Challenges of Artificial Intelligence: Misinformation, Systemic Risk, and Governance
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
UPSC frequently examines the ethical, social, and governance implications of emerging technologies. The challenges posed by AI, such as misinformation, data integrity, and the need for regulatory frameworks, are critical for public policy, administration, and national security.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn. While offering transformative potential across sectors, its rapid advancement presents complex challenges, particularly concerning the nature of AI-generated information and its societal implications, necessitating robust governance frameworks.
Facts & tables
- Nature of AI-generated information
- AI systems learn patterns from vast data to generate human-like output, but do not possess true 'knowledge' (context, judgment, understanding of consequences).
- Risk of misinformation and manipulation
- Synthetic information generated by AI can be highly persuasive, making it difficult for individuals and institutions to distinguish fact from fabrication.
- Systemic risk in decision-making
- Increasing reliance on unverified AI output in critical domains (e.g., research, legal, financial analysis) creates an unprecedented form of systemic risk.
- Need for governance and accountability
- The absence of clear liability for AI systems necessitates a new governance architecture, including technical and institutional safeguards, and potentially global agreements.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Science & Technology |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- AI generates synthetic info, not true knowledge (context, judgment).
- Risk of misinformation, manipulation, and systemic decision failures.
- Need for clear liability and new governance architecture.
- Technical & institutional safeguards, global non-proliferation.
- Human expertise becomes crucial for verifying AI output.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2025 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Science & Technology
Conceptual area
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Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2025
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
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Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Why artificial wisdom is the biggest AI risk
AI's 'artificial wisdom' generates persuasive synthetic information, risking widespread misinformation and systemic decision-making failures. This necessitates new governance, liability frameworks, and global safeguards to ensure responsible AI deployment, making human expertise crucial for verification.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2020–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Why artificial wisdom is the biggest AI risk
AI's 'artificial wisdom' generates persuasive synthetic information, risking widespread misinformation and systemic decision-making failures. This necessitates new governance, liability frameworks, and global safeguards to ensure responsible AI deployment, making human expertise crucial for verification.
Try these PYQs
Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi :
1. The Summit's intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras : People, Planning, and Progress.
2. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws.
3. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Summit's intellectual framework and core philosophy were anchored in three foundational principles (Sutras): People, Planet, and Progress, not People, Planning, and Progress. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The New Delhi Declaration introduced the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote affordable access to foundational AI resources, support local innovation, and build resilient AI ecosystems. However, it was established as a voluntary and non-binding framework, respecting national laws, rather than a binding treaty. Statement 3 is Correct: The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven thematic pillars of action, officially referred to as Chakras. These foundational areas included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI, alongside Democratizing AI Resources, Economic Growth & Social Good, Human Capital Development, and Resilient, Efficient & Innovative AI Systems. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.
II. 'Kavach' is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany.
III. 'Kavach' system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are **not** correct?
❌ Statement I: Incorrect
The National Rail Plan targets 2030 for a future-ready railway, not 2028. ❌ Statement II: Incorrect
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system developed under 'Make in India', not with Germany. ✅ Statement III: Correct
Kavach uses RFID tags on tracks in station sections to track train location and speed continuously. Therefore, Statements I and II are incorrect, and Statement III is correct.
Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is **not** correctly matched?
| Semiconductor Plant | Location |
|---|---|
| (a) CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics | Gujarat |
| (b) Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. | Assam |
| (c) HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. | Madhya Pradesh |
| (d) SicSem Pvt. Ltd. | Odisha |
Option A is correctly matched: The Union Cabinet approved the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility by CG Power and Industrial Solutions (in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics) to be set up in Sanand, Gujarat. Option B is correctly matched: Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. (TSAT) is establishing a greenfield semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. It marks a major industrial investment in Northeast India. Option C is incorrectly matched: The OSAT facility by the HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture (India Chip Pvt. Ltd.) is being established in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh (in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority region), not Madhya Pradesh. It will manufacture display driver chips. Option D is correctly matched: SicSem Pvt. Ltd. is setting up a Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is designed to be India's first commercial compound semiconductor fab. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
✅ Statement I: Correct
*GAGAN is an Indian SBAS developed by ISRO and AAI to enhance GPS accuracy and integrity, crucial for aviation safety.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*It improves GPS reliability and accuracy, enabling better air traffic management and safer, efficient navigation.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*GAGAN’s benefits extend beyond aviation to railways, roadways, maritime, agriculture, and disaster management.* Correct Answer: Only Statements I and II are correct.
Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?
1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
2. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
3. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is Correct: Blockchain's architecture allows data to be shared transparently with relevant stakeholders. Because the ledger is append-only and secured by network consensus, users can view records without the risk of unauthorized alteration. Statement 2 is Correct: Blockchain operates as a decentralized database (Distributed Ledger Technology). Identical copies of the entire ledger are stored across multiple computers (nodes) on a network. These nodes continuously communicate and sync rapidly (often within seconds, depending on the specific blockchain protocol) to maintain a single source of truth. Statement 3 is Correct: A consortium blockchain is a hybrid model that blends features of both public (open) and private (closed) blockchains. It is governed by a pre-approved group of organizations rather than a single entity or the open public, allowing for semi-decentralized control and selective data access. Statement 4 is Correct: Blockchain uses complex mathematical algorithms (cryptographic hashing) to link blocks. Once data is recorded and validated by the network, changing or deleting it requires altering all subsequent blocks and gaining majority network control, making tampering practically impossible. *Note: While all four statements are factually correct based on the principles of blockchain technology, there is no option provided that includes all of them (1, 2, 3, and 4). Option C is the most comprehensive and appropriate choice as it correctly identifies statements 1, 2, and 4 as a valid set.* Therefore, the correct option is C.
Show 3 more PYQs
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence an effectively do which of the following?
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units.
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs.
3. Disease diagnosis.
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion.
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
* AI is now being used to analyze industrial data, optimize processes, and predict energy usage patterns. This allows for targeted interventions to reduce overall consumption. * AI can now generate more creative and coherent text formats compared to 2020. While still under development, some AI-generated content can be quite engaging, blurring the lines between human and machine creation. * AI has become a powerful tool in medical diagnosis. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, identify complex patterns, and assist healthcare professionals in diagnosis and treatment planning. * Text-to-speech conversion using AI continues to be a well-established technology. AI can now generate natural-sounding speech with various accents and emotions, making it a valuable tool for various applications. * While significant wireless transmission of electricity over long distances remains a challenge, there has been progress in short-range wireless charging and localized energy transfer using AI-powered systems. Note: From the current status of AI development, all the listed applications of AI are feasible. However, this question was asked by the UPSC in 2020 when Generative AI was yet to become mainstream. UPSC's official answer key gave 'B' as the correct answer.
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?
1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Correct: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are indispensable for modern technological innovations. Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties make them critical for artificial intelligence hardware, robotics, space exploration, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. Statement 2 is Incorrect: While China dominates global REE mining, accounting for roughly 69% of global production, the second-largest producer is the United States, followed by Myanmar and Australia. India ranks much lower globally and is not the second-largest producer. Statement 3 is Correct: The Government of India officially launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025. The mission is a strategic blueprint designed to secure domestic and global supply chains, reduce import dependence, and establish a robust framework for self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy and technology. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Rare Earth Elements are a set of 17 metallic elements, not 13. This group comprises the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table, along with scandium and yttrium, which share similar chemical properties and are typically found in the same ore deposits. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:
1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is Correct: Mission Sudarshan Chakra is designed as a multi-domain security umbrella. It explicitly aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence, and aerial offensive capabilities, acting as both a defensive shield and an offensive sword. Statement 2 is Correct: The mission integrates advanced technologies like AI, space-based sensors, and directed energy weapons to ensure rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses. This indigenous development (incorporating projects like Project Kusha) is specifically aimed at reinforcing India's strategic autonomy and self-reliance in the defence sector. Statement 3 is Correct: A major distinguishing feature of this initiative is its expanded scope. Announced as a 10-year national security initiative, a stated goal of the mission is to bring all public places (including hospitals, railways, and religious/cultural sites) under an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035, moving beyond the conventional protection of just military and strategic installations. Therefore, the correct option is A.