Thu Jan 08 18:54:59 UTC 2026: # “The Hindu” Year Book Distributed to UPSC Aspirants Amidst Concerns Over Disinformation

The Story:

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, former Madras High Court Judge K. Chandru launched the distribution of “The Hindu” Year Book to 100 toppers of the State government’s All India Civil Services Coaching Centre (AICSCC) preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination. The event underscored the importance of informed public opinion in a functioning democracy. N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group of Publications, highlighted the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, particularly its weaponization on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, where India has the largest user base. He stressed the need for credible information in shaping public opinion.

The AICSCC principal, T.S. Saravanan, noted improved results in the UPSC Civil Services Personality Test due to State government schemes, including Naan Mudhalvan. He outlined initiatives such as residential coaching and part-time options for candidates. The Tamil Nadu government has a long history of supporting civil services aspirants, dating back to pre-examination training for SC/ST candidates in 1966.

Key Points:

  • The Hindu Year Book distributed to 100 toppers at AICSCC on January 8, 2026.
  • N. Ram warned about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media.
  • India has the largest number of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users, making it vulnerable to disinformation.
  • AICSCC reported improved UPSC results due to State government schemes like Naan Mudhalvan.
  • Tamil Nadu has a long-standing commitment to supporting civil services aspirants from marginalized communities.
  • The state government has sanctioned ₹62.5 crore for a new residential coaching center.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event highlights the ongoing effort to equip future civil servants with reliable information in an era of rampant disinformation.
  • The focus on social media weaponization indicates growing concerns about the manipulation of public opinion in India.
  • Government initiatives in Tamil Nadu continue to play a crucial role in supporting UPSC aspirants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • The distribution of yearbooks shows the ongoing importance of traditional media outlets in preparing young students to enter public service.

    Read More

Related News: