Retrieve an India Today author's name, job title, headshot, biography, and recent stories from a canonical author URL.
Get an India Today author profile. Returns an India Today author's name, job title, headshot, biography, and recent stories from a canonical author URL.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes | Canonical India Today author URL |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.17.5Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It uses 'Get' and 'Returns,' signaling a read-only operation, but does not disclose auth requirements, rate limits, or any side effects. It adds value by listing the response fields, though this largely overlaps with the tool's stated purpose.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that front-loads the action and resource, then lists the expected return fields without extraneous words. It is efficient and scannable, though slightly dense due to the list of outputs.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description enumerates the key return contents (name, job title, headshot, biography, recent stories), covering the main data an agent needs to know. It does not mention error handling, ordering of recent stories, or URL format requirements, but for a one-parameter profile lookup this is reasonably complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The sole parameter `url` is already fully documented in the schema as 'Canonical India Today author URL.' The description repeats this phrasing without adding format examples, guidance on obtaining the URL, or edge cases. With 100% schema coverage, the baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states 'Get an India Today author profile' with a specific verb and resource, and enumerates the returned fields (name, job title, headshot, biography, recent stories). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like indiatoday_article or other publishers' author tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to choose this tool over alternatives or what prerequisites exist beyond a 'canonical author URL.' It implicitly assumes the agent already has the URL but does not mention when to use it versus sibling tools like indiatoday_sections or timesofindia_author.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.