Prelims Pinpointer 10 & 11 Feb 2026

Prelims

Regulation of AI-Generated Synthetic Media in India

Background and Legal Framework

• Union government amended Information Technology Rules, 2026 to regulate AI-generated content.
• Rules notified under IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) framework.
• Provisions will come into force from February 20.
• Aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in digital content.

Mandatory Labelling of AI Content

• Platforms must prominently label photorealistic AI-generated media.
• Covers audio, visual, and audio-visual synthetic content.
• Content appearing real, authentic, or indistinguishable falls under regulation.
• Definition narrowed compared to October 2025 draft rules.
• Automatic smartphone touch-ups excluded from disclosure requirement.

User Disclosure and Platform Responsibility

• Platforms must seek user disclosure for AI-generated uploads.
• In absence, intermediaries must label or remove such content.
• Non-consensual deepfakes require mandatory takedown action.

Takedown Timelines Tightened

• Earlier removal window reduced from 24–36 hours.
• Illegal content flagged by courts/government: 3-hour removal deadline.
• Deepfakes and non-consensual nudity: 2-hour takedown mandate.

Safe Harbour and Compliance

• Non-compliance may lead to loss of safe harbour protection.
• Platforms failing due diligence may face legal liability.
• Safe harbour shields intermediaries from publisher-level responsibility.

Administrative Changes

• States can now appoint multiple authorised takedown officers.
• Earlier rule limited each State to one designated officer.

Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker

Context

• Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
• Motion to be examined as per parliamentary rules and procedures.

Constitutional Basis

• Removal governed by Article 94(c) of the Constitution.
• Applies only to Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Speaker (not Rajya Sabha).
• Resolution must be passed by majority of all then members.
• Conditions for Vacation / Removal (Article 94) → Speaker / Deputy Speaker vacate office if:

• Ceases to be Lok Sabha member – automatic vacation.
• Resigns through written communication addressed appropriately.
• Removed by House resolution passed by effective majority.
• Notice Requirement
  • Written notice submitted to Secretary-General of Lok Sabha.
  • Can be jointly submitted by two or more members.
  • Minimum 14 days’ prior notice mandatory before moving resolution.
• Admissibility & Listing
  • Motion entered in List of Business after notice period.
  • Date fixed after completion of 14 days from notice receipt.
• Support Requirement
  • At least 50 members must stand in support.
  • Ensures quorum and seriousness of motion.
  • Governed by Rules 200–203 of Lok Sabha procedure.
• If Motion is Admitted
  • Presiding officer grants leave if ≥50 members rise.
  • Resolution scheduled within 10 days of admission.
  • Discussion held; debate confined strictly to charges.
  • Mover’s speech limited to 15 minutes.
• If Support Falls Short
  • If <50 members rise, motion lapses.
  • House informed that leave is not granted.
• Voting Requirement
  • Passed by majority of all then members (effective majority).
    

Speaker’s Rights During Proceedings

• Can participate and speak in removal debate.
• Can vote in first instance.
• No casting vote in case of tie.

Historical Instances

• No-confidence motions moved earlier against Speakers:
  • 1954 – G.V. Mavalankar.
  • 1966 – Hukam Singh.
  • 1987 – Balram Jakhar.
• None resulted in removal.

IPO, FPO & OFS

Context: Government to sell up to 5% stake in BHEL via OFS at ₹254 per share.

More in news:

• Base offer of 3% equity with additional 2% green shoe option in BHEL.
• Offer for Sale (OFS) part of government’s ongoing public sector disinvestment programme.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

• IPO refers to first-time sale of company shares to the public.
• It marks the process of a company “going public”.
• Shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange.
• Investors purchase shares directly from the company.
• Purpose of IPO
  • Raises funds for future expansion and growth.
  • Helps repay existing borrowings or liabilities.
  • Enhances company visibility and market credibility.

Follow-on Public Offer (FPO)

• FPO is the issuance of shares by an already listed company.
• Conducted after completion of IPO process.
• Types of FPO
  • Dilutive FPO
    • Company issues fresh shares to investors.
    • Increases total number of outstanding shares.
    • Used to raise funds for expansion or debt repayment.
  • Non-Dilutive FPO
    • Existing shareholders sell their holdings.
    • No new shares are created.
    • Company does not receive funds directly.

Offer for Sale (OFS)

• Mechanism where existing shares are sold to public.
• Only promoters or large shareholders participate.
• Eligibility
  • Shareholders holding more than 10% stake can offer shares.
• Key Features
  • No fresh shares are issued.
  • Entire sale involves already existing shares.
  • Retail bids backed by 100% cash margins.

Key Differences: IPO vs FPO vs OFS

• IPO
  • Unlisted company enters stock market.
  • Issues new shares to raise capital.
  • Lengthy process with regulatory approvals.
  • Retail quota around 35%.
• FPO
  • Listed company raises additional capital.
  • May issue new shares or sell existing ones.
  • Used for expansion or debt reduction.
• OFS
  • Only existing shareholders sell stake.
  • No capital raised by the company.
  • Completed in single trading day.
  • Exchange notified two working days prior.
  • 25% shares reserved for mutual funds and insurers.

Moon’s Mons Mouton

Context

• ISRO’s Space Applications Centre identified a safe landing site near Mons Mouton.
• It is shortlisted for Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission.

What is Mons Mouton?

• Mons Mouton is a flat-topped lunar mountain massif near the Moon’s south pole.
• Officially named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Location

• Situated in the south polar region of the Moon.
• Lies near the rim of the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) Basin.
• Located roughly 160 km from the lunar south pole.
• SPA Basin is among the largest and oldest impact basins in the Solar System.

Origin

• Formed through rim uplift of the South Pole–Aitken Basin.
• Resulted from ancient massive asteroid impacts.
• Represents exposed deep lunar crust layers.

Key Physical Features

• Width spans nearly 100 km.
• Elevation rises about 6,000 metres above surrounding terrain.
• Terrain marked by rugged relief and steep gradients.
• Contains impact craters and extensive boulder fields.
• Exhibits unique illumination contrasts due to polar location.

Illumination Characteristics

• Some zones receive near-continuous sunlight.
• Others remain in permanent shadow.
• Visible during favourable libration phases via amateur telescopes.

Scientific & Strategic Significance

• For Chandrayaan-4
  • Identified as a potential landing region.
  • Offers manageable slopes for safe touchdown.
  • Shows low boulder density.
  • Provides adequate sunlight for mission operations.
• For Lunar Science
  • Helps study early Moon formation processes.
  • Offers evidence of ancient impact history.
• For Future Exploration
  • Lies within zones of interest for Artemis and global missions.
  • Close to permanently shadowed regions.
  • Raises prospects of studying lunar volatiles like water ice.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

Context

• India initiated Phase-I human clinical trials of an indigenous KFD vaccine.
• Developed under ICMR-led collaborative research framework.

What is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)?

• KFD is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans.
• First detected in Kyasanur Forest, Karnataka.
• Causes high fever, weakness, and potential fatal complications.

Geographical Distribution

• Endemic to the Western Ghats region of India.
• Reported from:
  • Karnataka
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Kerala
  • Goa
  • Maharashtra

Vector & Transmission

• Primary vector: Hard ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera).
• Spread through infected tick bites.
• Secondary route: Contact with infected animals, especially monkeys.
• No human-to-human transmission reported.

Incubation Period

• Typically ranges between 3–8 days after infection.

Clinical Symptoms

• Initial Phase
  • Sudden onset of high fever and chills.
  • Severe headache and muscle pain.
  • Vomiting and gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Advanced / Complicated Phase
  • Bleeding manifestations in some patients.
  • About 10–20% cases develop second phase.
  • Neurological complications include:
    • Tremors
    • Mental disturbances

Treatment & Management

• No specific antiviral treatment available currently.
• Care is largely supportive and symptomatic.

Supportive Management Includes

• Fluid therapy.
• Oxygen support.
• Blood pressure stabilisation.
• Management of secondary infections.

India–Malaysia IMPACT Framework

Context

• India’s Prime Minister articulated the IMPACT framework during Malaysia visit.
• Announced while addressing the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.

What is IMPACT Framework?

• IMPACT = India–Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation.
• A strategic vision to deepen bilateral cooperation.
• Focuses on economic, digital, cultural, and people-centric engagement.

Aim

• Accelerate pace and scale of India–Malaysia cooperation.
• Deliver tangible developmental benefits to citizens.
• Position ties as a driver of Asia’s collective growth.

Key Features

• Economic & Technology Cooperation
  • Over 100 Indian IT companies operate in Malaysia.
  • Generates employment and strengthens digital ecosystems.
  • Expands technology-led bilateral economic engagement.
• Digital Connectivity
  • Launch of UPI digital payment system in Malaysia.
  • Supported by Malaysia–India Digital Council collaboration.
  • Enhances fintech integration and cross-border payments.
• People-to-People & Diaspora Linkages
  • Indian-origin community is second-largest diaspora globally in Malaysia.
  • OCI eligibility extended up to sixth generation.
  • Scholarships and academic collaborations promoted.
  • Cultural institutions include Thiruvalluvar Chair/Centre.
• Cultural & Civilisational Bonds
  • Deep Indian Ocean maritime heritage linkages.
  • Shared linguistic traditions — Tamil and Malay.
  • Historical connections include INA legacy.
• Strategic & Regional Outlook
  • Partnership aligned with ASEAN centrality.
  • Supports Indo-Pacific stability vision.
  • Promotes inclusive and sustainable regional growth.

Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025

Context

• India improved to 45th rank in NRI 2025 (4-place jump).
• Overall score increased to 54.43/100.
• Reflects stronger digital and network preparedness.

What is Network Readiness Index (NRI)?

• A global index assessing countries’ use of ICTs (Information & Communication Technologies).
• Evaluates ICT role in economic growth, innovation, governance and social development.
• Published by: Prepared by Portulans Institute, Washington DC-based non-profit research organisation.
• Aim
  • Measure national readiness to leverage digital networks and technologies.
  • Assess ICT contribution to inclusive growth and governance efficiency.

Key Features

• Covers 127 economies globally.
• Based on 4 core pillars:
  • Technology: Assesses digital infrastructure, accessibility and emerging technologies readiness.
  • People: Measures digital skills, inclusion and workforce preparedness.
  • Governance: Evaluates regulation, cybersecurity, trust and policy ecosystem.
  • Impact: Tracks economic, social and environmental digital outcomes.

Indicators Used

• Built on 53 indicators.
• Includes broadband penetration, AI research output, digital trade, ICT laws, market scale.

Comparative Utility

• Enables income-level performance comparison.
• Identifies over-performing and under-performing economies.

India’s Performance in NRI 2025

• Rank: 45th globally.
• Score improved from 53.63 (2024) → 54.43 (2025).
• Global Leadership Areas
  • 1st rank in:
    • Annual telecom investment.
    • AI scientific publications.
    • ICT services exports.
    • E-commerce legislation.
• 2nd rank in:
  • FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) / building internet subscriptions.
  • Mobile broadband traffic.
  • International internet bandwidth.
• 3rd rank in domestic market scale.
  • Reflects vast digitally active consumer base.
• Ranked 2nd among lower-middle-income countries.

ECI Form 7

Context

• Form 7 became controversial during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• Allegations of bulk and fraudulent deletion requests targeting eligible voters.

What is Form 7?

• Statutory form used to object inclusion of names in electoral rolls.
• Objections can be filed for self or another voter.

Legal Basis

• Governed by Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Prescribed under Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
• Rules framed under Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• As per Section 13(2), only registered electors can file objections.
• Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are also authorised to submit Form 7.

Aim

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.
• Remove duplicate, deceased, shifted, or ineligible voters.
• Prevent electoral fraud and ensure free and fair elections.

How Form 7 Works? (Procedure)

1. Any registered elector of the constituency can file Form 7.
2. Objection may target another voter or request self-deletion.
3. Booth Level Officer (BLO) conducts field verification.
4. Multiple visits may be undertaken for confirmation.
5. Concerned voter receives notice from Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
6. Hearing opportunity is provided before final decision.
7. Appeal lies with District Magistrate within 15 days.

Key Features

• Expanded scope (2022 amendment):
  • Any voter in constituency can object, not just same booth.
• Mandatory verification:
  • Required when more than five objections filed by one applicant.
• Grounds for deletion:
  • Death.
  • Shifted/absent residence.
  • Duplicate entry.
  • Underage voter.
  • Non-citizenship.
• Due process safeguards:
  • Physical verification, notices, hearings, appeal mechanism.
• Legal deterrence:
  • False declaration punishable under Section 32, RP Act 1950.
  • Penalty: Up to 1 year imprisonment / fine / both.

Kimberley Process (KP)

Context

• India selected as Chairperson of Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026.
• Marks the third time India will lead this global initiative.

What is Kimberley Process?

• Kimberley Process (KP) is a tripartite international initiative.
• Involves governments, diamond industry, and civil society.
• Seeks to prevent trade in conflict diamonds.

Establishment

• Established in 2003.
• Operationalised through Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
• Created pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions.

Aim

• Eliminate conflict diamonds from global supply chains.
• Prevent diamonds funding armed rebellions against legitimate governments.

Key Functions

• Certification Mechanism (KPCS)
  • All rough diamond exports must carry valid KP certificate.
  • Confirms diamonds are conflict-free in origin.
• Regulatory Enforcement
  • Member states enact domestic laws.
  • Control import and export of rough diamonds.
• Selective Trading System
  • Trade allowed only among KP-compliant participants.
  • Restricts entry of illicit and uncertified diamonds.
• Transparency & Data Exchange
  • Members share statistical trade data regularly.
  • Helps monitor flows and detect irregularities.
• Monitoring & Review Mechanism
  • Peer review processes evaluate compliance.
  • Working groups identify gaps and enforcement challenges.

Significance

• Covers 60 participants (European Union counted as one).
• Represents over 99% of global rough diamond trade.
• Reduced conflict diamond trade to negligible levels globally.
• Enhances ethical sourcing and consumer confidence.
• Strengthens credibility of the global diamond value chain.