Current Affairs for 28 January 2026

Trump’s Policies Accelerate De-Dollarisation and Trigger a Global Gold Rush

Why in News ?

Gold prices have surged past the $5,000 per ounce mark for the first time, even as the US dollar slid to a four-month low. The rally is being driven not only by households but by aggressive buying from central banks worldwide.

Major central banks have emerged as key buyers of gold, signalling a strategic shift in reserve management. While households traditionally buy gold as a hedge, it is the actions of central banks that underline a deeper structural change in the global financial system.

The underlying driver of this trend is Donald Trump’s policy approach. His trade wars, sanctions-heavy foreign policy, and use of the US dollar as a geopolitical weapon have prompted many countries to reduce reliance on dollar-denominated assets. As trust in the dollar’s neutrality weakens, gold—being politically neutral and free from sanctions risk—has regained prominence as a reserve asset.

Background: The Dollar’s Dominance and Emerging Alternatives

For decades, the US dollar has been the backbone of the global monetary system, serving as:

• The dominant reserve currency,
• The primary medium for international trade and commodity pricing,
• The central unit of account in global financial markets.

However, growing geopolitical fragmentation, rising protectionism, and the strategic use of financial sanctions have begun to challenge this dominance. In response, countries are increasingly seeking diversification in reserve assets, particularly through gold and non-dollar currencies.

RBI’s Gold Holdings Drive Forex Reserve Growth

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), reported a sharp rise in foreign exchange reserves, with nearly one-third of the increase coming from gains in the value of its gold holdings.

Although the RBI added only a small quantity of gold, the 70% rise in gold prices over the past year significantly boosted the value of its reserves, far outpacing gains from foreign currency assets.

Gold’s Rising Share in Reserves

What matters more than absolute purchases is gold’s share in total reserves:

• In India, gold now accounts for 17% of forex reserves, up from 12% a year ago.
• Similar shifts are visible across several emerging and advanced economies.

This reflects a strategic recalibration of reserve portfolios toward assets insulated from currency depreciation and geopolitical risk.

Global Central Banks Buy More Gold

• The RBI is not alone. According to the World Gold Council, central banks in Poland, Kazakhstan, and Brazil were among the world’s largest gold buyers in 2025.
• This indicates a coordinated global trend rather than isolated national decisions, pointing to a systemic shift in how sovereign reserves are managed.

Debasement of the US Dollar: What’s Driving the Shift ?

Experts attribute the move away from the dollar to a combination of:

• Trade protectionism,
• Expanding use of economic sanctions,
• The emergence of a more multipolar world order.

US President Trump has repeatedly asserted the need to preserve the dollar’s global dominance, even threatening BRICS countries with punitive tariffs if they pursue alternatives to the dollar. Ironically, this aggressive use of tariffs, sanctions, and economic coercion has:

• Accelerated doubts about the dollar’s neutrality and reliability,
• Undermined confidence in the greenback.

These dynamics have contributed to a sharp weakening of the US dollar—down about 9% in 2025, its steepest fall in nearly a decade.

Why It Matters

• De-dollarisation threatens to dilute US financial power, reducing Washington’s ability to shape global trade and financial systems.
• At the same time, policy uncertainty and geopolitical sabre-rattling have boosted demand for gold, reinforcing its role as:
  • A hedge against currency debasement,
  • A safeguard against geopolitical risk,
  • A politically neutral reserve asset.

Weaponising Capital Flows: De-Dollarisation Accelerates

De-dollarisation is most visible in commodities, with a growing share of global energy trade now priced in non-dollar contracts, weakening the dollar’s traditional dominance.

The trend is also evident in government bond holdings:

• The RBI has steadily reduced its US Treasury exposure, with holdings falling to $186.5 billion in November 2025 from $234 billion a year earlier.
• China’s US government bond holdings have dropped to a 16-year low.

Institutional Investors Start Exiting US Treasuries

Concerns are no longer limited to states:

• Denmark’s major pension funds have announced plans to exit US Treasuries, citing geopolitical uncertainty, including remarks by Donald Trump.
• Earlier this month, Deutsche Bank warned that US threats against Europe could prompt the continent to cut holdings of US debt, effectively weaponising capital flows.

The European Union holds about $10.4 trillion in US portfolio assets, accounting for nearly 29% of foreign ownership. Trump has warned of “big retaliation” if Europe sells US bonds, underscoring how financial flows are becoming tools of geopolitical leverage.

The Past: How De-Dollarisation Gained Momentum

• The move away from the US dollar gathered pace after the US government froze Russia’s foreign exchange reserves following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• This action heightened concerns among countries about the safety of holding dollar-denominated assets.

De-dollarisation has been gradual but persistent:

• IMF data show that the US dollar’s share in global foreign exchange reserves fell to a 30-year low of 58.5% in 2024, down from 71% in 1999.

This reflects steady diversification by central banks into gold and other currencies.

The Future: Dominance for Now, Uncertainty Ahead

Despite these shifts, the US dollar remains overwhelmingly dominant, accounting for 89% of global over-the-counter foreign exchange turnover.

However, if current US policies and rhetoric continue—especially under the Trump administration—the pace of diversification away from the dollar could accelerate, leading to more visible structural change in the global monetary system.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication: India’s Tech Leap Toward Safer Roads

Why in News ?

India records the highest number of road accident fatalities globally, far exceeding China and the United States. In this context, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is planning to introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology as part of its broader road safety and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) initiative.

The move aligns with India’s commitment to reduce road deaths and improve traffic management through technology-driven solutions.

Background: Road Accidents in India

India faces a persistent and severe road safety crisis:

• Calendar year 2023:
  • 4,80,583 road accidents reported,
  • 1,72,890 deaths,
  • 4,62,825 injuries.
• 2024 data (MoRTH, Parliament):
  • Road accident fatalities rose 2.3% to over 1.77 lakh,
  • Averaging 485 deaths per day.
• International comparison (World Road Statistics 2024):
  • Fatality rate per lakh population:
    • China: 4.3,
    • USA: 12.76,
    • India: 11.89.
• Global commitment:
  • Under the Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety (2020), countries aim to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.

This grim backdrop has intensified the search for technology-based interventions, of which V2V is a key component.

What is Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Technology ?

V2V is a wireless communication system that allows vehicles to exchange real-time data such as:

• Speed,
• Location,
• Acceleration,
• Braking patterns,
• Direction of travel.

It is a subset of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology and forms a core part of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) framework.

The system is inspired by aviation safety technologies, where aircraft continuously broadcast their position and speed to nearby aircraft and ground stations to prevent collisions.

Institutional and Policy Developments in India

India has initiated several steps to operationalise V2V technology:

• Spectrum allocation:
  • The 30 GHz radio frequency spectrum has been allocated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the National Frequency Allocation Plan.
• Inter-ministerial coordination:
  • A Joint Task Force has been constituted between MoRTH and DoT.
• Standards development:
  • Technical standards are being framed in collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Policy alignment:
  • V2V has been identified as a key initiative under MoRTH’s road safety and ITS programme.

Working of V2V

On-board Unit (OBU):

• Vehicles will be fitted with an OBU costing approximately ₹5,000–₹7,000.
• OBUs enable wireless data exchange between nearby vehicles within a 300-metre range.

Functional Benefits:

V2V systems can alert drivers about:

• Sudden braking by vehicles ahead,
• Black spots and accident-prone zones,
• Fog, obstacles, or parked vehicles on the road,
• Potential collision risks at intersections or blind curves.

Illustrative Example:

If a vehicle brakes suddenly on a highway, surrounding vehicles receive an early warning, allowing them to slow down in advance and thereby preventing pile-ups and chain collisions.

Phased Rollout Strategy

The rollout of V2V in India is planned in a phased manner:

• First phase:
  • Mandatory installation in new vehicles.
• Second phase:
  • Retrofitting in older vehicles.
• Spectrum cost:
  • Provided free of cost, reducing compliance burden on manufacturers.
• Timeline:
  • Targeted implementation within the current year, post notification of standards.

This phased approach aims to ensure affordability, technical readiness, and industry compliance.

Global Experience with V2V Systems

Several countries have already made significant progress in V2V adoption:

• United States: Global leader in V2V research, pilot programmes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Europe: Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are integrating V2V into smart city and mobility projects.
• Japan: ITS Connect programme provides real-time traffic and emergency alerts.
• China: Major adopter with strong integration into smart mobility and connected vehicle ecosystems.

Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Mexico, like India, are currently in early pilot stages.

Examples of V2V-enabled vehicles:

• Volkswagen Golf 8,
• Certain Cadillac models in the USA.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Technological Limitations

• Frequency bands may not support all vehicle categories uniformly.
• Risks of miscommunication, signal interference, or system failure could themselves cause accidents if not managed properly.

2. Data Privacy and Surveillance

• Large-scale collection of data related to:
  • Vehicle movement,
  • Driver behaviour,
  • Location tracking,

raises concerns under data protection and privacy frameworks.

3. Cybersecurity Risks

• V2V systems are vulnerable to:
  • Cyberattacks,
  • Signal spoofing,
  • System hijacking,

which could pose large-scale public safety and national security threats.

4. Regulatory Gaps

• Need for a robust legal and regulatory framework governing:
  • Data ownership,
  • Liability in case of accidents,
  • Accountability of manufacturers and service providers.

Way Forward

To ensure successful and safe adoption of V2V technology, India must focus on:

• Comprehensive standards:
  • Aligning national standards with global best practices.
• Integration:
  • Linking V2V systems with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and upcoming data protection laws.
• Cybersecurity audits:
  • Periodic testing and strengthening of system resilience.
• Phased and inclusive adoption:
  • Ensuring coverage of both commercial and private vehicles.
• Capacity building:
  • Training enforcement agencies and conducting public awareness campaigns.

President Honours Brave Citizens with Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards 2025

Why in News ?

The President of India has conferred the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards–2025 on 30 individuals for their exceptional acts of bravery in saving human lives, often at great personal risk.

About the Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards

The Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards are among India’s highest civilian recognitions for life-saving acts. They honour individuals who display exceptional courage, presence of mind, and humanitarian spirit in rescuing others from life-threatening situations.

These awards celebrate not only bravery but also the ethical values of selflessness, duty, and compassion, reinforcing social responsibility and moral courage.

Categories of Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards

The awards are conferred in three categories, based on the degree of risk faced and the courage displayed:

1. Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak

• Awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life under circumstances of very great danger to the rescuer’s own life.
• Represents the highest level of civilian bravery in life-saving situations.

2. Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak

• Awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances of great danger to the rescuer.

3. Jeevan Raksha Padak

• Awarded for courage and promptitude in saving life under circumstances involving grave bodily injury to the rescuer.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

• Eligibility: Persons from all walks of life are eligible, including civilians, government employees, and uniformed personnel.
• The award can also be conferred posthumously, honouring those who sacrificed their lives while saving others.
• Nominations:
  • Invited annually from States/Union Territories and Union Ministries.
  • The recommendations are examined by the Awards Committee within two calendar years from the date of the act.
• Approval Process:
  • Final approval is accorded by the Prime Minister and the President of India.

Award Structure and Benefits

Each award consists of:

• A Medal
• A Certificate
• A one-time monetary allowance:
  • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: ₹2 lakh
  • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: ₹1.5 lakh
  • Jeevan Raksha Padak: ₹1 lakh

The awardees are presented the decoration by the respective Union Ministry, Organisation, or State Government to which they belong.

Note: No additional facilities or concessions (e.g., railways, airfare) are provided by the government.

Significance of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards

• Promotes Civic Responsibility: Encourages citizens to act selflessly during emergencies.
• Strengthens Ethical Values: Highlights virtues such as courage, compassion, and public service.
• Role Modelling: Provides real-life examples of moral courage, inspiring society, especially youth.
• Disaster Response Culture: Supports India’s broader efforts to strengthen community-level disaster preparedness and emergency response.

ndia Unveils Long-Range Hypersonic Glide Missile, Marking a Leap in Naval Strike Capability

Why in News ?

At the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time.

This has drawn attention to India’s expanding portfolio of hypersonic missile programmes, signalling a growing emphasis on next-generation strategic and tactical weaponry, particularly for maritime dominance and deterrence.

Background: Hypersonic Weapons and Strategic Competition

Hypersonic weapons—defined as systems travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5—represent a transformative shift in modern warfare due to their:

• Extreme speed,
• High manoeuvrability,
• Low detectability, and
• Ability to evade missile defence systems.

Globally, only a few countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, have operational or near-operational hypersonic systems. India’s entry into this domain reflects its ambition to enhance credible deterrence, protect maritime interests, and strengthen indigenous defence capabilities.

LR-AShM: India’s Hypersonic Glide Missile

The DRDO showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) along with its launcher. The system is tailored to meet the Indian Navy’s coastal battery requirements and can engage both static and moving targets at ranges of up to 1,500 km, carrying multiple payload options.

Quasi-Ballistic, Hypersonic Flight Profile

The LR-AShM follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, beginning like a ballistic missile but flying at lower altitudes and manoeuvring mid-course.

• It reaches initial hypersonic speeds of Mach 10 and sustains average speeds of around Mach 5.
• The missile uses multiple atmospheric skips, enabling unpredictable flight paths and complicating interception.

Low Detectability and High Survivability

• Flying at low altitude with extreme speed and manoeuvrability, the missile remains largely undetectable to enemy ground- and ship-based radars.
• Its flight profile drastically reduces reaction time for adversary air-defence systems, enhancing survivability in contested environments.

Two-Stage Propulsion and Glide Phase

The missile uses a two-stage solid rocket motor:

• Stage I boosts the missile to hypersonic velocity and then separates.
• After Stage II burnout, the vehicle enters an unpowered hypersonic glide phase, executing controlled manoeuvres within the atmosphere before striking the target.

High Aerodynamic Efficiency

• According to DRDO scientists, the LR-AShM has high aerodynamic efficiency, allowing it to generate effective lift with minimal drag.
• This enables the missile to travel farther, faster, and more accurately using the same energy, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness and strike precision.

Strategic Significance and Road Ahead of LR-AShM

Reduced Reaction Time for Adversaries

At hypersonic speeds, the missile can cover a 1,500 km range in about 15 minutes, leaving minimal time for detection, tracking, and interception.

Extended-Range Variants

Extended-range variants of up to 3,500 km are already under development, which could significantly enhance India’s strategic reach and deterrence posture.

Boost to Sea Denial Capabilities

The missile can neutralise all classes of warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines operating near the surface. Current and future variants are expected to become a critical asset for sea denial operations, particularly in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR), limiting adversaries’ military and commercial use of maritime spaces.

Multi-Service and Multi-Platform Potential

Beyond the Navy’s coastal batteries:

• Army and Air Force versions are under consideration.
• Ship-launched variants are also being explored.

This multi-platform adaptability could firmly place India among a small group of nations with comprehensive hypersonic weapons capability.

Leveraging Proven Missile Technologies

The LR-AShM draws on key technologies from India’s existing missile programmes, including:

• The K-15 (Sagarika) from the K-missile family, and
• The BrahMos Aerospace supersonic cruise missile.

This reflects a convergence of proven propulsion, guidance, and control systems into a next-generation hypersonic platform.

India’s Other Hypersonic Cruise Missile Efforts

Amid intense global competition, the DRDO is pursuing two parallel hypersonic paths:

1. Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) – Launched via rocket into high altitudes, then detach to glide and manoeuvre through the atmosphere at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
2. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs) – Fly within the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds using scramjet engines for sustained, powered flight and high manoeuvrability.

The LR-AShM represents the glide vehicle track, showcasing major indigenous advances in materials science, thermal protection, and control systems for sustained hypersonic flight.

Ramjets vs Scramjets

• Ramjets are air-breathing engines that compress incoming air using forward motion. They:
  • Require assisted take-off,
  • Operate best around Mach 3,
  • Lose efficiency at hypersonic speeds.
• Scramjets (Supersonic Combustion Ramjets) keep airflow supersonic in the combustion chamber, enabling efficient operation above Mach 5.
  • They are technologically far more complex,
  • Essential for sustained hypersonic cruise flight.

Recent Breakthrough: Full-Scale Scramjet Testing

Earlier this month, DRDO achieved a major milestone by conducting ground tests of an Actively Cooled Scramjet Full-Scale Combustor, recording a run time of over 12 minutes.

This built on a successful subscale test conducted on April 25 last year, which ran for more than 1,000 seconds. DRDO had earlier demonstrated hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) flight test in September 2020 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex, marking a foundational step toward operational hypersonic cruise missiles.

Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026 Signal a New Era of Online Content Regulation in India

Why in News ?

The Union government has proposed the Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026, aimed at regulating obscenity and introducing mandatory age-based classification for all digital content across platforms.

Background: Regulation of Online Content in India

India’s digital ecosystem has expanded rapidly with the growth of:

• OTT streaming platforms,
• Social media,
• User-generated and influencer-driven content.

While this expansion has strengthened freedom of expression, it has also raised serious concerns regarding:

• Obscenity and sexually explicit material,
• Hate speech and communal content,
• Misinformation and harmful narratives,
• Exposure of children and adolescents to inappropriate content.

Online content regulation in India is currently governed by:

• The Information Technology Act, 2000, and
• The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

However, repeated controversies involving OTT shows and social media influencers have highlighted regulatory gaps, prompting:

• Judicial scrutiny,
• Public interest litigation,
• Policy reconsideration by the government.

In this context, the proposed Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026 seek to introduce a more detailed, standardised, and enforceable framework for digital content regulation.

Legal Basis of the Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026

The draft rules are proposed under:

• Section 87(1) of the IT Act, 2000,
• Read with Sections 67, 67A, and 67B, which deal with:
  • Publication and transmission of obscene material,
  • Sexually explicit content,
  • Child sexual abuse material in electronic form.

The proposal follows a Supreme Court direction asking the government to strike a balance between:

• Freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), and
• Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), especially in matters of:
  • Morality,
  • Public order,
  • Decency.

Key Features of the Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026

1. Definition of Obscene Content

The draft borrows substantially from the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, defining obscene content as material that:

• Is lascivious,
• Appeals to prurient interests,
• Tends to deprave and corrupt viewers.

This aligns digital content standards with traditional broadcast norms.

2. List of Prohibited Content

The rules propose a broad set of prohibited content, including material that:

• Attacks religions, communities, caste, or nationality,
• Promotes communal attitudes or violence,
• Contains defamatory or deliberately misleading information,
• Denigrates women, children, or persons with disabilities,
• Presents criminality, obscenity, or violence as desirable,
• Uses explicit language or scenes when targeted at children.

These provisions significantly widen the scope of content scrutiny and compliance obligations.

3. Mandatory Age-Based Classification System

A major structural change proposed is the compulsory classification of all digital content, similar to film certification. The age categories include:

• U – Suitable for all ages,
• 7+, 13+, 16+,
• Adult-only content,
• Specialised categories for professional audiences (e.g., doctors, scientists).

Each content item must display:

• Age rating, and
• Content descriptors (e.g., violence, sex, nudity, drugs, language, horror).

4. Parental Controls and Age Verification

The draft mandates:

• Parental control mechanisms for content rated 13+ and above,
• Reliable age verification systems for adult-only content.

This places additional compliance obligations on:

• OTT platforms,
• Social media intermediaries,
• Online curated content providers (OCCPs).

5. Applicability and Enforcement Framework

• All provisions of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 will continue to apply alongside the new draft code.
• The rules are expected to introduce civil consequences for violations, strengthening regulatory accountability for digital platforms.
• Enforcement is likely to involve a mix of:
  • Platform self-regulation,
  • Government oversight,
  • Grievance redressal mechanisms.

Concerns Raised by Industry and Stakeholders

Several concerns have been raised by OTT platforms, creators, and digital rights advocates:

1. Blurring of Platform Distinctions

• The rules blur the distinction between:
• Linear television broadcasting (push model), and
• On-demand digital content (pull model, where users actively choose content).

2. Impact on Creative Freedom

• Applying broadcast-era obscenity standards to:
  • Age-gated,
  • Password-protected,
  • On-demand platforms,
    may constrain artistic expression and narrative diversity.

3. Regulatory Uncertainty

• Broad and subjective terms (e.g., “decency,” “morality,” “offensive”) could:
  • Encourage arbitrary complaints,
  • Increase compliance burdens,
  • Create chilling effects on content creation.

These concerns highlight the tension between regulation, innovation, and freedom of expression in India’s digital economy.

Significance for Governance and Society

The draft rules reflect the government’s attempt to:

• Protect children and vulnerable audiences from harmful content,
• Standardise content classification across platforms,
• Respond to judicial concerns regarding unregulated online obscenity,
• Enhance accountability and transparency in the digital content ecosystem.

From a governance perspective, the rules represent a shift toward a more formalised and enforceable digital media regulatory framework, with implications for democracy, digital rights, and platform governance.

What is a John Doe Injunction?

Why in the News ?

On 24 January, Judge Sachin Mittal of the Saket District Court, Delhi imposed a temporary ban on a video uploaded on a YouTube channel.

• The video made allegations against late spiritual guru Nirmal Singh Maharaj (Chhatarpur Wale Guruji).
• Title of the video: “Jai Guruji — Fraud Baba.”
• Words such as “fraud,” “cheating,” and “loot” were used.
• Guruji Ashram Trust claimed the video was defamatory.
• The Trust requested the court to:
  • Immediately remove the video, and
  • Prevent any future uploading or sharing of the same content.

The court issued an Ad-Interim Ex-Parte John Doe Injunction, meaning the order was passed without hearing the other party, to prevent immediate harm.

Key Background

• In the digital era, information spreads rapidly through social media, websites and video platforms.
• While this strengthens freedom of expression, it also increases problems such as:
  • Copyright infringement
  • Defamation
  • Fake news
  • Digital piracy
• In many cases, the real offender cannot be identified.
• To deal with such situations, courts use a special legal order known as a John Doe Injunction.

What is a John Doe Injunction ?

A John Doe Injunction is a court order that applies to both:

• Known persons, and
• Unknown or unidentified persons.

When the identity of the wrongdoer is unknown, the court issues the order against a fictional name called “John Doe.”
If harm is certain or likely but the offender cannot be identified, the court can restrain unknown persons from continuing the harmful activity.

• In India, it is also commonly called an “Ashok Kumar Order.”

Objectives of a John Doe Injunction

The main purposes are:

• Preventing copyright theft
• Stopping defamatory content
• Controlling fake news and rumors
• Preventing digital piracy
• Protecting rights before irreversible damage occurs

When is it Issued ?

A John Doe Injunction is issued when:

• The offender’s identity is unknown.
• The harm can spread rapidly (internet, TV, social media).
• Compensation later may not be sufficient.
• Immediate action is necessary to prevent damage.

How Does It Work ?

When a person, company, or institution files a petition claiming:

• Their legal rights are being violated, or
• Their reputation is being harmed, and
• The offender is unknown,

The court may direct:

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Social media platforms
• Websites
• Cable operators

to remove, block, or stop the circulation of the harmful content.

Understanding Through Examples

Example 1: Film Piracy

A film producer fears that a movie may be leaked on pirate websites before release.
The producer obtains a John Doe Injunction.

Result:

• Suspected websites are blocked.
• Unknown persons are restrained from uploading the movie.

Example 2: Defamation

A fake and defamatory video about a person goes viral online.
The uploader is unknown.

Result:

• The court issues a John Doe Injunction.
• The video is removed from all platforms.
• Re-uploading becomes illegal.

Use of John Doe Injunctions in India

Commonly used in:

• Movie piracy cases
• IPL live streaming piracy
• Web series leaks
• Defamatory social media content

Famous cases include:

• Singham
• PK
• Baahubali
• IPL Broadcast Rights cases

Legal Basis in India

John Doe Injunctions are supported by:

• Copyright Act, 1957
• Code of Civil Procedure (CPC)
• Inherent powers of High Courts

Advantages

• Prevents damage before it occurs
• Fast and effective judicial remedy
• Protects creators and intellectual property
• Controls digital crimes

Criticism and Challenges

• Sometimes even legitimate websites get blocked.
• May affect freedom of speech.
• Risk of over-blocking.
• Lack of transparency in enforcement.

Therefore, courts now emphasize balanced and limited use of such orders.

Freedom of Speech vs John Doe Injunction

Under the Indian Constitution:

• Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Expression
• Article 19(2) – Reasonable Restrictions

Courts can impose restrictions in cases involving defamation, public order, morality, etc.

• Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to harm someone’s reputation or legal rights.

What is Schizophrenia? A Mental Disorder That Affects Thinking, Behavior, and the Body

Why in the News ?

• Recently, an analysis of medical data from more than half a million (500,000+) people revealed that individuals with schizophrenia have a significantly higher risk of weak bones and fractures compared to the general population.
• This research shows that schizophrenia is not only a mental illness but also affects overall physical health.

What is Schizophrenia ?

• Schizophrenia is a serious and long-term mental disorder that disrupts a person’s ability to think clearly, understand reality, regulate emotions, behave appropriately, and maintain social relationships.
• People with this condition often find it difficult to distinguish between imagination and reality, which affects their daily life, work, and family relationships.

Major Causes of Schizophrenia

• There is no single cause of schizophrenia; it develops due to a combination of biological and environmental factors.
• Genetic factors: If a family member has schizophrenia, the risk increases.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate can trigger the disorder.
• Environmental factors: Infections or malnutrition during pregnancy, childhood trauma, substance abuse, and excessive life stress may increase the risk.

Main Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Symptoms are generally classified into three categories:

1. Positive Symptoms

• Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not real).
• Delusions (false beliefs).
• Disorganized thinking and speech.

2. Negative Symptoms

• Reduced emotional expression.
• Lack of interest in speaking or social interaction.
• Poor self-care and low motivation.

3. Cognitive Symptoms

• Weak memory.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Problems with decision-making and learning.

Increased Risk of Suicide

• People with schizophrenia have a much higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to the general population.
• Therefore, early identification, emotional support, and continuous medical care are extremely important.

Childhood and Developmental Aspect

• Symptoms usually begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, but early signs may appear in childhood.
• In children, unusual behavior, social withdrawal, learning difficulties, and emotional instability can be early indicators.
• The condition is linked to disruptions in brain development and early-life stress.

New Research: Schizophrenia and Weak Bones

• Recent studies show that people with schizophrenia often have lower bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Possible reasons include lack of physical activity, limited exposure to sunlight, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, poor diet, and side effects of certain medications.

Treatment and Management of Schizophrenia

• There is currently no complete cure, but with proper treatment, patients can lead a normal life.
• Treatment includes antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, social rehabilitation, and family support.
• In most cases, long-term or lifelong treatment is required.

Social Challenges and Need for Awareness

• Social stigma and misconceptions about mental illness still exist, which discourages many patients from seeking treatment.
• Awareness, sensitivity, and strong public health policies can help improve this situation.

Conclusion

• Schizophrenia is a serious but manageable disorder.
• Early diagnosis, continuous treatment, a supportive social environment, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve quality of life.
• New research highlights the importance of monitoring physical health along with mental health.