August 27th Current Affairs
Table of Contents
Operation Sindoor
July 21st Current Affairs Home / Operation Sindoor Why in News? Parliament’s Monsoon Session, starting July 21, 2025, is expected to feature
Alaska Earthquakes
July 21st Current Affairs Home / Alaska Earthquakes Why in News? On July 21, 2025, Alaska Peninsula was struck by
August 2, 2027 Solar Eclipse
July 21st Current Affairs Home / August 2, 2027 Solar Eclipse Why in News? A total solar eclipse is set
India’s milestone in clean energy transition
July 21st Current Affairs Home / India’s milestone in clean energy transition Why in News? India achieved a milestone by
‘Baby Grok’, child-friendly AI app
July 21st Current Affairs Home / ‘Baby Grok’, Child-friendly AI app Why in News? Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has announced
Impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma
July 22nd Current Affairs Home / Impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma Context On July 22, 2025, impeachment proceedings against
Supreme Court Orders SIT Probe into Vantara Wildlife Center
Context
The Supreme Court of India has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the operations of Vantara, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This inquiry, prompted by two Public Interest Litigations (PILs), will scrutinize the acquisition of animals, particularly elephants, from both domestic and international sources.
Background
The controversy began with the relocation of an elephant named Mahadevi from a temple in Kolhapur to Vantara in July. The PILs alleged various irregularities, including unlawful animal acquisition, mistreatment of animals, financial misconduct, and potential money laundering. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the gravity of these claims despite a lack of direct evidence, decided an independent fact-finding mission was necessary to ascertain the truth and assist the court in its future orders.
Government Schemes and Policies
The Indian government implements various schemes and policies to protect wildlife, such as the Project Tiger and Project Elephant. These initiatives aim to conserve and protect endangered species and their habitats. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees these policies, working with state governments to enforce them.
Constitutional Provisions, Rules, & Laws
- Article 48A of the Constitution of India mandates that the state shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
- Article 51A(g) requires every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is the principal law governing wildlife conservation in India. It prohibits hunting, specifies protected areas, and regulates the trade of wild animals. The Act also provides rules for the establishment and management of zoos.
- The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), a statutory body under the MoEFCC, oversees the management and functioning of Indian zoos to ensure they adhere to standards of animal welfare and conservation.
- The International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty aiming to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. India is a signatory to CITES, making its provisions legally binding.
UN Resolutions
UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), of which India is a party, promotes the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. These principles are aligned with the goals of wildlife protection and ethical animal care.
Wildlife Experts
Wildlife experts often emphasize the importance of rigorous adherence to legal and ethical standards in wildlife rehabilitation. They stress that such centers should prioritize the animals’ welfare, provide suitable habitats, and ensure proper veterinary care. The acquisition of animals must be transparent and comply with both national and international laws to prevent illegal wildlife trade. The goal should be true conservation, not just housing animals.
Significance
The Supreme Court’s decision to form an SIT is a significant step, signaling the judiciary’s commitment to holding institutions, even private ones, accountable for their actions concerning wildlife. It underscores the critical need for transparency in wildlife management, especially in large-scale operations. The probe can set a precedent for future cases involving private entities’ roles in wildlife conservation, potentially leading to stronger regulations and oversight.
Definition of Technical Terms
- Special Investigation Team (SIT): A group of experts formed by a judicial or executive authority to investigate a specific, complex issue that requires specialized knowledge and coordinated efforts.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A legal tool that allows any member of the public or an organization to approach the court on behalf of a section of society whose rights are being violated.
- Central Zoo Authority (CZA): The statutory body in India responsible for the recognition, monitoring, and regulation of zoos to ensure they meet standards of animal welfare and conservation.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): An international agreement that regulates the trade of wild animals and plants to prevent over-exploitation.
Environmental Nuances and Impacts on Biodiversity
Wildlife rehabilitation centers play a crucial role in conservation by rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals. However, if not managed ethically, they can contribute to the illegal wildlife trade, harm animal welfare, and even introduce foreign species that could disrupt local ecosystems. The genetic purity of species in conservation programs is also a concern. Unregulated breeding and animal transfers can lead to genetic bottlenecks and weakened populations.
Challenges and Way Forward
The main challenge lies in balancing private sector contributions to conservation with robust oversight to prevent potential abuses. The SIT’s probe will need to overcome the lack of initial evidence and gather facts meticulously. The way forward involves:
- Strengthening legal frameworks to ensure transparency in private wildlife facilities.
- Implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms by statutory bodies like the CZA.
- Promoting public-private partnerships that are built on a foundation of trust and accountability.
- Encouraging a clear distinction between genuine conservation efforts and mere animal collections.
- Educating the public and stakeholders about ethical wildlife conservation practices.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the legal framework for wildlife in India: 1. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for the protection of wild animals and regulates their trade. 2. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a non-statutory body responsible for the recognition of zoos. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Analyze the role of private entities in wildlife conservation in India, critically examining the need for greater accountability and regulation. (10 marks)
Online Gaming Bill, 2025, and its Impact on Dream11
Context
The Indian government has enacted the Online Gaming Bill, 2025, to regulate the sector. This legislation has severely impacted fantasy sports giant Dream11, with its CEO stating that 95% of revenues have vanished, potentially leading the company to terminate its Indian cricket team sponsorship.
Background
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 was passed by Parliament to address societal issues like addiction, financial distress, and links to fraud and money laundering associated with real money gaming. The new law permits social gaming but prohibits games involving real money, which is the primary revenue source for platforms like Dream11.
Government Schemes and Policies
The government has not introduced any specific schemes to support the gaming industry after the bill’s passage. However, previous policies, such as the Digital India initiative, have aimed to promote a robust digital economy. The new law, while targeting a specific type of online gaming, is part of a broader regulatory approach to ensure a safer digital environment.
Constitutional Provisions, Rules, Laws, and SC Verdicts
- Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution guarantees the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business. However, this right is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the general public.
- Gambling is a state subject under the Indian Constitution. Many states have specific laws to regulate or prohibit gambling.
- The Supreme Court has, in various judgments, distinguished between ‘games of skill’ and ‘games of chance’. In the case of fantasy sports, courts have often categorized them as a game of skill, as success depends on a player’s knowledge and analytical ability rather than pure luck. This new law, however, appears to override this distinction for real money games.
- The Public Gambling Act of 1867, though a colonial-era law, remains in effect in many states and broadly defines and prohibits public gambling.
Global Best Practices
Globally, online gaming regulations vary widely. The United Kingdom and the United States have robust regulatory frameworks that license and tax online gaming operators, focusing on consumer protection, responsible gaming, and preventing money laundering. Jurisdictions like Malta have specialized licenses for online gaming, creating a favorable ecosystem while maintaining strict oversight. These models focus on regulation rather than outright bans, aiming to generate revenue for the state while mitigating risks.
Gaming Companies' Views
Gaming companies, including Dream11, have largely expressed disappointment with the bill. They argue that the law fails to distinguish between games of skill and games of chance, leading to a blanket ban on their core business model. They believe that a progressive regulatory framework with clear guidelines on taxation, consumer protection, and responsible gaming would have been a more effective solution. They also highlight the potential loss of jobs and the stifling of innovation in a sector that has attracted significant foreign investment.
Significance
The law’s passage is a landmark event that signifies a major shift in India’s approach to online gaming. It reflects the government’s concern over social issues linked to gambling addiction. For the industry, the move means a drastic loss of revenue and a potential exodus of companies or a pivot to other business models. It could also lead to a surge in unregulated, offshore gaming platforms.
Definition of Technical Terms
- Real Money Gaming: Online games where players can deposit real money to participate, with a chance to win monetary prizes.
- Social Gaming: Games played for entertainment or social interaction, without the involvement of real money for stakes or prizes.
- Fantasy Sports: A type of online game where participants build virtual teams of real players from a professional sport and earn points based on the actual performance of those players.
Digital Nuances and Impacts on Society
The ban on real money gaming, a key feature of the Web 2.0 economy, disrupts a business model that thrived on digital transactions and user engagement. It impacts the monetization strategies of digital platforms and affects gig economy workers, such as streamers and content creators who rely on these platforms. Societally, the ban aims to curb addiction, particularly among youth, and reduce financial distress caused by gambling losses. It is also a move to combat cybercrime, money laundering, and the use of online platforms for illicit activities.
Challenges and Way Forward
The primary challenge is the potential rise of the grey market. Players may move to unregulated, offshore platforms that offer real money games, making it difficult for the government to track transactions, tax revenues, and protect consumers. The way forward involves:
- A re-evaluation of the law to create a distinction between games of skill and chance, allowing for a regulated framework for the former.
- Implementing a licensing and taxation model similar to global best practices.
- Launching a public awareness campaign on the risks of unregulated gaming.
- Collaboration between the government and the gaming industry to create a sustainable and responsible ecosystem that balances economic growth with social welfare.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding online gaming regulation in India: 1. The Supreme Court has consistently held that fantasy sports are a game of chance and thus fall under the purview of gambling. 2. The new Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all forms of online gaming, including social gaming. 3. The Indian Constitution places 'gambling' in the State List, allowing states to legislate on the matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Critically analyze the government’s approach to regulating online gaming, considering the balance between economic growth and social welfare. (10 marks)
Income Tax Act, 2025
Context
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is drafting new rules for the recently enacted Income Tax Act, 2025. The aim is to create simplified, unambiguous rules and forms, aligning with the new law, which is set to be implemented from April 1, 2026.
Background
The new Income Tax Act, 2025, replaces the previous law with a focus on simplified language and clearer provisions. The move is aimed at reducing legal disputes and enhancing taxpayer understanding. It also explicitly defines the powers of income tax authorities regarding the seizure of digital data during searches and surveys.
Government Schemes and Policies
The new Income Tax Act is a key component of the government’s broader economic policy to streamline governance and enhance the ease of doing business. It complements initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which unified indirect taxes, by aiming to simplify the direct tax structure. The government has also been pushing for digitalization of tax administration, and the new law with its provisions for digital data aligns with this strategy.
Constitutional Provisions, Rules, Laws, and SC Verdicts
- Article 265 of the Constitution of India states that no tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law. This forms the constitutional basis for all tax laws, including the Income Tax Act.
- The new Act, in its provisions regarding searches and seizures of digital data, must align with the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court, in its landmark verdict in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of India case, declared privacy as a fundamental right.
- The new Act’s explicit provisions for handling digital data are an attempt to clarify existing powers while trying to balance the need for effective tax enforcement with a taxpayer’s right to privacy. The CBDT official noted that the powers existed previously but are now more clearly defined in a changing digital landscape.
UN Resolutions
International cooperation on tax matters is promoted by the UN. The UN Tax Committee provides a platform for developing countries to shape global tax norms. India’s efforts to modernize its tax code are in line with the global trend toward greater tax transparency and combating tax evasion, though this is primarily a domestic measure.
Economist's Views
Economists generally view tax simplification favorably. A simplified tax code can reduce compliance costs for both taxpayers and the government. It can also enhance tax certainty, which is crucial for attracting both domestic and foreign investment. The new law’s focus on clear language is expected to reduce the volume of tax litigation, freeing up resources and improving the overall efficiency of the tax system. However, some economists may caution that simplification should not come at the cost of equity or effectiveness in curbing tax evasion.
Significance
The new Income Tax Act and the ongoing rule-drafting process represent a major overhaul of India’s direct tax system, which has been in place since 1961. The move from ‘assessment year’ to ‘tax year’ simplifies terminology. The explicit mention of digital data handling is a significant step towards modernizing the law to keep pace with technological advancements. The entire exercise is aimed at building a more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly tax regime.
Definition of Technical Terms
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): A statutory body in India that is a part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It formulates policies and plans for direct taxes.
- Tax Year: The year in which income is earned. The new Act replaces the old ‘previous year’ and ‘assessment year’ with this single, simplified term.
- TDS (Tax Deducted at Source): A method of collecting income tax at the time of a transaction.
- TCS (Tax Collected at Source): The tax payable by a seller who collects it from the buyer at the time of sale.
Fiscal Nuances and Impacts on Revenue Collection
A simplified tax structure can lead to better tax compliance. When taxpayers find it easier to understand and follow the rules, they are more likely to comply. This can lead to increased tax revenue. The reduction in tax disputes will also decrease administrative costs for the government, thereby improving the efficiency of revenue collection. By explicitly defining the powers to access digital data, the law aims to strengthen the enforcement mechanism against tax evasion in the digital economy.
Challenges and Way Forward
The primary challenge is to ensure that the simplified language does not lead to new interpretations and disputes. The CBDT must conduct thorough stakeholder consultations to make the rules clear and comprehensive. The explicit provisions for digital data must be balanced with the right to privacy, requiring the creation of a clear and secure Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for data handling. The government will also need to train tax officials and educate the public on the new rules. The way forward involves:
- Continuing public consultations to refine the rules and forms.
- Developing a robust and transparent SOP for digital data handling to address privacy concerns.
- Extensive public outreach and education campaigns to inform taxpayers about the changes.
- Utilizing technology to ensure seamless implementation of the new law.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the new Income Tax Act, 2025:
1. The new Act introduces the concept of a 'tax year', replacing the existing 'previous year' and 'assessment year'.
2. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is a non-statutory body responsible for formulating direct tax policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Examine how the simplification of the Income Tax Act can reduce tax disputes and enhance taxpayer compliance in India’s digital economy. (10 marks)
OpenAI's Learning Accelerator in India
Context
OpenAI has launched the India-first Learning Accelerator initiative, partnering with IIT Madras and other educational bodies. The program will provide half a million ChatGPT licenses to educators and students, with a $500,000 research grant for long-term studies on AI’s impact on learning.
Background
OpenAI’s move is a strategic response to the high usage of ChatGPT in India’s education sector, where over 50% of its users are under 24. The initiative aims to tailor AI tools for the Indian curriculum and address concerns from parents who want AI to be a tutor, not just an answer machine.
Government Schemes and Policies
OpenAI’s initiative aligns with the Indian government’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes leveraging technology for educational reform. The policy advocates for a more personalized, flexible, and interactive learning environment. Partnerships with the Ministry of Education and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) indicate the government’s endorsement of using AI to support educational objectives and improve learning outcomes. The government’s Digital India initiative also provides the foundational digital infrastructure for such programs to succeed.
Constitutional Provisions & Rules
- Article 21A of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to education as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14. While AI’s role is not explicitly mentioned, its potential to enhance educational access and quality could be seen as a way to further this right.
- The legal framework governing the use of AI in education is still evolving. Privacy and data security laws, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, are crucial. OpenAI’s handling of student and educator data will need to comply with these regulations to ensure user privacy and security.
Global Best Practices
Globally, leading educational institutions are exploring AI for personalized learning, automated grading, and administrative tasks. For example, universities in the U.S. and Europe are using AI to provide customized feedback to students and create adaptive learning paths. South Korea and China have also integrated AI into their national educational systems to address learning gaps and enhance teacher efficiency. OpenAI’s approach, which involves a research-backed and context-specific implementation, is a best practice for integrating new technology into a diverse educational ecosystem.
Tech Experts'
Technology experts largely see AI as a transformative tool for education. They believe that AI can provide personalized learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and learning paces. However, they also raise concerns about the ethical implications, such as algorithmic bias, the potential for cheating, and the risk of digital divide, where students without access to technology are left behind. The key, according to experts, is to use AI as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, human teachers, focusing on enhancing critical thinking and creativity.
Significance
This initiative marks a major commitment by a global AI leader to tailor its products for the Indian market. By focusing on local curriculum and language, OpenAI aims to make its tools more relevant and effective for a vast and diverse student population. The collaboration with IIT Madras and other government bodies lends credibility and provides a framework for long-term, empirical research on AI’s educational impact. This could set a precedent for how other global tech companies engage with India’s education sector.
Definition of Technical Terms
- AI (Artificial Intelligence): The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
- ChatGPT: A large language model developed by OpenAI, capable of generating human-like text in response to user prompts.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: The scientific field that studies the biological processes that underlie human cognition, especially in relation to the neural connections in the brain.
Digital Nuances and Impacts on Online Education
The integration of AI like ChatGPT introduces new dynamics into online education. It can transform a passive, content-delivery model into an interactive, conversational one. AI can provide instant feedback, generate practice questions, and even simulate conversations in a foreign language. However, this also poses challenges related to academic integrity. The use of AI can make it difficult to distinguish between a student’s original work and AI-generated content. Institutions will need to adapt their assessment methods to focus more on critical thinking, problem-solving, and in-person evaluations.
Challenges and Way Forward
The primary challenges include ensuring equitable access to technology, training teachers to effectively use AI tools, and safeguarding student privacy. The “digital divide” remains a significant barrier, as many students in rural areas may lack the necessary internet access or devices. The way forward involves:
- Government-Industry Collaboration: Ensuring that the rollout of licenses and training reaches underserved communities.
- Teacher Training: Equipping educators with the skills to integrate AI into their pedagogy and promote ethical use among students.
- Research and Policy: Using the insights from the IIT Madras study to develop robust policies that address concerns about bias, privacy, and academic honesty.
- Ethical Frameworks: Developing clear guidelines on the responsible use of AI in education to maximize benefits while mitigating risks.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the legal and policy framework for education and technology in India:
1. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for the integration of technology in education.
2. The right to education is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution of India.
3. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, is a law that governs data privacy in India, relevant to the use of AI in education.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Evaluate the potential of AI to transform India’s education sector, while critically analyzing the associated ethical and access challenges. (10 marks)
AI Psychosis
Context
The term ‘AI psychosis’ is an informal label used to describe a phenomenon where individuals exhibit symptoms similar to psychosis—such as false beliefs, delusions, or unhealthy attachments—following intense or prolonged interaction with AI chatbots like ChatGPT.
Background
Fueled by the explosive growth of AI chatbots, some users, particularly those seeking low-cost therapy or advice, have reported losing touch with reality. This has led to a growing concern among mental health experts and tech companies about the potential negative mental health effects of excessive chatbot use.
Constitutional Provisions, Rules, Laws
- The informal nature of ‘AI psychosis’ means there are no specific legal or constitutional provisions directly addressing it. However, the issue touches on the right to health, a part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The government has a duty to protect citizens from harm, including mental health harm.
- The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, is a relevant legal framework. It mandates that companies handling personal data, including sensitive mental health information, must do so with consent and for a specified purpose, though it does not address the behavioral impacts of AI.
Best Practices
Global approaches to AI ethics and safety are evolving. The European Union has been a front-runner with its AI Act, which categorizes AI systems based on risk level, with “high-risk” systems subject to stricter regulations. In the United States, the focus has been on voluntary guidelines and research by bodies like the American Psychological Association (APA) to understand and mitigate potential harms. Other countries are also exploring voluntary codes of conduct for AI developers to ensure the responsible use of their technology.
Psychologists
Psychologists see ‘AI psychosis’ with caution, emphasizing that it is not a formal clinical diagnosis. They suggest that excessive reliance on chatbots can lead to the “parroting” of false beliefs and the development of unhealthy “parasocial relationships” with AI. They argue that AI lacks empathy and cannot replace human interaction, and that over-reliance could weaken a person’s ability to cope with real-world problems. The APA is actively studying the issue to develop evidence-based guidelines.
Significance
The rise of ‘AI psychosis’ highlights the urgent need for a regulatory framework for AI that addresses not only data privacy and ethical bias but also the psychological impacts on users. It brings to the forefront the responsibility of tech companies to build safeguards into their products. The attention this issue is getting could spur more research and lead to the development of mental health-friendly AI.
Definition of Technical Terms
- AI Psychosis: An informal term describing a user’s experience of false beliefs, paranoia, or unhealthy emotional attachment to an AI chatbot, similar to clinical psychosis symptoms.
- Chatbot: A computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.
- Delusions: False beliefs that are not based on reality.
- Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind.
Behavioral Observations and Impacts on Cognitive Functioning
The over-reliance on AI for emotional support can stunt the development of crucial human skills like emotional regulation, critical thinking, and social problem-solving. As users offload emotional and cognitive burdens to a chatbot, they may lose their ability to navigate complex human relationships and situations. The “hallucination” of AI models, where they generate factually incorrect but convincing information, can also reinforce false beliefs and disorganize a user’s thinking patterns.
Challenges and Way Forward
The primary challenge is the lack of empirical evidence and a formal clinical definition for ‘AI psychosis’. This makes it difficult to regulate or treat. The way forward involves:
- Interdisciplinary Research: A collaboration between tech companies, psychologists, and neuroscientists to understand the neurological and psychological impacts of AI.
- Ethical AI Design: Implementing safeguards such as conversational boundaries, distress detection mechanisms, and clear disclaimers about the non-human nature of the interaction. OpenAI’s approach of making its model less decisive in “high-stakes” situations is a good start.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating users, particularly the youth, about the healthy use of AI and the limitations of chatbots as a substitute for professional mental health support.
- Regulatory Framework: Governments must develop clear and enforceable regulations for AI, ensuring that safety and well-being are prioritized.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the legal and psychological aspects of AI:
1. 'AI psychosis' is a clinically defined mental health disorder recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA).
2. The right to health, which is a part of the right to life under Article 21, could be a constitutional basis for government regulation of AI to address mental health impacts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. Critically analyze the mental health risks posed by excessive interaction with AI chatbots and the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and governments. (15 marks)
