Content

1. How Are Courts Protecting Personality Rights?
2. EC Launches e-Sign Feature for Voter Roll Management
3. Will AI Fix India’s Energy Demand or Exacerbate It?
4. Obesity in India: A Silent Family Emergency
5. Time Poverty and Gender Inequality: Women’s Unpaid Care Work
6. 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.