India’s Bioeconomy: Status, Challenges, and Way Forward
Definition and Scope of Bioeconomy Bioeconomy refers to the industrial use of biological resources (plants, animals, and microorganisms), including the use of bio-based processes and bio-manufacturing, for the production of goods, services, and energy.
BCW Mains Practice: What are deepfakes and why do they pose a significant threat to society? Discuss the steps taken by the Indian government to regulate AI-generated deepfake content.
Deepfakes refer to digitally manipulated content—audio, video, or images—created using artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies. These tools can convincingly imitate real people’s faces, voices, and actions, often making it appear as if someone said or did something they never did. Unlike traditional forms of digital editing, deepfakes are powered by machine learning algorithms that "train" on real footage and then generate synthetic media.
Free Speech, Content Regulation and Section 69A of the IT Act
The legal tussle between social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and the Indian government over the Sahyog Portal has reignited critical debates around freedom of speech, intermediary liability, and constitutionality of takedown orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The case seeks to determine whether India’s content-blocking procedures are legally and constitutionally sound.
DNA Polymorphisms and Human Identification
DNA is the genetic blueprint found in cells—blood, skin, bone, etc.—containing 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent). Only ~0.3% of the DNA (about 3 million base pairs) differs among individuals, but these small differences form the basis of unique identities. DNA fingerprinting uses these differences to establish identity, paternity, and ancestry