UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 25 April 2026

Mythos AI Latest News Anthropic’s new AI model Claude Mythos has triggered global concern due to its advanced capabilities, marking a significant leap over earlier systems. In India, the issue has gained urgency, with FM Nirmala Sitharaman chairing a high-level meeting over potential threats to the banking sector, and the government engaging directly with Anthropic’s leadership. Concerns have intensified further with reports that China has developed a similar system, Qihoo 360 , capable of identifying software vulnerabilities at scale. While such tools offer breakthroughs in cyber defence, they also raise fears of misuse, cyber risks, and global technological competition. About Mythos Mythos is the latest model in Anthropic’s Claude AI family, currently released only in a limited preview. It represents a major leap in artificial intelligence capability, particularly in cybersecurity. What sets Mythos apart is its ability to a utonomously detect critical vulnerabilities in widely used software and infrastructure at a speed far exceeding human researchers. At the same time, it can also fix these vulnerabilities when used defensively—but poses serious risks because it can exploit them if used maliciously, making it a powerful yet potentially dangerous tool. Why Mythos Has Alarmed Policymakers Worldwide Anthropic claims that Mythos has identified serious flaws across major operating systems and web browsers, including vulnerabilities that had remained undetected for decades. The speed and scale of discovery have raised immediate global concerns. Compared to its predecessor Opus 4.6— which had near-zero success in exploit development—Mythos demonstrates a dramatic leap. It can convert vulnerabilities into working exploits at a far higher success rate, placing it in an entirely different capability class. Ease of Use and Automation Risks A major concern is accessibility : even non-experts can use Mythos to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Reports indicate that engineers without formal cybersecurity training could generate fully functional exploits overnight, highlighting the risks of widespread misuse. Dual-Use Nature: Defence vs Exploitation Mythos embodies a classic dual-use dilemma —the same capabilities that allow it to fix vulnerabilities also enable it to exploit them effectively, amplifying cybersecurity threats if deployed maliciously. Anthropic noted that these powerful features were not explicitly programmed , but emerged from improvements in reasoning, coding, and autonomy. This unpredictability has heightened concerns about control and unintended consequences, prompting the company to pause wider release. Mythos AI in Real-World Testing: Validation of Cybersecurity Risks Strong Performance in Cybersecurity Benchmarks - Independent testing found that Mythos solved 73% of expert-level cybersecurity challenges, far outperforming earlier AI models. Improved Reasoning and Problem-Solving Ability - Mythos showed the ability to sustain performance across complex, multi-layered problems, indicating significant improvements in reasoning, planning, and technical depth. Emergence of “Agentic” Behaviour - A key concern is Mythos’s agentic capability—its ability to autonomously execute multi-step attack sequences. Instead of acting as a simple tool, it can string together actions into a coherent attack pathway, raising risks of automation in cyberattacks. Lowering the Barrier for Cybercrime - The model’s ability to handle complex operations suggests that even less-skilled actors could conduct sophisticated cyberattacks, significantly increasing global cybersecurity risks. Mythos Breach and Global Fallout: Rising Cybersecurity and Governance Concerns Controlled Rollout and Defensive Initiatives - Even while withholding full release, Anthropic launched Project Glasswing to help firms strengthen cyber defences using Mythos. Major players like Apple, Nvidia, Linux Foundation, CrowdStrike, and Google are part of this effort. Leak Raises Immediate Alarm - Despite restricted access, Mythos was reportedly accessed by users via a private Discord channel, raising serious concerns about containment and security breaches of highly sensitive AI systems. Need for Global AI Governance - The incident highlights the urgent need for international coordination on AI regulation. Experts stress that without common standards and guardrails, controlling such powerful technologies will be extremely difficult across jurisdictions. India’s AI Policy Reassessment After Mythos Concerns Following concerns over Mythos, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directed banks to maintain a high degree of vigilance and develop coordinated mechanisms to counter emerging cybersecurity threats. The Mythos episode is prompting India to recalibrate its AI strategy , balancing innovation with stronger governance, coordination, and risk mitigation frameworks. Shift from Light-Touch Regulation India had so far followed a light-touch approach to AI regulation, focusing on innovation and economic growth. However, the risks highlighted by Mythos may push policymakers toward a more cautious and security-oriented framework. Creation of Institutional Mechanisms The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has set up: AI Governance and Economic Group: An inter-ministerial body to coordinate AI policy. Technology and Policy Expert Committee: To provide technical and regulatory guidance. Source: IE | ET Mythos AI FAQs Q1: What is Mythos AI? Ans: Mythos AI is an advanced model by Anthropic capable of identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities, making it a powerful tool for both cybersecurity defence and potential cyber threats. Q2: Why is Mythos AI causing global concern? Ans: Mythos AI has alarmed policymakers due to its ability to detect and exploit vulnerabilities autonomously, raising fears of misuse, cyberattacks, and reduced barriers for non-experts. Q3: How does Mythos AI differ from earlier AI models? Ans: Mythos AI shows significantly higher success in exploit development and problem-solving, outperforming earlier models with advanced reasoning, planning, and multi-step autonomous capabilities. Q4: What risks does Mythos AI pose to cybersecurity? Ans: Mythos AI can automate complex cyberattacks, lower entry barriers for attackers, and expose critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, posing major risks to global cybersecurity systems. Q5: How is India responding to Mythos AI risks? Ans: Mythos AI has prompted India to reassess its AI policy, increase vigilance in the banking sector, and establish institutional frameworks for AI governance and risk mitigation. Anti Defection Law Latest News Seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party—including Raghav Chadha and Harbhajan Singh—have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, sharply reducing AAP’s strength in the Upper House to just three members. This shift has significant legal implication: the defecting MPs may face action under the anti-defection law. Anti-Defection Law in India: Key Provisions and Criticism The anti-defection law is contained in the Tenth Schedule , added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1985 to curb political defections and ensure stability in legislatures. Changes Introduced by the 91st Amendment (2003) The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003 strengthened the law in two major ways: Stricter Merger Rule - At least two-thirds of a party’s members in a House must defect together to qualify as a valid merger. If fewer members switch, they face disqualification proceeding. This replaced the earlier rule that allowed a one-third split, which had been widely misused. Cap on Council of Ministers - Total number of ministers capped at 15% of the strength of Lok Sabha or State Assembly. Minimum of 12 ministers allowed in smaller states. This aimed to reduce political inducements and office-based defections. Removal of the ‘Split’ Provision - The earlier provision recognising a one-third split as legitimate was removed because it enabled frequent defections. The new two-thirds rule makes switching parties more difficult and accountable. Flipsides of the Anti-Defection Law: Erosion of Legislative Independence While the anti-defection law was designed to curb political instability and horse-trading, it has significantly restricted the autonomy of legislators . Members risk disqualification even for defying the party whip, limiting their ability to represent constituency interests or independent judgment. This has led to increased centralisation of power within party leadership, making elected representatives largely subordinate to party decisions rather than accountable to voters. Disqualification Debate After AAP MPs’ Defection The defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party has triggered a legal debate under the anti-defection law. One view suggests that no disqualification may occur if the Rajya Sabha Chairman accepts the shift as a valid merger, since more than two-thirds of AAP’s MPs in the House have joined the BJP—an exception allowed under the Tenth Schedule . However, others argue that the merger provision applies to the entire political party , not just MPs in one House. This implies that for the exception to hold, the party leadership—potentially including Arvind Kejriwal—would also need to formally merge with the BJP. Without this, the MPs could still face disqualification petitions, which any member can file before the Chairman. Role of the Rajya Sabha Chairman Until a ruling is made, the defecting MPs will officially remain AAP members, even if they functionally align with the BJP. The Chairman has the authority to either: Accept the move as a merger, protecting them from disqualification, or Reject it and proceed with disqualification proceedings The decision can subsequently be challenged in court. Impact on Voting and Parliamentary Dynamics During the interim period, a constitutional anomaly arises : although technically AAP members, the MPs may vote with the NDA, increasing its effective strength in the Rajya Sabha. AAP can still issue a party whip , and any defiance by the defecting MPs could become separate grounds for disqualification. The Chairman will also decide such cases, adding another layer of uncertainty. The situation highlights legal grey areas in the anti-defection framework, where the final outcome depends on the Chairman’s interpretation of the merger clause and subsequent judicial scrutiny. Anti-Defection Law: Consequences if Two-Thirds Threshold Is Not Met If fewer than two-thirds of members had defected, the rebels would have been liable for disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. Any member could petition the Rajya Sabha Chairman to act against them for switching sides or defying the party whip. However, the law does not prescribe a time limit for the presiding officer’s decision, allowing delays that can let members continue in office despite being liable for disqualification. Judicial review is possible only after the Chairman’s ruling, creating scope for prolonged uncertainty, even though the Supreme Court of India has advised that such cases be decided within a reasonable time. Source: IE | LM Anti Defection Law FAQs Q1: What is anti defection law India? Ans: Anti defection law India is contained in the Tenth Schedule and aims to prevent political defections, ensuring stability and discipline within legislative bodies. Q2: What happens under anti defection law India if MPs switch parties? Ans: Under anti defection law India, MPs switching parties can face disqualification unless at least two-thirds members merge with another party, qualifying as a valid merger. Q3: What is the two-thirds rule in anti defection law India? Ans: The two-thirds rule in anti defection law India allows members to avoid disqualification if two-thirds of a party’s legislators collectively join another party. Q4: What are criticisms of anti defection law India? Ans: Anti defection law India limits legislators’ independence, forcing them to follow party whips and reducing their ability to represent constituency interests effectively. Q5: Who decides disqualification under anti defection law India? Ans: The presiding officer, such as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, decides disqualification under anti defection law India, and their decision can later be challenged in courts. Goldilocks Economy Latest News When the Union Budget 2026-27 was presented, a widely held belief was that India had entered a “ Goldilocks period ” — a phase where economic conditions are ideal — steady growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. This phrase, used by the RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, suggested that the Indian economy was well-balanced and resilient . However, recent developments have challenged this optimism, triggering an important debate: Was India really in a Goldilocks phase, or was the economy weaker than projected? Recent Developments GDP calculation revision with a new base year (2022-23) revealed that earlier estimates (base year 2011-12) had overstated GDP. Global geopolitical instability , especially the US-Iran conflict, raised concerns over oil prices and supply disruptions. The Indian rupee weakened further against the US dollar. Japan and the UK overtook India in nominal GDP rankings. Rising concerns of slower growth with higher inflation ( stagflationary risks) emerged. Understanding the Growth Reality Deceleration in nominal GDP growth: Key trends of nominal GDP (measures output at current prices) - Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) is just above 10% (2014–2026), while it is around 12.3% (2004–2026), and 9.5% (2019–2026). Interpretation : India’s nominal GDP growth has steadily slowed over time, indicating weakening economic momentum. Moderate real GDP growth: Real GDP removes the impact of inflation and better reflects actual output growth. Key trends are a CAGR of above 12% since 2004, 6.2% (2014–2026), and below 5.5% (2019–2026). Interpretation : This growth rate is modest, especially for a developing country aspiring to become a developed nation by 2047. Why the “Goldilocks” Narrative May Be Misleading? The base effect trap: A critical methodological caution, for example, cherry-picking post-COVID years distorts the true picture. The sharp rebound in 2021-22 and 2022-23 reflected recovery from the low base of the 2020 contraction, not genuine structural acceleration. Citing only these figures creates a false goldilocks narrative — misleading both public discourse and policymaking. Growth inadequacy for developed nation status: A real GDP growth rate of barely 5.5% over seven years is insufficient for India to achieve Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Economists broadly agree that India needs sustained 8–9% real growth annually for such a transformation. Weak corporate earnings: Modest GDP growth has directly translated into underwhelming corporate earnings, reducing India's attractiveness to both domestic and foreign investors. Negative net FDI and rupee weakness: Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has turned negative, reflecting diminished investor confidence. The resultant capital outflow is a major structural reason for the rupee's depreciation — notably, the rupee is weakening even as the dollar itself weakens against most global currencies, signalling an India-specific confidence deficit . GDP revision downgrades India's economic size: The new GDP series has effectively shrunk India's measured economy, meaning India is a smaller economy in absolute terms than previously believed. This is a significant setback to narratives around India's imminent rise to the world's third-largest economy. Energy import vulnerability: India's near-total dependence on energy imports via the Strait of Hormuz makes it acutely vulnerable to West Asian geopolitical instability, threatening both the current account and inflation management. Way Forward Structural reforms : Targeting manufacturing competitiveness, labour markets, and land acquisition are urgently needed to meaningfully lift the sustainable growth rate. Improving the investment climate : Through regulatory predictability and ease of doing business (EoDB) is essential to reversing the negative FDI trend. Energy diversification : Accelerating the transition to renewables and diversifying import sources — can reduce geopolitical exposure. Honest economic assessment by policymakers : Avoiding base-effect-driven optimism is necessary for designing credible long-term strategy. Transparent GDP methodology : And timely data revisions should be institutionalised to ensure policy decisions rest on accurate ground realities. Conclusion The recent data suggests that India’s economy may not have been in a true Goldilocks phase, but rather in a period where headline numbers masked deeper structural slowdowns. For India to realise its long-term ambitions, policymakers must move beyond celebratory narratives and undertake hard reforms that generate sustained growth, jobs, investment, and resilience. Only then can India transition from a large economy to a genuinely prosperous one. Source: IE Goldilocks Economy FAQs Q1: What is meant by a Goldilocks economy? Ans: A Goldilocks economy denotes balanced growth with low inflation and unemployment. Q2: Why was India’s recent economic phase questioned “Goldilocks” claims? Ans: Because of India’s slowing GDP growth and external vulnerabilities. Q3: How does the distinction between nominal GDP and real GDP help in assessing economic performance? Ans: Nominal GDP includes inflation effects, whereas real GDP reflects actual output growth and is a better indicator of economic progress. Q4: Why is the revision of GDP base year significant for economic policymaking? Ans: GDP base year revision improves statistical accuracy and revealed that India’s economy was smaller than previously estimated. Q5: What structural reforms are necessary for India to achieve sustained high economic growth? Ans: Private investment revival, job creation, export competitiveness, and energy security for sustained growth.