💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

  • [20th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: Significance of a strong defense industrial base

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

    Linkage: This question is relevant to GS III as it examines internal security challenges posed by external state and non-state actors. The article is directly linked as it explains how a strong domestic defence industrial base enhances strategic autonomy and resilience required to effectively counter such threats.

    Why in the News

    India’s defence industrial ecosystem is undergoing a structural transition after decades of import dependence and restrictive policies. Recent reforms, opening the sector to private participation, liberalising foreign direct investment, corporatisation of legacy institutions, and expansion of indigenous procurement, have led to rapid growth in defence production and exports to over 80 countries. This marks a sharp departure from a period characterised by monopoly production, lack of competition, and structural vulnerability. 

    Introduction

    A strong defence industrial base underpins national security, economic resilience, and strategic autonomy. For India, historical policy constraints limited private sector participation and fostered import dependence, weakening both security preparedness and industrial capability. Recent reforms signal a shift towards self-reliance, export orientation, and integration with global supply chains. In an evolving global security landscape, this transition is central to India’s strategic and economic ambitions.

    Structural Constraints in India’s Defence Manufacturing

    1. Restrictive Policy Framework: Limited private participation and absence of competition constrained innovation and efficiency.
    2. Import Dependence: Excessive reliance on foreign suppliers exposed vulnerabilities in times of conflict and supply-chain disruption.
    3. Monopolistic Production Structure: Dominance of state-controlled entities reduced incentives for cost efficiency and technological upgrading.
    4. Strategic Vulnerability: Dependence on external suppliers undermined operational readiness and economic potential.

    Reform-Led Transformation of the Defence Ecosystem

    1. Private Sector Entry: Opening of defence manufacturing to private firms expanded capacity and innovation.
    2. FDI Liberalisation: Relaxed investment norms facilitated technology inflows and global integration.
      1. India permits Foreign Direct Investment up to 74% under the automatic route in defence manufacturing, which facilitates faster capital inflows and technology transfer without prior government approval.
      2. FDI beyond 74% is allowed through the government approval route in cases where it results in access to modern technology or enhances national security interests.
    3. Institutional Restructuring: Corporatisation of legacy production units improved accountability and efficiency.
    4. Indigenous Procurement Expansion: Emphasis on domestic production under the ‘Make’ procedure stimulated innovation.
    5. Export Growth: Defence exports now span more than 80 countries, reflecting ecosystem maturation.

    Global Security Environment and Strategic Opportunity

    1. Geopolitical Instability: Conflicts in Europe, West Asia, and Asia exposed fragility of global supply chains.
    2. Resilience through Domestic Capacity: Nations with strong domestic defence industries demonstrated higher strategic resilience.
    3. European Defence Reorientation: Renewed defence spending and saturation of traditional suppliers opened new markets.
    4. Cost-Effective Demand: Growing global demand for reliable and affordable defence platforms aligns with India’s strengths.
    5. Geostrategic Advantage: India’s Indian Ocean positioning and diplomatic outreach enhance export credibility.

    Procedural and Regulatory Bottlenecks

    1. Regulatory Complexity: Cumbersome licensing and approvals deter private and MSME participation.
    2. Export Licensing Delays: Slow clearances reduce competitiveness in time-sensitive global markets.
    3. Technology Transfer Approvals: Protracted processes impede collaboration and joint ventures.
    4. Investment Uncertainty: Lack of long-term demand visibility discourages large-scale private investment.

    Recalibrating Institutional Roles

    1. DRDO Reorientation: Core focus on frontier research and strategic technologies.
    2. Production Shift: Scaling and commercialisation to move increasingly towards industry.
    3. Public-Private Collaboration: Alignment with global best practices strengthens competitiveness.
    4. Export Facilitation: Dedicated, professionally staffed export facilitation agency enhances outreach and coordination.

    Financial, Testing, and Certification Challenges

    1. Credit Access Constraints: Competitive financing remains difficult for domestic manufacturers.
    2. Stringent Domestic Standards: Excessive compliance requirements delay market entry.
    3. Testing Infrastructure Gaps: Limited integrated testing facilities increase costs and timelines.
    4. Certification Barriers: Lack of international certification reduces export acceptance.

    Strategic Significance of Defence Exports

    1. Technological Maturity: Exports signal reliability and advanced manufacturing capability.
    2. Strategic Credibility: Defence supplies enhance trust and long-term security partnerships.
    3. Geopolitical Leverage: Defence trade strengthens India’s role in global security architecture.
    4. Employment Generation: High-skilled jobs contribute to economic diversification.

    Conclusion

    A strong defence industrial base is not merely an industrial objective but a defining pillar of India’s strategic and economic future. Sustained reforms, institutional clarity, and ecosystem development are essential to translate recent progress into enduring strategic capability and global influence.

    Defence Procurement Mechanism and Policies in India 

    1. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) governs capital procurement of defence equipment and prioritises indigenous design, development, and manufacturing.
    2. Buy (Indian-IDDM) category ensures preference to indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured defence platforms.
    3. Buy (Indian) and Buy & Make (Indian) categories facilitate domestic production with limited foreign collaboration.
    4. Make Procedure supports indigenous development of complex defence systems through industry-led design and innovation.
    5. Strategic Partnership Model enables long-term partnerships between Indian private firms and global OEMs in critical defence segments.
    6. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factory Corporatisation improve efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.
    7. Defence Industrial Corridors strengthen regional manufacturing ecosystems and supply-chain integration.
    8. Offset Policy mandates technology transfer and domestic value addition in large defence contracts.
    9. FDI Liberalisation in Defence allows foreign investment to facilitate technology inflow while retaining Indian control.
    10. Export Authorisation Reforms simplify licensing procedures to promote defence exports.
    11. Negative Import Lists restrict procurement of specified defence items from abroad to encourage domestic production.
    12. Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme expands certification and testing facilities to reduce entry barriers for domestic manufacturers.
    13. iDEX Framework integrates startups and MSMEs into defence innovation and procurement.
    14. Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) provides capability planning to align procurement with strategic requirements.

  • Annatto

    Why in the news?

    • As informed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru has undertaken four Grant-in-Aid projects related to the study and development of annatto.

    What is Annatto?

    • Annatto is a natural food colouring and flavouring agent.
    • Obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana).

    Origin & Botanical Facts

    • Scientific name: Bixa orellana
    • Native region: Tropical regions of the Americas
    • Plant type: Shrub/small tree
    • Usable part: Seed coating

    Key Chemical Constituents

    • Contains carotenoids (plant pigments)
      • Responsible for yellow-orange colour
    • Rich in:
      • Antioxidants
      • Tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E)
      • Antimicrobial compounds

    Uses of Annatto

    Food Industry

    • Accounts for ~70% of natural food colours used globally
    With reference to ‘palm oil,’ consider the following statements: (2021)

    1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 

    2. Palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 

    3. Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

  • DHRUV64 Microprocessor

    Why in the News?

    India has unveiled DHRUV64, its first fully indigenously developed microprocessor, marking a major milestone in semiconductor self reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    About DHRUV64

    • Fully indigenous microprocessor developed in India
     • Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C DAC)
     • Part of the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP)

    Key Technical Features

    • 64 bit dual core processor
     • Clock speed of 1.0 GHz ( Very low compared to recent chips like Snapdragan clock speed more 4.0 GHz)
    • Uses superscalar execution allowing multiple instructions simultaneously
     • Supports out of order execution for improved performance
     • Integrated communication and control functions
     • Uses FCBGA packaging, enabling compact and system ready design

    Potential Applications

    • Strategic applications and commercial computing
     • 5G infrastructure
     • Automotive electronics
     • Consumer electronics
     • Industrial automation
     • Internet of Things (IoT) systems

    Significance for India

    • Reduces dependence on foreign microprocessors
     • Strengthens domestic semiconductor ecosystem
     • Enables startups, academia and industry to design and test indigenous systems
     • Supports low cost prototype development for new system architectures
     • Enhances technological sovereignty and national security

    When the alarm of your smart-phone rings… which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario? (2018)

    (a) Border Gateway Protocol 

    (b) Internet of Things 

    (c) Internet Protocol 

    (d) Virtual Private Network

  • Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) 

    Why in the News?

    • A large multi-city study highlights the high prevalence of early GDM in Indian women
     • Early GDM linked with higher future diabetes risk

    What is GDM?

    • Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy
     • Affects about 14 percent of pregnancies worldwide

    Types of GDM

    • Early GDM (EGDM): Diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy
     • Late GDM (LGDM): Diagnosed between 24 to 28 weeks

    STRiDE Study

    • Conducted at 7 antenatal clinics
     • Sample size: over 3000 pregnant women
     • Locations: Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry
     • Published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

    Key Findings

    • Early GDM prevalence: 21.5 percent
     • Late GDM prevalence: 19.5 percent
     • Early GDM affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women

    A company marketing food product advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? (2011)

    1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. 

    2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils. 

    3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • BlueBird 6 Satellite and LVM 3

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is scheduled to launch the BlueBird 6 satellite, developed by US based AST SpaceMobile, on 21 December 2025 using India’s heavy lift rocket LVM 3.

    About BlueBird 6 Satellite

    • Developer: AST SpaceMobile USA
     • Purpose: Provides direct to device internet connectivity, enabling normal mobile phones to access broadband without dependence on ground based cell towers
     • Weight: Around 6.5 tonnes, making it among the heaviest commercial satellites launched by ISRO
     • Orbit: Low Earth Orbit LEO
     • Technology: Equipped with one of the largest phased array antennas ever deployed in space, covering nearly 2,400 square feet
     • Capable of direct communication with standard smartphones
     • Significance: Enhances global mobile broadband connectivity, particularly in remote and rural regions
     • Strategic importance: Strengthens Indo US space cooperation and expands commercial space launch collaboration
     • Future impact: Helps bridge the digital divide by providing internet access in regions without cellular infrastructure

    About LVM 3

    • Full name: Launch Vehicle Mark 3
     • Also called GSLV Mk III or Bahubali
     • India’s heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO
     • Designed for large satellite launches and human spaceflight missions

    With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, Consider the following statements: (2018)

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 

    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 

    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. 

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only

  • Pyrite

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered the oldest known evidence of fire making by prehistoric humans in England. The findings include heated clay, heat shattered flint handaxes and pieces of iron pyrite, which can generate sparks when struck against flint.

    About Pyrite

    • Pyrite is a brass yellow mineral with a bright metallic lustre.
       • Chemical composition: Iron sulfide (FeS₂).
       • It is the most common sulfide mineral found on Earth.
       • The name is derived from the Greek word pyr meaning fire, as pyrite emits sparks when struck by metal or flint.
       • Nodules of pyrite found in prehistoric burial mounds suggest its early use in fire making.
       • Commonly known as “Fool’s Gold” due to its superficial resemblance to gold.

    Distinguishing Pyrite from Gold

    • Pyrite is much lighter than gold.
       • It is harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or a pocket knife.
       • Gold is soft, malleable and can be easily scratched.

    Occurrence

    • Found worldwide in diverse geological settings.
       • Occurs in sedimentary deposits, hydrothermal veins and as a constituent of metamorphic rocks.

    Uses of Pyrite

    • Source of iron and sulfur.
       • Used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid.
       • Used to produce iron sulfate.
       • Iron sulfate applications include nutritional supplements, ink, lawn conditioner, water treatment and flocculation, and moss control.
       • Iron sulfate derived from pyrite is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
       • Some varieties contain microscopic gold and can be mined as a gold ore.

    Prelims Pointer

    • Pyrite’s ability to produce sparks made it an important material for early human fire technology.
    Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following? (2023)

    (a) Aluminium 

    (b) Copper 

    (c) Iron 

    (d) Titanium

  • Agentic AI  

    Why in the News?

    Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently noted that India is witnessing strong momentum in the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence, particularly agentic AI applications.

    About Agentic AI

    Agentic AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence that emphasises autonomous decision-making and action. It is designed to act independently in a goal driven manner with minimal human intervention.

    Core Concept

    • Based on AI agents that simulate human-like decision making
     • Capable of setting goals, planning steps, and executing tasks on its own
     • Goes beyond traditional AI systems that mainly respond to prompts or analyse data

    Prelims Pointers

    • Agentic AI emphasizes autonomy and goal orientation
    • Uses large language models as its reasoning engine
    • Key stages include perception, reasoning, planning, action, and reflection
    • Represents an evolution beyond prompt based AI systems
    With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

    (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:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • NSIL and ISRO Technology Transfer 

    Why in the News?

    NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has so far signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) to license technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries.

    About NSIL

    • Commercial arm of the Department of Space (DoS), incorporated under the Companies Act 2013.
    • Mandated to:
      • Commercialise ISRO technologies.
      • Enable industry participation in space missions.
      • Act as the actual licensor of ISRO technologies.

    Technology Transfer Mechanism

    Types of Agreements

    1. Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) – Define rights, obligations, and usage of transferred technology.
    2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – Contain explicit confidentiality clauses protecting commercially sensitive information.

    Role of IN-SPACe

    • Acts as a facilitator for Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
    • NSIL remains the licensing authority.

    Oversight for Fairness

    • A dedicated Technology Transfer Committee reviews all proposals.
    • Ensures transfers are transparent, equitable, and accountable.

    Transparency and RTI Compliance

    • NSIL is a public authority under RTI Act, 2005.
    • Suo motu disclosure under Section 4:
      • Lists technologies available for transfer.
      • Guidelines and procedures for NGEs.
      • Periodically updated information on technology transfers.

    What Information is Public?

    • Names and details of industries receiving ISRO technologies
       (furnished under RTI and available via ISRO/DoS websites such as URSC, IN-SPACe, NSIL).
    • Media publications also highlight certain transfers.

    Information Exempt from Disclosure

    Under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, NSIL does not disclose:

    • Commercial terms.
    • Payment details.
    • Copies of agreements.
       These are considered commercially sensitive or strategic.
    With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Consider the following statements : (2018)

    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 

    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 

    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None

  • [11th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: ​​AI must pay: On the DPIIT working paper on AI and Copyright Issues

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

    Linkage: This topic is relevant because it highlights India’s weak IPR monetisation systems and the need for clear licensing frameworks for AI training. It directly links to the issue of poor commercialization of intellectual property due to inadequate revenue and protection mechanisms.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The rapid expansion of AI models such as LLMs has outpaced global regulatory thinking, especially concerning copyright. India’s new working paper on “AI and Copyright Issues” marks a significant policy moment because it attempts to balance innovation with fair remuneration for content creators.  

    Introduction 

    Large Language Models (LLMs) rely heavily on public text, data, and multimedia scraped from the Internet. This has created tension between AI developers and content producers whose material forms the backbone of AI training datasets. India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released a working paper proposing a mandatory licensing framework to ensure remuneration for content creators while keeping AI innovation unhindered. The proposal aims to prevent prolonged litigation, offer a collaborative revenue system, and address the growing disruption in the media landscape.

    Why in the news?

    India’s working paper is significant because it represents the first structured attempt to create a national solution to the global controversy around AI training data and copyright. For years, AI hyperscalers have argued for unrestricted scraping of Internet content, while publishers insisted on licensing and consent. With lawsuits piling up worldwide and no uniform judicial clarity, India’s move is a major shift from unregulated data scraping to a mandatory revenue-sharing model. It highlights the scale of the problem, hundreds of media houses and small publishers risk losing fair compensation as LLMs synthesize new outputs from their work without attribution. The proposal marks a pivot toward balancing AI development with creators’ rights, avoiding a situation that could disadvantage India’s AI ecosystem through excessive restrictions or unchecked exploitation.

    What Drives the Rapid Progress of LLMs?

    1. Iterative advancements in machine learning: Continuous improvements in applied techniques enhance the performance and reasoning ability of LLMs.
    2. Expanding access to global text and multimedia data: Massive publicly available datasets fuel training, improving output depth and sophistication.
    3. Dependence on Internet-scale content: AI firms rely heavily on materials produced by media houses, publishers, and content creators.

    What Is the Core Conflict Between AI Firms and Content Producers?

    1. Free-use argument by AI developers: They claim public Internet content should be freely usable for training, even when outputs are monetized.
    2. Licensing demand from content producers: Reproduction or syndication by AI, directly or indirectly, should require consent and licence fees.
    3. Fierce industry debate: News, entertainment, and book publishing sectors fear uncompensated use of their intellectual property.

    What Does India’s Working Paper Propose?

    1. Mandatory licensing framework: Allows unlimited scraping of public information, but mandates structured payments to a central body.
    2. Non-profit copyright society: Collects royalties from AI developers based on revenues earned through AI models trained on Indian content.
    3. Collaborative revenue-sharing: Ensures creators benefit from the value AI systems extract from their work.

    Why Is the Licensing Model Considered Practical?

    1. Avoids the burden of opting out: Individual content producers lack the power to prevent scraping or enforce restrictions.
    2. Recognizes data processing as a functional reality: AI models synthesize new outputs rather than reproduce original text verbatim.
    3. Addresses inequity concerns: Small publishers may still feel disadvantaged, but a flawed system is preferable to absence of remuneration.

    What Are the Challenges in Implementing the System?

    1. Royalty determination issues: Difficulties in deciding proportional payments, especially between small and large publishers.
    2. Ongoing global litigations: Lawsuits against AI companies continue, and no uniform judicial framework exists yet.
    3. Needless delay is a threat: Waiting for courts to settle the issue only benefits AI firms and worsens market disruption.
    4. Tech industry dissent: Some developers resist additional regulatory burdens but the committee views collaboration as essential.

    Conclusion

    India’s working paper marks an important shift toward a balanced AI-copyright ecosystem. While the proposed licensing structure is imperfect, it offers a practical, collaborative alternative to years of litigation and unregulated data extraction. If supported by the government and refined through stakeholder dialogue, it can ensure that India’s creators, publishers, and AI innovators coexist in a fair and sustainable digital environment.

  • Gallbladder Cancer in the Gangetic Belt 

    Why in the News

    • New analysis calls gallbladder cancer (GBC) an “invisible epidemic” in India’s Gangetic belt, especially among women.
    • Despite high prevalence, GBC is not a national health priority, poorly monitored, and driven by environmental pollution.

    Key Highlights

    1. High-Burden Geography

    • India accounts for ~10% of global GBC cases.
    • Highest incidence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam.

    2. Environmental Drivers

    • Arsenic, cadmium, lead contamination in groundwater.
    • Industrial effluent discharge into rivers.
    • Pesticide residues, adulterated oils, contaminated fish.
    • Chronic exposure through water, food, soil.

    3. Gendered Impact

    • ~70% of GBC patients are women.
    • Factors contributing:
      • Reuse of cooking oil
      • Consumption of unrefrigerated food
      • High exposure to contaminated water during domestic chores
    • 80%+ diagnosed at Stage III/IV, when surgery is not viable.

    4. Socio-Economic Burden

    • Treatment costs ₹8–12 lakh → debt, treatment abandonment.
    • Hotspots overlap with districts having high poverty and poor sanitation.

    5. Governance Failures

    • Cancer registries cover only 10% of the population → clusters remain invisible.
    • Weak enforcement of pollution laws.
    • No mandatory cancer reporting.
    Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)

    (1). Arsenic 

    (2). Sorbitol 

    (3). Fluoride 

    (4). Formaldehyde 

    (5). Uranium 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 

    (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5