Delhi HC Upholds Telegram Block Over Exam Leaks; Platform Design Now a Regulatory Liability Under IT Act

UPSC Key: 14 Internal EC Dissents, Tarang Shakti-26 Multinational Exercise, and AI-Driven Semiconductor Supercycle

This Indian Express 'UPSC Key' compilation covers six critical topics: unprecedented internal dissent within the Election Commission (14 objections in 10 months), the second edition of India's largest multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent on Vande Mataram, a new Centre scheme for lithium and nickel processing, the evolution of Yemen's Houthis from a local revivalist movement to a Red Sea power, and the global semiconductor 'supercycle' driven by AI demand. Each story is mapped to UPSC syllabus with previous year questions.

SC Upholds EC's SIR, Citizenship Under MHA; 13 Crore Deletions, Aadhaar Alternative Proposed

The Supreme Court upheld the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which deleted over 13 crore names, but clarified that citizenship determination is solely under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This raises critical debates on voter rights, due process, and the viability of Aadhaar-based verification as a cost-effective, inclusive alternative to house-to-house surveys.

Delhi HC: LLM Training on Copyrighted Works is Fair Dealing, Not Infringement

The Delhi High Court has ruled that training AI models (LLMs) on copyrighted works can fall under India's 'fair dealing' exception, providing legal cover for AI developers. The court rejected the US-style 'fair use' four-factor test and developed a unique fairness test focusing on market harm. This ruling is crucial for AI development in India and balances copyright holder rights with innovation.

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

US Appeals Court Upholds $565.2M ICC Award Against Antrix Corp: FSIA Arbitration Exception Examined

The US Ninth Circuit upheld a $565.2 million ICC arbitration award against ISRO's commercial arm Antrix Corp, rejecting arguments of sovereign immunity under the FSIA. This landmark ruling clarifies the limits of state immunity in commercial arbitration and has significant implications for India's space sector and international investment disputes.

Nine-Judge SC Bench Set to Define 'Industry' under ID Act; NMC Proposes Single Nationwide Doctor Licence

Today's digest packs multiple high-yield facts: NMC proposes a UID-based single licence for doctors valid across India, a nine-judge Supreme Court Bench is set to pronounce its verdict on the meaning of 'industry' under the Industrial Disputes Act, and Bangladesh holds its first presidential election in 35 years. For aspirants, the NMC draft regulation and the SC verdict are direct Prelims and Mains material for healthcare policy, labour law, and constitutional interpretation.

Copyright Office Rules AI System DABUS Cannot Be Author, Work Still Eligible for Copyright

The Indian Copyright Office ruled that AI system DABUS cannot be legally recognised as an author under the Copyright Act, but the artwork it generated is original enough for copyright protection. The order clarifies that authorship requires a 'person' who 'causes' the work to be created, which under Indian law can only be a natural or juristic person. This is a landmark decision on AI and copyright in India.

Health Ministry Backs Same-Sex Partners' Medical Decision Rights Under Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

The Union Health Ministry has told the Delhi High Court that excluding same-sex partners from making medical decisions for each other solely based on sexual orientation is unethical. This marks a significant administrative shift, though the government maintains that 'spouse' under Indian marriage laws only applies to heterosexual couples, creating a nuanced legal landscape for exam aspirants.