward in India’s digital infrastructure, aligning the postal system with modern-day needs for precision, automation, and scalability.
- With applications ranging from mail delivery to disaster management, it has the potential to become a foundational layer for India’s evolving digital public infrastructure.
- Successful implementation will depend on widespread awareness, technical integration, and addressing urban and privacy-related challenges.
CARE MCQ |
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Q1. With reference to the launch of the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) in 2024–25, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
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Answer 1- A
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Telangana records over 50,000 new cancer cases every year
Source: The Hindu
TGPSC Syllabus Relevance: Public health
Context: Cancer care centre
Why in News
To address the rising burden of cancer in Telangana, the State government announced mobile screening units and cancer care centres at the district level during the silver jubilee of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital.
Background
- Telangana records around 50,000 to 55,000 new cancer cases annually, underscoring an urgent public health crisis.
- On June 22, 2025, during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad, Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha outlined a strategic response to this growing burden.
Key Announcements: Decentralised Cancer Care Strategy
To strengthen early detection and treatment of cancer, the Telangana government announced the following interventions:
- Mobile Cancer Screening Units:
- Planned for every district.
- Aim: To provide early detection services at the grassroots level, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where access to specialist care is limited.
- Dedicated Cancer Care Centres:
- To be established across districts.
- These centres will offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Screening and early diagnosis
- Day-care chemotherapy
- Palliative support
- Goal: Reduce patient load on urban tertiary hospitals and make cancer treatment equitable and accessible.
The Minister emphasised that early detection is key to survival, and timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Role of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital
Founded in 2000 as a 110-bed facility, the hospital has expanded over 25 years into a 700-bed comprehensive cancer treatment centre. Key developments:
- Leadership: Actor and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, serving as chairman, has been instrumental in its development.
- Donor Support: Growth has been driven by strong public trust and philanthropic contributions.
Future Plans:
- A 1,000-bed cancer hospital in Andhra Pradesh is in the pipeline.
- Phase 1 construction is set to begin soon, furthering regional access to high-quality cancer care.
Technological Upgrade: Inauguration of Linear Accelerator
- At the event, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a Linear Accelerator, a modern radiotherapy machine.
- This equipment enhances the hospital’s capability to deliver targeted radiation therapy with precision, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Significance of the Initiatives
- Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure:
- The decentralised model aims to integrate cancer care into district-level health services.
- Reduces travel and financial burden on rural patients.
- Promotion of Preventive Health Culture:
- Mobile units encourage proactive screening, improving early-stage detection rates.
- Public-Private Synergy in Healthcare:
- The role of charitable institutions like Basavatarakam Hospital showcases the potential of philanthropy in bridging gaps in advanced healthcare services.
- Technological Advancement in Cancer Treatment:
- Investments in state-of-the-art equipment like the Linear Accelerator demonstrate a shift toward precision oncology.
- Model for Other States:
- Telangana’s initiative may serve as a replicable model for other states to manage the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer.
CARE MCQ |
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Q2. With reference to the recent cancer care initiatives in Telangana, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
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Answer 2- A
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https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/draft-registration-bill-10079810/
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance
Context: Registration Bill, 2025
Why in News
The Registration Bill, 2025 seeks to modernise and digitise the 117-year-old property registration framework to enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and simplify citizen access.
Introduction
- The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has released the Registration Bill, 2025 in draft form and invited public suggestions.
- The Bill aims to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908, a colonial-era law governing the registration of property documents.
- It seeks to modernise the legal framework to reflect the technological and administrative advances in governance, especially in land and property transactions.
Need for Reform
- Outdated Legislation: The Registration Act, 1908 was designed in the pre-digital era. It mandates physical presence at Sub-Registrar offices and lacks provisions for online processes, e-signatures, and digital identity verification.
- Technological Advancements: Many states/UTs have introduced online registrations, Aadhaar-based identity checks, and digital submissions using the existing framework, but these lack legal backing.
- Rising Land Disputes: Land and property disputes constitute over two-thirds of civil cases in India, and lack of clear, reliable documentation is a major cause.
- Ease of Doing Business: Transparent, efficient, and digitally enabled registration processes are essential for improving property rights, credit access, and economic development.
Salient Features of the Registration Bill, 2025
1. Digital and Offline Registration (Section 29)
- Enables end-to-end digital registration of documents via electronic means.
- Offers hybrid options—citizens can still register documents at Sub-Registrar offices.
- Aadhaar-based or offline identity verification permitted.
- Importantly, no denial of registration for lack of Aadhaar (Sec. 29(4))—ensuring inclusivity.
2. Expansion of Compulsory Registrable Documents (Section 12)
- Includes:
- Agreement of Sale
- Power of Attorney (PoA)
- Mortgage by Deposit of Title Deeds
- Sale Agreements
- Corporate mergers/demergers (Companies Act, 2013)
- This expansion aims to bring more legal certainty and accountability in property-related transactions.
3. Optional Registration Ambiguity (Section 13)
- Mentions “optional registration” but does not clarify which documents this includes.
- Creates potential for interpretive gaps, and legal uncertainty in enforcement.
4. Creation of New Administrative Posts (Section 4(5))
- Adds Additional and Assistant Inspector Generals of Registration to improve decentralisation and efficiency.
- Terms, duties, and powers will be notified by the respective state/central governments.
5. Refusal and Cancellation of Registration (Section 58 & 64)
- Registration can be refused if:
- Documents are not translated accurately
- Content is erased
- Delay beyond four months (wills are exempt)
- If the presenter is minor, deceased, or mentally incapacitated
- Section 64(3) empowers the Inspector General to cancel registrations made through fraud, illegal means, or incorrect information—with a written order and right to appeal within 30 days.
6. Reduction in Penalties
- Imprisonment for offences is reduced from 7 years to 3 years, along with a fine.
- Seen as an attempt to make penalties more proportionate, though critics worry it might dilute deterrence.
Significance of the Bill
Modernisation of Property Transactions
- Moves towards contactless governance and paperless documentation, making property deals quicker, more secure, and citizen-friendly.
Transparency and Record Maintenance
- Mandatory digital records will:
- Minimise tampering of documents
- Create audit trails
- Improve traceability and transparency
Reduction in Litigation
- Compulsory registration of agreements (sale, PoA, etc.) can reduce ambiguities in property ownership and transfer, thereby reducing disputes.
Enabling Future Reforms
- This law can serve as a foundational framework for integrating land titling, GIS mapping, e-stamps, and blockchain-based land ledgers in the future.
Concerns and Challenges
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Storing digital records and e-signatures necessitates robust cyber-infrastructure.
- Risk of data breaches or hacking could compromise sensitive information, including biometric-linked identities.
Ambiguity in Optional Registration
- The undefined scope of Section 13 may lead to litigation and procedural confusion.
- Leaves space for discretionary misuse by authorities.
Delegation to Common Service Centres (CSCs)
- Proposed reliance on CSCs for registration and related tasks could lead to legal and operational issues, especially in:
- Determination of stamp duty
- Transfer of title
- These functions involve legal complexities that require qualified legal professionals, not just facilitation centres.
Implementation Capacity
- Digital divide, especially in rural areas, may limit access.
- Need for training of registration officials, upgradation of infrastructure, and citizen awareness.
Conclusion:
The Registration Bill, 2025 is a progressive step toward digitising and democratising land registration in India. It aligns with India’s larger push for Digital India, property rights reform, and ease of living. However, its success will depend heavily on implementation, clarity in provisions, and data safeguards.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q3. With reference to the Registration Bill, 2025, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (d) |
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Answer 3- B Explanation
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US strikes 3 nuclear sites in Iran
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Why in News
The recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have raised critical questions about international law, nuclear non-proliferation, and regional stability.
Introduction
- The United States carried out precision air and missile strikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
- The attack comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of consequences if it did not engage in nuclear negotiations.
- The strikes have raised global concerns about regional security, nuclear proliferation, and the violation of international law.
Background:
- The Israel-Iran conflict reignited in June 2025 after Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets, alleging Iranian support for militant groups threatening Israeli security.
- Iran responded with retaliatory attacks, and regional tensions escalated.
- Although the U.S. had previously urged restraint, Trump warned that Iran had “two weeks” to negotiate its nuclear future — a timeline that was cut short as the U.S. joined Israel in military action.
- The conflict is taking place amidst failed nuclear negotiations and a recent IAEA censure of Iran for non-cooperation.
Targets of the US Attack: Iran’s Key Nuclear Facilities
1. Natanz Nuclear Facility
- Location: ~220 km southeast of Tehran.
- Significance:
- Iran’s main uranium enrichment site.
- Houses advanced centrifuges enriching uranium up to 60% purity, dangerously close to weapons-grade.
- Partially underground to protect from airstrikes.
- Attack Details: Targeted by Tomahawk cruise missiles and bunker-buster bombs.
2. Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant
- Location: Buried under a mountain near Qom, ~100 km southwest of Tehran.
- Significance:
- Highly fortified; built to resist air attacks.
- Secret facility until exposed in 2009.
- Attack Details:
- Hit with 12 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators by six B-2 stealth bombers.
- Aimed to destroy underground enrichment tunnels.
3. Isfahan Nuclear Research Centre
- Location: ~350 km southeast of Tehran.
- Significance:
- Home to three Chinese-built research reactors.
- Hosts thousands of nuclear scientists.
- Attack Details:
- Struck with Tomahawk missiles, possibly to disrupt research and development.
Weapons Used in the Attack
- B-2 Stealth Bombers: Delivered bunker-buster bombs (GBU-57).
- GBU-57 MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator):
- 30,000-pound bomb.
- Designed to penetrate hardened underground facilities.
- Tomahawk Cruise Missiles: Sea-launched missiles from U.S. Navy submarines; used for precision targeting of above-ground and shallow facilities.
Reasons Behind the Attack
1. Preventive Action Against Nuclear Weaponization
- The U.S. and Israel view Iran’s nuclear advancements as a direct threat.
- Despite Iran’s claim of peaceful nuclear intent, intelligence suggested imminent weaponization.
2. Breakdown of Nuclear Talks
- Ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran failed to yield results.
- Iran refused to negotiate during wartime, increasing urgency for action.
3. Recent Censure by IAEA
- Iran was censured for non-cooperation — a serious rebuke by the global nuclear watchdog, reflecting growing international distrust.
Reactions to the Attack
Iran
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:
- Called the strike a “grave violation” of international law, the UN Charter, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
- Warned of “everlasting consequences” and reserved the right to retaliate in self-defense.
United States (Trump’s Statement)
- Described the strike as “very successful”.
- Praised U.S. military’s precision and strength.
- Issued a warning: “Any retaliation will be met with far greater force.”
Israel
- Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the U.S. strike as “historic”.
- Temporarily shut Israeli airspace for safety.
- Called the move a turning point in ensuring regional security.
Implications of the Attack
1. Violation of International Norms
- The attack may be seen as a breach of:
- UN Charter (Article 2): Prohibits the use of force against the sovereignty of member states.
- NPT: Iran, a signatory, argues that its facilities were under peaceful use.
2. Escalation of Regional Tensions
- The attack deepens the Israel-Iran conflict and risks drawing more countries into a regional war.
- Could provoke proxy retaliation via Iran-aligned militias in Lebanon, Syria, or Iraq.
3. Threat to Global Energy Security
- Iran is a key player in global oil routes (e.g., Strait of Hormuz).
- Any escalation could affect global oil supply and prices.
4. Setback to Diplomacy and Non-Proliferation
- Nuclear diplomacy between Iran and the West may collapse.
- Other countries may reconsider adherence to non-proliferation norms if security guarantees are undermined.
5. Domestic and Electoral Fallout in the U.S.
- Trump had campaigned on non-interventionism and ending Middle East wars.
- The strike is seen by critics as inconsistent with his promises, potentially affecting his 2025 presidential campaign.
Conclusion
- The U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities mark a critical turning point in Middle East geopolitics.
- While intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the attack raises serious questions about legality, proportionality, and long-term consequences.
- With Iran vowing retaliation and global diplomacy in disarray, the international community must act swiftly to de-escalate tensions and revive dialogue.
- The future of the Iran nuclear deal — and regional peace — hangs in the balance.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q4. With reference to the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’? (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (a) |
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Answer 4- B Explanation
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Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-a-blowout/article69723758.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Disaster Management
Context: Blowouts in Oil and Gas Wells
Why in News
A blowout is an uncontrolled release of gas or oil from a well due to failure of pressure control systems, posing serious safety and environmental hazards.
Introduction
- A blowout is a serious industrial accident that occurs at oil or natural-gas wells when the underground pressure of gas or oil overpowers the systems meant to contain it.
- Such events pose significant safety, environmental, and economic challenges, requiring immediate expert intervention.
Mechanism of a Blowout
During the normal drilling process, workers drill through layers of rock to reach hydrocarbon reserves. To counteract the high-pressure gases trapped underground, they use a dense fluid called drilling mud and install blowout preventers (BOPs)—specialized high-pressure safety valves.
However, if:
- the pressure within the well exceeds the strength of the BOP, or
- the weight and volume of drilling mud used are miscalculated,
then the pressurized gas can escape uncontrollably through the bore. - As it ascends, the gas may mix with oil, sand, and drilling fluid, emerging at the surface in a violent jet.
- If ignited, it results in a massive fire, constituting a blowout.
- These incidents threaten human life, damage infrastructure, pollute the environment, and demand high financial and technical resources to control.
Response and Control
- Blowouts are difficult and expensive to manage.
- Containment typically requires well-control experts, sophisticated equipment, and continuous operations for several days or weeks.
- Evacuation of nearby populations is often necessary to ensure safety.
Recent Case: ONGC Blowout in Assam
On June 12, 2025, a blowout occurred at an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in Sivasagar district, Assam. Following the incident:
- Over 1,500 residents in surrounding areas were evacuated.
- ONGC mobilised well-control experts from the United States to assist in capping the well.
- By June 21, ONGC reported that the gas flow had been brought under control.
Conclusion
- Blowouts highlight the complex risks associated with hydrocarbon extraction.
- They underscore the need for robust safety mechanisms, real-time pressure monitoring, and international collaboration in crisis response.
- As India seeks to expand its energy exploration, strengthening disaster preparedness and environmental safeguards becomes imperative.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q5. Consider the following statements regarding a blowout in oil and gas wells:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 4 only |
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (d) |
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Answer 5- A Explanation
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Navigating the Impact of AI on the News Industry
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology
Context: Impact of AI on the News Industry
Why in News?
The ethical and legal concerns of news media over AI models using journalistic content without consent or compensation, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention.
Introduction
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially large language models (LLMs), are revolutionising information processing and content generation.
- However, this innovation has raised critical concerns about how these models acquire and utilise content—particularly that produced by news organisations.
- News media, a cornerstone of democracy, now faces the threat of uncompensated use of its decades-worth of content by AI systems that generate monetised outputs without permission or attribution.
The Backbone of AI Models: Content from the Internet
- LLMs are trained on vast corpuses of text from the open web, which includes news articles, editorials, and reports created by professional journalists.
- These journalistic works are not public domain, but are being used by AI models without explicit consent or compensation.
- The value generated by AI models, including summarisation tools, chatbots, and content generators, is often built on top of this high-quality, curated news content.
Historical Context: Media Industry’s Digital Challenges
The concerns of news organisations are not new:
- Wave 1: Digitisation disrupted the business models of print and broadcast media. Traditional subscriptions and advertisements declined with the rise of the internet.
- Wave 2: Rise of Big Tech platforms like Google and Facebook, which monetised news aggregation and sharing but offered minimal revenue to content creators.
- Wave 3: AI models are now training on news content and delivering AI-generated overviews, often without linking to the original publisher or offering fair compensation.
Emerging Challenges for News Media
- Loss of revenue: AI summaries and chatbots reduce traffic to original news websites, thereby affecting ad-based revenue.
- Lack of credit or visibility: News content used in AI-generated outputs is often uncredited.
- Undermining of journalistic labour: Years of fieldwork, editing, verification, and analysis are collapsed into a few seconds of output.
- Threat to public trust: As generative AI increases misinformation and blurs the line between genuine and fake news, the credibility of all news gets undermined.
The Ethical and Legal Argument
- “Fair use” is not always fair: AI companies often cite the legal doctrine of fair use to justify using copyrighted material. However, this ignores the moral and financial rights of the content creators.
- News is not free: It involves significant investment in human capital, logistics, verification, and infrastructure.
- AI models should not be exempt from intellectual property laws just because their use of content is indirect or “transformative”.
A Path Forward: Regulation and Compensation
- Publishers’ rights must be protected: They should have the authority to decide who can access and use their content corpus.
- AI companies must negotiate licensing agreements: Just like music streaming services pay royalties, AI firms must pay for the datasets they use.
- Role of government: India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) forming a committee on copyright and AI is a significant step.
- This body can lay down frameworks to ensure ethical AI development that respects existing IP rights.
- It can facilitate negotiations between AI firms and content creators.
Global Precedents and Need for Policy Synchronisation
- Countries like Australia and Canada have introduced legislation compelling tech giants to compensate news publishers.
- India can learn from these examples, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of journalistic integrity and financial sustainability.
- There is a need for global cooperation, as AI model training and deployment are inherently transnational.
Conclusion
The emergence of AI is not inherently negative. However, unchecked and permission-less innovation threatens to become a digital heist, taking without giving back. It is essential that news organisations, policymakers, and civil society advocate for fairness in how AI systems are trained and monetised. AI must be inclusive, transparent, and just, ensuring that those who create knowledge are not sidelined in the very systems built on their contributions.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q6. With reference to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content generation, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only Ans: (b) |
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Answer – 6 – B Explanation
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INS Tamal: India’s Latest Stealth Multi-Role Frigate
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Defence
Context: INS Tamal
Why in News?
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, its last foreign-built stealth multi-role frigate, on July 1, 2025, in Russia.
Introduction
- The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.
- Built at the Yantar Shipyard, INS Tamal marks a major milestone in India’s naval modernization and self-reliance journey, being the last warship procured from a foreign source.
Background: India-Russia Naval Cooperation
- India and Russia have had a long-standing naval partnership, especially in the construction of Krivak-class (or Talwar-class) frigates.
- INS Tamal is the eighth frigate in this series to be inducted into the Indian Navy over the past two decades.
- It is part of a broader bilateral agreement under which India is also building two more frigates (Triput-class) at Goa Shipyard Limited using Russian technology and design support.
Significance of INS Tamal
1. Final Foreign-Built Indian Warship
- INS Tamal is the last major warship to be built outside India.
- Reflects a strategic shift in Indian defence procurement towards indigenisation, in line with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.
2. Enhancing Naval Power
- With INS Tamal’s induction, India will operate 10 ships of similar capability across four classes, all with:
- Commonality in weapons
- Standardised sensors
- Shared equipment platforms
3. Technological Capabilities
- INS Tamal is a stealth, multi-role frigate, combining Russian shipbuilding expertise with Indian weapon systems.
- Key features include:
- Length: 125 meters
- Displacement: 3,900 tonnes
- Crew: Over 250 trained personnel
- Stealth and Stability: New design with advanced stealth features and superior sea-handling
- Weapon Systems:
- BrahMos cruise missiles (indigenously developed)
- Modern sensors and electronic warfare suites
- Indigenous content: 26% of the ship’s components are Indian-made, with over 33 Made-in-India systems—more than double compared to earlier ships in the series.
Strategic and Operational Relevance
1. Strengthening the Western Naval Command
- Upon commissioning, INS Tamal will be part of the Western Fleet, known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy.
- This strengthens India’s presence in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
2. Training and Sea Trials
- The crew underwent intensive training in challenging winter conditions in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
- The ship has successfully completed extensive sea trials over three months, validating all weapon and sensor systems.
Indigenisation and the Future
- India is now shifting towards domestic warship production, evident from:
- Construction of Triput-class frigates at Goa Shipyard
- Induction of other indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) and P-17A stealth frigates
- INS Tamal symbolises the end of an era of dependency and the beginning of full-spectrum indigenous warship building.
Conclusion
- The commissioning of INS Tamal is more than a naval event—it is a statement of India’s evolving defence posture.
- It highlights India’s growing technological capabilities, stronger strategic partnerships, and a determined push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- As the last foreign-built warship in India’s fleet, INS Tamal will serve as a powerful symbol of the transition from acquisition to atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the maritime domain.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q7. With reference to the commissioning of INS Tamal by the Indian Navy, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? |
Q. In the context of the Indian defence, what is ‘Dhruv’? (2008) (a) Aircraft-carrying warship Ans:( c ) |
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Answer – 7 – A Explanation –
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Organ Transplantation Programme in India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS1 Social Justice
Context: Organ Transplantation Programme in India
Why in News?
The Union Health Ministry’s 2025 report has highlighted major systemic issues in India’s public-sector organ transplantation programme.
Introduction
- A report released on June 19, 2025, by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that India’s organ transplantation programme faces multiple systemic challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure and skilled manpower to procedural hurdles and lack of financial support for patients.
- The findings were presented after a high-level review of the current status of transplantation services, especially in government hospitals.
Current Status of Organ Transplantation in India
- In 2024-25, only 13,476 kidney transplants were conducted in India, both by public and private institutions, against an estimated demand of over 1 lakh.
- The public sector’s capacity is far below the national requirement.
- There is an urgent need to create more government transplantation centres and enhance the capacity of existing ones.
Key Challenges Identified
1. Infrastructural Deficiencies
- Lack of specialised infrastructure such as:
- Dedicated transplant operation theatres (OTs),
- Transplant Intensive Care Units (TICUs),
- ICU beds for brain-stem dead (BSD) donors and recipients.
- Overburdened general ICUs and trauma centres, which results in:
- Limited availability of ICU beds for potential organ donors.
- Absence of in-house Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) cross-matching labs in many AIIMS and government hospitals.
- Dependence on external labs causes delays in donor matching and transplantation logistics.
2. Manpower Shortage
- Acute shortage of skilled personnel including:
- Transplant surgeons,
- Nephrologists,
- Urologists,
- Anaesthetists,
- Neurologists/Neurosurgeons,
- Intensive care specialists.
- Frequent transfers of trained personnel affect continuity of transplant programs.
3. Procedural and Regulatory Bottlenecks
- Delays in:
- Formation and approval of Brain-Stem Death (BSD) Committees.
- Initiating deceased donor programmes in hospitals.
- Complex medico-legal formalities associated with trauma cases (a primary source of deceased donors), deter effective organ retrieval and donation.
4. Financial Barriers
- High cost of transplantation procedures, equipment, and lifelong post-operative care (e.g., immunosuppressant drugs).
- Many hospitals reported insufficient funding to begin or restart advanced transplant programmes such as lung transplantation.
- Immunosuppressive therapy, necessary for life, becomes unaffordable after the first year, as most government schemes only cover initial treatment costs.
- Current central schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY do not cover:
- Liver and heart transplants,
- Long-term drug therapy costs for transplant patients.
5. Data Transparency and Motivation
- Non-sharing of transplant data by hospitals has hindered monitoring and policy planning.
- Lack of financial and institutional incentives for transplant teams (surgeons, nurses, coordinators) impacts motivation and expansion of transplant services.
Recommendations by the Report
- Infrastructure Development
- Creation of new government transplant centres.
- Upgrade existing OTs and ICUs to include dedicated transplant facilities.
- Establish in-house HLA typing laboratories in all major transplant centres.
- Manpower Strengthening
- Recruitment and retention of transplant-specific specialists.
- Training programmes to increase availability of skilled professionals.
- Prevent frequent transfer of trained staff in transplant units.
- Process Reforms
- Simplify and fast-track the constitution of BSD Committees.
- Streamline medico-legal procedures for trauma-related organ donation.
- Improve coordination among hospital departments and police/legal authorities.
- Financial Support
- Include liver and heart transplants under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
- Extend financial coverage to include lifelong immunosuppressant therapy.
- Allocate separate grants to hospitals to start/expand lung and other complex transplants.
- Incentivising Transplant Teams
- Provide case-based financial incentives to surgical and support teams to boost morale and performance.
- Introduce institutional incentives for high-performing transplant centres.
- Monitoring and Data Sharing
- Enforce mandatory sharing of real-time transplant data with central databases (NOTTO).
- Regular audits and reviews of transplant centres for transparency and accountability.
Way Forward
- With the organ transplant demand-supply gap widening, there is a pressing need to:
- Expand the donor pool,
- Improve public awareness on organ donation,
- Build a robust deceased donor programme.
- The central and state governments must work together to ensure:
- Policy implementation,
- Adequate financial and human resources, and
- A transparent and efficient organ transplant ecosystem.
Conclusion
- India’s organ transplantation programme holds immense potential but is currently hindered by systemic challenges.
- Addressing these issues with a comprehensive policy overhaul, infrastructure development, skilled human resources, and equitable healthcare financing—especially through schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY—can transform India into a global leader in ethical and accessible organ transplantation.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
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Q8. Consider the following statements regarding India’s organ transplantation programme as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s 2025 report:
How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one |
Q. Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India? (2017)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) |
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Answer – 8- C Explanation –
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