Content
- How Are Courts Protecting Personality Rights?
- EC Launches e-Sign Feature for Voter Roll Management
- Will AI Fix India’s Energy Demand or Exacerbate It?
- Obesity in India: A Silent Family Emergency
- Time Poverty and Gender Inequality: Women’s Unpaid Care Work
- Ladakh Agitation: Youth Unrest, Statehood, and Sixth Schedule Aspirations
How are courts protecting personality rights?
What is the issue?
- Delhi High Court recently protected Bollywood celebrities (Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar, Jackie Shroff, Arijit Singh) from unauthorised AI-generated use of their image, voice, likeness.
- Growing misuse of deepfakes, AI cloning, and unlicensed merchandise.
- Wider push for recognition of personality rights in India’s digital age.
Relevance
- GS II (Polity & Governance): Article 21 (privacy & dignity), Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression), judicial protection of individual rights.
- GS III (Science & Technology): AI, deepfakes, digital law, regulation of emerging technologies.
Concept of Personality Rights
- Protects an individual’s name, likeness, image, voice, signature, catchphrases, and persona from unauthorised commercial exploitation.
- Rooted in:
- Article 21 (right to privacy & dignity).
- Common law doctrines: privacy, defamation, publicity rights.
- IP laws:
- Copyright Act, 1957 (Sections 38A & 38B → performers’ rights & moral rights).
- Trade Marks Act, 1999 (names/signatures can be registered).
- Tort of passing off (Section 27, TM Act).
Judicial Evolution
- R. Rajagopal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1994): Right to control identity linked to privacy; prior restraint discouraged.
- Rajinikanth case (Madras HC, 2015): Unauthorised commercial use of name/style restrained.
- Anil Kapoor case (Delhi HC, 2023): Catchphrase “jhakaas” protected; parody allowed but not commercial exploitation.
- Jackie Shroff case (Delhi HC, 2024): E-commerce & AI chatbots barred from misusing persona.
- Arijit Singh case (Bombay HC, 2024): Voice cloning via AI recognised as infringement.
- DM Entertainment v. Baby Gift House (2010): Daler Mehndi’s rights upheld; but satire/parody exempted.
- Digital Collectibles v. Galactus (2023): Reaffirmed that free speech (satire, art, news) cannot be curtailed.
Conflict with Free Expression
- Article 19(1)(a): Protects criticism, parody, satire, scholarship.
- Courts: Balance needed → protection valid against commercial exploitation, not genuine creative expression.
- Risk: Overbroad personality rights may chill free speech, censor creativity.
Contemporary Concerns
- AI & Deepfakes: New threats like voice cloning, AI-generated videos, fake endorsements.
- Fragmented legal protection: No single codified law; courts act case-by-case.
- Women & ordinary citizens: Increasing victims of deepfakes, revenge porn, impersonation.
- Enforcement challenge: Blocking URLs/reactive takedowns insufficient.
Expert Views
- Need for comprehensive legislative framework beyond piecemeal judgments.
- Clear exceptions must be defined (satire, art, parody) to avoid misuse as censorship.
- Protection not just for celebrities → extends to ordinary citizens’ privacy and dignity.
Broader Implications
- Digital Economy: Celebrities’ brand value linked to endorsements → misuse dilutes goodwill.
- Technology & Law: AI advances outpacing legal safeguards.
- Global Context: U.S. & EU have clearer publicity rights frameworks; India lags.
- Social Justice: Women more vulnerable to identity misuse in online spaces.
Way Forward
- Enact a dedicated Personality Rights & AI Misuse law.
- Mandate platform accountability (intermediary liability for deepfake/impersonation content).
- Introduce fast-track remedies: takedown within 24–48 hrs.
- Awareness & digital literacy to help individuals detect & report misuse.
- Balance: Protect dignity & commercial interests while preserving free speech.
Conclusion
- Personality rights in India are evolving through judicial precedents, but lack a codified framework.
- AI and digital manipulation have amplified risks of identity theft and misuse.
- A balanced legal architecture is essential — protecting individuals’ dignity and autonomy under Article 21, while ensuring freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- Without legislative clarity, India risks sliding into fragmented, ad hoc enforcement.
EC launches e-sign feature for addition, deletion, and correction of voter names
Why in News
- The Election Commission (EC) launched a new e-sign feature on its ECINet portal and app for voter registration, deletion, and correction forms (Forms 6, 7, 8).
- Purpose: To curb fraudulent additions and deletions in electoral rolls, highlighted by recent reports of manipulated voter lists in Karnataka (Aland constituency) and Maharashtra (Rajura constituency).
- Feature rolled out in second week of September 2025; ECINet itself went live in June 2025 during bye-elections in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal.
Relevance
- GS II (Polity & Governance): Electoral reforms, Representation of the People Act, voter rights, transparency.
- GS III (Governance & Technology): Digital governance, e-authentication, cybersecurity, service delivery.
Context
- ECINet: A one-stop digital platform integrating 40+ EC mobile and web applications.
- Target users: Individuals seeking:
- Registration as new voters (Form 6)
- Deletion from electoral rolls (Form 7)
- Corrections in voter details (Form 8)
- Old process: Submission possible after linking phone with EPIC number without Aadhaar verification.
- New process:
- Applicant fills form → redirected to CDAC-hosted portal.
- Enter Aadhaar number → OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked phone.
- Consent for Aadhaar-based authentication.
- Only after verification, redirected back to ECINet to complete form submission.
Why the Feature Was Needed
- Allegations of fraudulent deletion/addition of names in voter lists:
- Karnataka: 5,994 names allegedly removed ahead of elections.
- Aland (Kalaburagi): Forged Form 7 submissions reported.
- Rajura (Maharashtra): Fraudulent additions cited by Opposition.
- Ensures authenticity of applicant identity, linking EPIC and Aadhaar via OTP.
- Prevents unauthorised manipulation of electoral rolls and strengthens electoral integrity.
Technical & Administrative Details
- Hosted by CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing).
- Integrates with Aadhaar authentication system → secure e-sign for voter forms.
- Applicable to addition, deletion, and correction of voter data.
- Provides digital audit trail for applications → reduces disputes in elections.
Broader Implications
- Electoral Integrity: Reduces scope of tampering, ensures free and fair elections.
- Digital Governance: Shows EC’s shift towards technology-driven citizen services.
- Citizen Convenience: Applicants can complete verification remotely via OTP.
- Legal & Policy Alignment: Supports EC’s mandate under Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950 & 1951.
- Political Relevance: Opposition cites past fraudulent cases to highlight need; ruling parties can point to tech adoption as reform measure.
Challenges & Considerations
- Digital Divide: Not all voters may have Aadhaar-linked phones; rural/elderly population may face difficulties.
- Data Privacy: Linking voter rolls with Aadhaar raises concerns on personal data security.
- Implementation: Requires smooth integration across states and robust grievance redressal.
- Exclusions: Voters without Aadhaar may need alternative verification mechanisms.
Will AI fix India’s energy demand or will its own needs snowball?
Why in News
- A surge in AI adoption globally and in India is creating significant new energy demands, particularly from data centres.
- Reports from IEA (2024) and McKinsey project data centre power demand could more than double by 2030, with AI as the primary driver.
- Raises the dilemma: Will AI improve energy efficiency or exacerbate energy stress?
Relevance
- GS III (Energy): Data centre electricity demand, renewable integration, energy efficiency.
- GS III (Science & Technology): AI applications, smart grids, green infrastructure.
- GS III (Environment & Sustainability): Carbon footprint, resource use, sustainable development.
Context
- AI systems and data centres require massive computational power → high electricity consumption.
- Global context:
- Data centres currently use ~1–2% of global electricity, expected to rise to 3–4% by 2030.
- Annual data centre capacity demand may increase 19–22% from 2023 to 2030 (from 60 GW to 171–219 GW).
- India context:
- Data centre demand: 1.2 GW in 2024 → 4.5 GW by 2030 (driven by AI and digital adoption).
- Additional projected electricity consumption: 40–50 TWh annually by 2030.
- Major hubs: Mumbai (41%), Chennai (23%), NCR (14%).
- Cooling requirements: Increased demand for freshwater for server cooling.
Potential Benefits of AI for Energy
- Smarter energy management: AI optimises grid operations, renewable integration, and load forecasting.
- Renewable energy utilisation: AI predicts and manages solar, wind, and hybrid plants, ensuring 24/7 access.
- Energy efficiency in real estate: AI-driven solutions (smart lighting, predictive HVAC, automated controls) can reduce energy consumption up to 25%.
- Green infrastructure:
- Nearly 25% of India’s data centre capacity is green-certified.
- ~67% of Grade A office stock in top cities is green-certified.
- Policy alignment: AI aids Energy Conservation Building Code, Roadmap of Sustainable and Holistic Approach to National Energy Efficiency, and smart grid missions.
Challenges & Risks
- Rising energy demand: Data centres’ increasing electricity consumption may strain India’s energy systems, adding to demand from coal, oil, and gas.
- Carbon emissions: AI expansion could increase emissions despite efficiency gains.
- Resource intensity: High freshwater use for cooling; reliance on imported critical minerals for AI infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity risks: AI could intensify energy security strains, e.g., sophisticated cyberattacks on utilities.
AI Mitigation Potential
- Optimisation: AI can forecast load, detect faults, and “heal” grid sections (e.g., BESCOM in Karnataka).
- Renewables integration: AI enables solar-wind-battery hybrid systems, predictive energy management.
- Sustainable AI development: Using recycled water, improving power efficiency in AI operations.
- Digital energy grid approach: Unified, interoperable power infrastructure can amplify AI benefits.
Quantitative Insights
- Global TWh demand (IEA): 945 TWh for data centres by 2030; AI-optimised centres → 4× increase.
- India’s electricity impact: Additional 40–50 TWh/year for AI-driven data centres.
- Capacity growth: India must expand data centre capacity ~3.75× by 2030 to meet AI and digital demands.
Policy & Strategic Implications
- Energy transition: AI can accelerate adoption of renewables and energy-efficient technologies.
- Investment planning: Critical for energy infrastructure, green data centres, and smart grids.
- Sustainability focus: Balancing AI growth with emissions reduction and water use efficiency.
- Regulatory support: Governments may need to “nudge” AI adoption toward sustainable practices.
Obesity is India’s Silent Family Emergency
Why in News
- India is facing a rapid rise in obesity, especially childhood obesity, posing a “silent family emergency.”
- Obesity is linked to diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, highlighting a growing public health crisis.
- Early screening and intervention are emphasized to prevent long-term complications.
Relevance
- GS II (Health & Governance): Non-communicable diseases, public health policy, preventive healthcare.
- GS III (Science & Technology): Nutrition, lifestyle management, health interventions.
Context
- Obesity: Chronic condition caused by excess body fat, not just poor willpower or lifestyle choice.
- Causes:
- Genetic and hormonal factors.
- High-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles.
- Environmental and societal influences.
- Impacted population:
- Adults struggling with overweight/obesity.
- Rising childhood obesity, leading to early onset of metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
Key Insights
- Misconceptions:
- Obesity is often wrongly seen as lack of self-control or laziness.
- Crash diets or extreme lifestyle changes rarely succeed long-term.
- Medical perspective:
- Obesity is a chronic medical condition, similar to hypertension or diabetes.
- Requires supportive, structured, and sustained care rather than just willpower.
Childhood Obesity
- Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate.
- Health risks:
- Early diabetes, fatty liver, heart problems.
- Preventive measures:
- Parents should protect children’s sleep, diet, and activity.
- Early interventions can reduce long-term health risks.
Treatment & Management
- Goal: Focus on health, not appearance.
- Steps for adults:
- Screen and treat overweight/obesity early.
- Maintain healthy BMI and waist-to-height ratio (waist < half your height).
- Follow structured plans including diet, activity, behavioral support, and medical supervision if needed.
- Steps for children:
- Encourage physical activity, proper sleep, balanced diet.
- Avoid weight stigma; focus on healthy habits.
Lifestyle & Behavioural Recommendations
- Diet: Balanced meals, avoid extreme restrictions.
- Activity: Daily physical exercise, reduce sedentary time.
- Sleep: Ensure adequate sleep, as it affects metabolism and appetite.
- Behavioral Support: Counseling or structured programs for weight management.
Key Statistics & Observations
- Families often underestimate the complexity of obesity care.
- Obesity recovery is more difficult and slower than commonly assumed.
- Waist circumference: A simple measure of health—waist < half height indicates healthy fat distribution.
Policy & Public Health Implications
- Obesity is a growing non-communicable disease (NCD) concern in India.
- Early screening, awareness campaigns, and structured intervention programs are critical.
- Reducing stigma and normalizing treatment can improve public adherence and health outcomes.
Clinician Advice
- Do not wait for extreme BMI or complications before seeking help.
- Consult doctors for evidence-based, comprehensive treatment plans.
- Focus on sustainable lifestyle modifications rather than quick fixes.
Time Poverty and Gender Inequality: Spotlight on Women’s Unpaid Care Work in India
Why It’s in the News
- Experts have urged the Indian government to undertake a dedicated survey on women’s unpaid care work.
- The call came at a consultative meeting hosted by MoSPI and the UN Time-Use Survey committee on September 24, 2025.
- Aim: Measure women’s economic contribution through unpaid caregiving and domestic work, which remains largely invisible in official statistics.
Relevance
- GS I (Social Issues): Gender inequality, time poverty, social empowerment.
- GS II (Governance & Policy): Labour surveys, gender-responsive policymaking, economic planning.
- GS III (Economy & Labour): Female workforce participation, economic contribution of unpaid work.
Understanding Unpaid Care Work
- Definition: Activities performed without pay, including:
- Childcare and instruction.
- Elderly care and care for dependent adults.
- Household chores: cooking, fetching water, gathering firewood.
- Help to non-dependents, travel related to care, and other household services.
- Key problem: Unpaid care work contributes to “time poverty”, limiting women’s access to paid employment, skill development, and economic independence.
Data & Statistics (2024)
Time Spent on Unpaid Care Daily:
- Women: 299 minutes (≈5 hours)
- Men: 75 minutes (≈1 hour 15 minutes)
- Difference: 224 minutes daily
Labour Force Participation (PLFS 2023):
- Women aged 15+ : 32%
- Men aged 15+ : 77%
- Women aged 15–29: 21.4%
- Men aged 15–29: 53%
Trends:
- Women’s time on unpaid work increased over five years: 299 minutes vs 164 minutes for men in 2024.
- Male unpaid work increased only marginally (from 154 minutes in 2019 to 164 minutes in 2024).
- Overall, almost 84% of women engaged in unpaid work in 2024, vs 45% of men.
Key Observations from Experts
- Time poverty trap: Women spend long hours on unpaid tasks → fewer skills, less paid work access.
- Economic cost: Low female workforce participation affects not just women but wider economic growth.
- Cross-country evidence: A 2-hour increase in unpaid work reduces women’s paid work participation by 33% for ages 15+ compared to 77% for males.
Policy & Research Suggestions
- New Survey on Unpaid Work:
- Collect data between households on unpaid labour and caregiving, distinguishing shared vs exclusive patterns.
- Capture time use patterns titled “Changing Patterns of Time Use, 2024–25”.
- Build on prior exercises: NSSO 1998–99, studies from JNU, Ashoka University, and Thiruvananthapuram Development Studies.
- Integration with Gender Policy:
- Recognize unpaid care work in GDP contribution and economic planning.
- Target interventions to reduce women’s time poverty and increase workforce participation.
Significance
- Social: Highlights gender inequality in division of labor and domestic responsibilities.
- Economic: Improving female participation in paid work can boost India’s economic output.
- Policy Relevance: Supports data-driven policymaking on caregiving, gender budgets, and labour laws.
- Global Context: Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and decent work.
Key Takeaways
- Women disproportionately bear unpaid care work (~84% vs 45% of men).
- Daily time burden: ~5 hours for women vs ~1 hour for men.
- Time poverty restricts skills, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment.
- Expert recommendation: Dedicated, nationwide survey to guide policies for equitable distribution of care work.
Ladakh Agitation: Youth Unrest, Statehood, and Sixth Schedule Aspirations
Why It’s in the News
- Protests in Leh, Ladakh, have turned violent during demonstrations demanding:
- Full statehood for Ladakh.
- Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Protests coincided with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 35-day fast pressing for these demands.
- Violence has spilled over into a fourth day, with property damage, including a police vehicle set on fire.
- The issue has drawn national attention due to its political, constitutional, and developmental implications.
Relevance
- GS II (Polity & Governance): Sixth Schedule, Union Territory administration, autonomy, land and job rights.
- GS I (Geography & Society): Regional identity, demographic composition, cultural diversity.
Background of the Issue
- Ladakh’s administrative status:
- Became a Union Territory in 2019 after bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Comprises two districts: Leh (majority Buddhist) and Kargil (majority Muslim).
- Sixth Schedule of the Constitution:
- Provides autonomous district councils with legislative, judicial, and administrative powers.
- Currently applicable only to Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
- Current demands:
- Inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule to safeguard land, jobs, and local culture.
- Full statehood to increase administrative and fiscal autonomy.
Key People & Stakeholders
- Sonam Wangchuk: Climate activist, fasting to press for Ladakh’s demands; excluded from official delegation.
- Leh Apex Body: Local coordinating body supporting Wangchuk.
- Thupstan Chhewang: Former MP (last elected 2004), appointed delegation chair as compromise.
- Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA): Supporting protests, highlighting Union Territory model failures.
- Union Home Ministry: Engaged in talks since May 2025; examining constitutional safeguards.
Recent Developments
- Delegation talks: Scheduled for October, postponed to align with Wangchuk’s fast.
- Land allotment dispute: 1,000 kanals of land for Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives stayed by administration, citing irregularities; viewed by Wangchuk as retribution for opposing corporate land allotments.
- Protest escalation:
- Youth unemployment and lack of regional protections cited as triggers.
- Calls for peaceful resolution, though violence occurred.
- Solidarity bandh planned in Kargil.
Underlying Causes
- Administrative grievances:
- Perceived failure of Union Territory governance to address local issues.
- Economic concerns:
- High youth unemployment, lack of job reservation and local protections.
- Cultural & land rights:
- Fear of land alienation and erosion of traditional rights.
- Political representation:
- Exclusion of key activist (Wangchuk) reflects tensions in negotiation processes.
Constitutional & Policy Dimensions
- Sixth Schedule inclusion:
- Would provide autonomous legislative and administrative powers over land, culture, and local resources.
- Ensures domicile-based job reservations and protection of local languages.
- Statehood demand:
- Would give Ladakh full representation in Parliament and greater fiscal autonomy.
- Centre’s position:
- Examining demands cautiously due to constitutional complexities.
- Balancing local aspirations with national governance frameworks.
Significance
- Political: Test case for UT governance vs statehood aspirations.
- Social: Highlights regional identity concerns, ethnic and religious diversity (Leh vs Kargil).
- Economic: Youth unemployment and land issues underline developmental neglect.
- Constitutional: Raises questions about expansion of Sixth Schedule protections beyond North-East states.
Key Takeaways
- Violence in Leh underscores tensions between local demands and administrative processes.
- Sixth Schedule inclusion is central to land, jobs, and cultural protections for Ladakhis.
- Statehood would provide greater political and fiscal autonomy, strengthening regional governance.
- Ongoing dialogue between Centre and local bodies is critical to prevent escalation.
- The protests reflect broader debates on autonomy, identity, and development in newly formed Union Territories.
