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

  • SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    Why in the News?

    Flowering plants appeared around 130 million years ago and rapidly diversified, puzzling scientists including Charles Darwin, who called it an “abominable mystery”.

    A new study by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, has identified the SHUKR gene, which controls pollen development in flowering plants.

    SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    About the SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    • What is SHUKR? It is a newly discovered gene found in flowering plants like Arabidopsis thaliana. It plays a key role in forming pollen, which plants need to reproduce.
    • Function in the Plant Life Cycle: SHUKR is active during the sporophyte phase (the main plant body stage) and helps in producing healthy, viable pollen.
    • Effect of Gene Loss: If SHUKR is missing or not working, the plant fails to make good pollen, leading to poor or no reproduction.
    • How SHUKR Works: It controls F-box genes, which remove old proteins and replace them with new ones to help pollen grow well.
    • Adaptive Advantage: SHUKR and F-box genes evolve quickly, allowing plants to adjust to harsh conditions like heat, cold, or drought.
    • Evolutionary Origin: This gene first appeared 125 million years ago in eudicots, a plant group that now includes three-fourths of all flowering plants.
    • Why it matters: SHUKR shows that pollen-making is closely linked with the rest of the plant, challenging the earlier belief that these processes were separate.
    • Significance: Climate change causes heat-induced pollen damage in flowering plants, but genes like SHUKR could help develop climate-resilient crops.

    Back2Basics: Darwin’s “Abominable Mystery”

    • Darwin’s Confusion: Charles Darwin was puzzled by the sudden appearance and rapid spread of flowering plants about 130 million years ago — calling it an “abominable mystery”.
    • Mismatch with Evolutionary Pace: According to standard evolution theory, species change slowly over time, but flowering plants diversified very quickly, showing great variety.
    • Genetic Explanation: The SHUKR gene may solve this mystery by showing how flowering plants gained molecular tools to adapt and reproduce faster.
    • New Insight: This discovery offers a genetic explanation for the rapid rise of flowering plants and helps clarify Darwin’s long-standing puzzle.

     

    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    Select the correct- answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • [2nd June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Regulating India’s virtual digital assets revolution 

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2021] What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?

    Linkage: India’s leadership in grassroots crypto adoption and the significant investment by retail investors, indicating its presence and potential impact on Indian society. Understanding this impact is a foundational aspect of the broader discussion on regulating VDAs.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The Supreme Court’s recent observation questioning the absence of comprehensive crypto regulation highlights the urgent need for India to replace punitive taxation with structured oversight. Between December 2023 and October 2024, Indian investors traded over ₹2.63 trillion worth of crypto on offshore platforms, causing the country to miss out on substantial tax revenues and governance control. The article emphasizes this contradiction—a rapidly growing industry at the grassroots level and a fragmented, reactionary policy at the top.

    Today’s editorial will talk about the comprehensive crypto regulation. This content would help in GS Paper II ( Governance) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India has kept its top position in grassroots crypto adoption for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 Chainalysis Geography of Crypto report. But this achievement comes at a time when clear regulations are missingand government policies on crypto remain confusing and inconsistent.

    What drives India’s lead in grassroots crypto adoption?

    • High Retail Investor Participation: Indian retail investors have shown strong enthusiasm, investing $6.6 billion into crypto assets (NASSCOM report). Eg: A large number of small-ticket retail trades contribute to India topping Chainalysis’ 2024 grassroots crypto adoption index.
    • Growing Web3 Developer Ecosystem: India hosts one of the fastest-growing Web3 developer communities, driving innovation and ecosystem engagement. Eg: Startups and developers building decentralized apps (dApps) and blockchain solutions across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
    • Youthful Demographic and Digital Penetration: A young, tech-savvy population, high smartphone usage, and digital literacy foster wide crypto experimentation. Eg: College students and freelancers using stablecoins and crypto wallets for micro-transactions and cross-border payments.
    • Lack of Traditional Investment Access and Inflation Hedge: Limited access to formal investment channels and search for inflation-resistant assets prompt people to explore crypto. Eg: Young earners in semi-urban areas using crypto as an alternative to gold or fixed deposits for wealth storage.

    Why did the Supreme Court flag regulatory gaps in 2025?

    • Absence of a Comprehensive Legal Framework: The Court noted the lack of clear and cohesive legislation for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), which hampers effective regulation and enforcement. Eg: In May 2025, the Supreme Court remarked, “Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality,” highlighting the disconnect between policy and practice.
    • Overreliance on Prohibitive Taxation Instead of Regulation: India imposed heavy taxes (30% capital gains, 1% TDS) as a stop-gap, without establishing regulatory clarity or investor safeguards. Eg: Despite taxation, crypto users shifted to offshore platforms, leading to over ₹60 billion in uncollected TDSand loss of oversight.
    • Risk of Pushing Activity Underground: The absence of regulation combined with enforcement gaps drove users towards non-compliant and unregulated exchanges, increasing systemic risk. Eg: The Court observed that without enabling regulation, users bypassed restrictions via VPNs and mirror sites, undermining regulatory intent.

    Who ensures compliance in India’s crypto ecosystem?

    • Reserve Bank of India (RBI): As the monetary authority, RBI oversees the impact of crypto on financial stability, capital controls, and payment systems. Eg: RBI issued circulars in 2013 and 2018 warning financial institutions against dealing with crypto-related entities.
    • Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND): FIU-IND monitors suspicious transactions, enforces anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) norms. Eg: Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) collaborated with FIU-IND to strengthen AML/CFT compliance, gaining positive feedback from FATF.
    • Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs): VASPs act as domestic intermediaries ensuring KYC norms, reporting standards, and overall ecosystem transparency. Eg: After the 2024 crypto hack ($230 million loss), Indian VASPs enhanced cybersecurity, created insurance funds, and implemented industry-wide security guidelines.

    Where are most Indian crypto assets traded?

    • Offshore, Non-Compliant Platforms: A significant portion of Indian crypto trading happens on offshore exchanges that do not comply with Indian regulations. Eg: Between July 2022 and December 2023, Indians traded over ₹1.03 trillion worth of VDAs on such platforms.
    • Limited Domestic Exchange Usage: Only about 9% of India’s estimated ₹1.12 trillion worth of crypto assets are held or traded on domestic exchanges. Eg: This limited use reflects investor preference for platforms with broader asset choices or less stringent controls.

    How have Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) improved security and compliance?

    • Strengthened Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Indian VASPs have collaborated closely with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) to enhance monitoring and reporting standards. Eg: This cooperation earned positive feedback from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for improved compliance.
    • Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: After the 2024 crypto hack that resulted in a $230 million loss, many Indian exchanges implemented stronger security protocols and real-time risk monitoring. Eg: Exchanges set up dedicated insurance funds to protect users against future thefts.
    • Industry-Wide Standardization and Collaboration: Indian VASPs united to create and enforce common cybersecurity guidelines and best practices across the ecosystem. Eg: This collective effort has improved overall trust and resilience of India’s crypto platforms.

    Way forward: 

    • Formulate a Comprehensive, Risk-Based Regulatory Framework: India must develop clear, future-ready legislation that classifies, governs, and monitors Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) in alignment with global standards (like FATF, IMF). Eg: A dedicated VDA Regulatory Authority or inclusion under SEBI/RBI oversight can ensure investor protection, AML enforcement, and innovation support.
    • Strengthen Domestic VASP Ecosystem Through Incentives and Integration: Encourage onshore compliance by lowering tax burdens, supporting innovation sandboxes, and integrating VASPs into India’s formal financial ecosystem. Eg: Offering tax rebates or compliance credits to VASPs adopting stringent KYC/CFT and cybersecurity norms can enhance trust and reduce offshore migration.

  • TR1 Cells: The Hidden Warriors in Malaria Immunity

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Stanford University discovered that TR1 cells play a dominant role in fighting malaria reinfections.

    Understanding the Body’s Immune Response:

    • What is the Immune System? It’s the body’s defence system that protects us from infections like malaria.
    • First Defence: The skin and body surfaces block germs from entering.
    • Innate Immunity: If germs get in, the innate immune system reacts fast, like an emergency response team.
    • Adaptive Immunity: Then, the adaptive immune system kicks in, targeting germs specifically and remembering them for future protection.
    • B-Cells and T-Cells:
      • B-cells make antibodies to fight germs.
      • T-cells attack infected cells and guide other immune cells.
    • Helper T-Cells: A type called CD4+ T-cells helps organise the defence. Earlier, scientists thought TH1 cells were key in malaria, but a new study shows TR1 cells are more important, especially in repeat infections.

    What are TR1 Cells?

    • Role of TR1 Cells: These are special T-cells that help control the immune system and prevent overreaction.
    • Major Response in Malaria: Though small in number, during malaria, TR1 cells become the main helper cells.
    • Study in Uganda: In young children with repeated malaria, TR1 cells grew in number and improved the body’s ability to fight malaria without severe illness.
    • Memory and Immunity: TR1 cells remember the malaria parasite and return stronger with each infection.
    • Types of TR1 Cells:
      • Naïve TR1 – not yet active.
      • Effector TR1 – fighting infection.
      • Memory TR1 – remembering past infections.
    • Epigenetic Role: TR1 cells may respond by switching genes on or off, not by changing the genes themselves.

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Research Team: Scientists from Stanford University studied people in Uganda over many months and years.
    • Tracking Infections: They followed individuals through multiple malaria infections to see how immune cells behaved.
    • Gene Scanning: A special technique was used to read the genes of each immune cell — like scanning a barcode.
    • Findings: TR1 cells were accurate, long-lasting, and clearly connected to malaria (not other infections).
    • Why it matters: This discovery can help in making better malaria vaccines, boosting long-term protection, and even improving treatments for other serious diseases.
    [UPSC 2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, consider the following:

    I. They are man-made proteins. II. They stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight the specific disease. III. They are produced using animal cells only.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) All the three *

     

  • New Cambrian sea creature Mosura fentoni discovered in Canada

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered a new sea creature from the Cambrian period named Mosura fentoni, found in Canada’s Burgess Shale, one of the most important fossil sites in the world.

    New Cambrian sea creature Mosura fentoni discovered in Canada

    About Mosura fentoni:

    • Discovery Site: Mosura fentoni was discovered in Canada’s Burgess Shale, a well-known Cambrian fossil site.
    • Biological Group: It belongs to radiodonts, an extinct group of marine predators related to insects, crabs, and spiders.
    • Size and Structure: The creature is very small (1.5 to 6 cm) but has a long, complex body made of 26 segments.
    • Body Zones:
      • The neck supports the head.
      • The mesotrunk has six paddle-shaped flaps for swimming, like mini propellers.
      • The posterotrunk has up to 16 segments with rows of thin gills and small flaps.
    • Breathing Adaptation: The gills in the posterotrunk likely acted as a breathing zone, similar to the tails of horseshoe crabs that help collect oxygen.

    Evolutionary Importance:

    • Arthropod Evolution: The find helps explain how early arthropods (like modern insects and crustaceans) evolved diverse forms.
    • Advanced Abilities: Despite its small size, M. fentoni had specialised swimming and breathing systems.
    • Evolutionary Position: It is placed near the base of the hurdiid family in the radiodont family tree.
    • Segment Specialisation: Its body shows early examples of segment division for specific tasks — a trait common in modern arthropods.
    • Key Insight: The discovery suggests that complex body planning in arthropods began much earlier than previously thought.

    Back2Basics: Cambrian Period:

    • The Cambrian Period is a division of the geologic time scale that lasted from approximately 541 million to 485 million years ago.
    • It is the first period of the Paleozoic Era and follows the Precambrian Eon.
    • It is significant because it marks a time when most major animal groups first appeared in the fossil record.
    • This period is characterized by the development of complex, multicellular life, especially in marine environments.
    • The Cambrian Explosion refers to a relatively short evolutionary event—occurring around 541 million years ago—during which a vast number of new animal species and body plans rapidly emerged.
    • Within about 20 to 25 million years, nearly all major animal phyla (like arthropods, mollusks, and chordates) appeared.
    • This explosion of biodiversity is seen as one of the most important evolutionary events in Earth’s history.

     

    [UPSC 2019] The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to-

    Options: (a) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs (b) an early human species* (c) a cave system found in North-East India. (d) a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent

     

  • Scientists verify Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have solved the genetic mysteries behind Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance, using advanced DNA sequencing and genome analysis.

    About Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance:

    • Who Was Mendel: Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk who studied pea plants starting in 1856 to find out how traits like height or color are passed from parents to children.
    • Years of Study: He worked for 8 years and tested over 10,000 plants. His results were shared in 1865 but ignored at the time.
    • Rediscovered Later: In 1900, other scientists realised how important Mendel’s work was.
    • What He Studied: He looked at 7 traits in peas – Seed shape, seed colour, flower colour, pod shape, pod colour, flower position, and plant height.
    • What He Found: Some traits (like round seeds) are stronger than others (like wrinkled seeds). These stronger traits usually show up in the next generation.
    • Why It Matters: Mendel showed that traits are passed through tiny units called genes, and each gene can have different versions called alleles. This became the foundation of genetics.

    Scientists verify Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance

    What the Study Found (2024):

    • What Scientists Did: In April 2024, scientists studied the DNA of 697 types of pea plants to understand the exact genes behind all 7 traits that Mendel studied.
    • Big Data: They used powerful machines to look at a huge amount of data — as much as 14 billion pages of information!
    • Surprising Results: They found that the pea plant family is more mixed than expected, with 8 different genetic groups due to crossbreeding.
    • New Genetic Details:
      • Pod color changes due to a missing piece of DNA.
      • Pod shape is controlled by 2 specific genes.
      • Flower position changes with a small DNA change.
    • More Than Mendel: They also found 72 other traits related to seeds, pods, leaves, and roots.
    • Why It’s Useful: These findings can help farmers grow better crops, protect plants from diseases, and prepare for climate change.
    [UPSC 2013] Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to

    (1). resist drought and increase absorptive area (2). tolerate extremes of pH (3). resist disease infestation

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

  • Tianwen-2 Mission 

    Why in the News?

    China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.

    If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.

    What is the Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid?

    • Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
    • It is a quasi-satellite of Earth, which means it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth and is affected by Earth’s gravity.
    • It has a highly elliptical orbit and seems to move ahead of and behind Earth, giving the illusion of orbiting Earth.
    • Kamo‘oalewa has been in this orbit for around 100 years and is expected to remain in it for the next 300 years.

    About the Tianwen-2 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is China’s first asteroid sample return mission.
    • Target: It will explore 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a near-Earth quasi-satellite asteroid.
    • Asteroid Origin: Kamo ‘oalewa may contain lunar fragments ejected during a past collision.
    • Sample Collection:
      • Touch-and-Go Technique: Uses a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
      • Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Uses robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
    • Post-Sample Phase: After sample return, the probe will travel to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
    • Key Technologies: Equipped with high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control to operate in low-gravity conditions.

    Tianwen-1 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-1 was China’s first Mars mission, launched in July 2020.
    • Launch Vehicle: It was launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket.
    • Mission Structure: Consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover — all in one launch.
    • Landing Site: Successfully landed in Utopia Planitia, a northern Martian plain.
    • Scientific Goals:
      • Studied Martian soil, rocks, and geological structure.
      • Analyzed climate, atmosphere, and subsurface water or ice.
    • Unique Feature: Deployed the first ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface.

     

    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Spacecraft Purpose

    1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.

    2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating.

    3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defence System

    Why in the News?

    US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.

    About the Golden Dome Project:

    • Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
    • Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
    • Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
    • Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
    • Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.

    Key Features:

    • Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
    • Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
    • Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
    • Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
    • Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.

    Parallel Examples:

    • Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
    • “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
    • DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
    [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    Options: (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system * (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

     

  • China’s ‘Mother Ship’ Drone

    Why in the News?

    China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.

    About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:

    • Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
    • First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
    • Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
    • Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
    • Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.

    Key Capabilities and Features:

    • Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
    • Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
    • Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

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

     

  • [23rd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Tariff wars and a reshaping of AI’s global landscape

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage:  India as a strategic “third option” in the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, driven by tariffs. It notes that India might benefit if companies seek alternatives to China for manufacturing due to tariff-induced supply chain disruptions.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: After the 2024 U.S. election, the government raised tariffs on AI hardware, increasing costs and making the U.S. expensive for building AI technology. These tariffs disrupt global supply chains and push companies to move data centers abroad. India’s growing tech sector positions it as a key alternative to the U.S. and China in this changing AI rivalry and supply chain realignment.

    Today’s editorial explains how the USA raised tariffs on AI hardware and the impact of these tariffs. This information will help with GS Paper II (International Relations) and Paper III (Indian Economy).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, new high tariffs on AI hardware could significantly change the global supply chains that support artificial intelligence (AI) development.

    What is the effect of 2024 U.S. tariffs on AI supply chains and costs?

    • Increased Hardware Costs: Tariffs have raised import duties up to 27% on critical AI components, making AI infrastructure significantly more expensive in the U.S. Eg: Imports of data processing machines worth $200 billion from countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico are now tariff-affected.
    • Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs have caused companies to rethink and relocate data center construction abroad due to higher costs in the U.S. Eg: Some firms are shifting operations to China, which was ironically a key target of the tariffs.
    • Reduced Innovation and Investment: Tariffs create uncertainty, discourage investment, and slow innovation due to higher costs and fragmented supply chains. Eg: Studies show that a standard deviation increase in tariffs could reduce output growth by 0.4% over five years.

    Why is India seen as a potential third option in the U.S.-China tech rivalry?

    • Strategic Geopolitical Position: India is being positioned as a neutral and reliable alternative amidst U.S.-China tensions. Eg: India is increasingly chosen for data center locations and AI collaborations as companies seek to reduce dependence on China.
    • Growing Tech and AI Sector: India’s AI and digital engineering sectors are among the fastest-growing within its IT industry. Eg: IT exports have grown at 3.3% to 5.1% annually in recent years, with a major focus on AI services.
    • Skilled Workforce: India produces about 1.5 million engineering graduates every year, many with strong AI-related skills. Eg: This talent pool supports global R&D needs, especially in software and algorithm development.
    • Policy Support and Investment: The Indian government is heavily investing in semiconductor and AI infrastructure. Eg: AMD’s $400 million design campus in Bengaluru and multi-billion-dollar fab proposals are part of this initiative.
    • Comparative Cost Advantage: Lower labor costs and an expanding tech ecosystem make India economically attractive. Eg: Companies find operations in India more cost-effective compared to both the U.S. and China.

    How do tariffs influence AI innovation and efficiency?

    • Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs increase the cost of critical AI components, slowing innovation and access to cutting-edge technologies. Eg: A 27% tariff on AI chips in 2025 made the U.S. one of the most expensive places to build AI infrastructure.
    • Shift Toward Efficiency Over Raw Power: Rising hardware costs push companies to focus on algorithmic efficiency and model compression instead of raw compute. Eg: AI model usage costs are falling rapidly (by ~40x/year) due to optimisation rather than increased hardware.
    • Deadweight Loss and Slowed Productivity: Tariffs reduce trade volume and create inefficiencies that neither benefit producers nor consumers, slowing innovation cycles. Eg: Studies show a 1 standard deviation rise in tariffs can cut output growth by 0.4% over 5 years.

    Where is India investing to boost its AI and semiconductor sector?

    • Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities: India is setting up large-scale chip fabrication units to reduce dependency on imports. Eg: A ₹2,500 crore semiconductor chip manufacturing facility is being established in Lucknow under the India Semiconductor Mission.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with global tech companies are being encouraged to build domestic capacity. Eg: HCL and Foxconn are jointly setting up a semiconductor unit near the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.
    • AI Skilling and R&D Initiatives: Programs are being launched to train talent in AI and expand research. Eg: The ‘AI Pragya’ initiative aims to upskill 1 million individuals in areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

    When could over 50% of AI workload accelerators become custom ASICs?

    By 2028, over 50% of AI workload accelerators are expected to be custom ASICs: This marks a shift from general-purpose chips to highly specialized hardware tailored for specific AI tasks. Eg: ASICs designed for language model inference (like Google’s TPU) outperform GPUs in efficiency and cost for specific applications.

    Note: ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialised chips designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks more efficiently than general-purpose processors like CPUs or GPUs.

    What does it imply?

    • Shift Toward Decentralised and Specialised AI Development:  Indicates a move away from one-size-fits-all hardware to task-specific solutions, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. Eg: Companies may deploy custom ASICs for voice assistants, facial recognition, or autonomous driving systems instead of relying on generic GPUs.
    • Cost Optimisation: Encourages innovation in hardware design and reduces long-term operational costs, benefiting firms with large-scale AI deployments. Eg: Startups and emerging economies like India can leapfrog legacy systems by adopting efficient ASIC-based infrastructure tailored to specific AI needs.

    What are the challenges for India? 

    • Dependence on Imported Hardware: India relies heavily on imported semiconductor components, which makes its AI ambitions vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Eg: Tariffs on AI hardware can increase costs, slowing India’s AI infrastructure development.
    • Limited Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity: India currently has insufficient domestic chip manufacturing facilities, making it difficult to compete with established producers like Taiwan and China. Eg: India has announced semiconductor fab proposals but is still far from meeting demand for advanced chips.

    Way forward: 

    • Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Accelerate investments in semiconductor fabs and public-private partnerships to build self-reliant AI hardware supply chains, reducing dependence on imports and mitigating tariff impacts.
    • Enhance R&D and Skilling: Strengthen AI-focused research, innovation, and workforce training programs to develop specialized hardware solutions like custom ASICs, driving cost efficiency and global competitiveness.

  • New drugs arrive on the block, but AMR threats continue

    Why in the News?

    AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

    • AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to increased mortality and healthcare complications.
    • Globally, AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths and in India to 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 (IHME report).

    Why is it a growing concern globally?

    • Rising Deaths Due to Resistant Infections: AMR causes infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality. Eg, globally AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and it is projected that by 2050, up to 10 million people could die annually due to resistant infections if no action is taken.
    • Limited New Antibiotics Development: There has been a major decline in new antibiotic discovery over the past 30 years, leaving fewer effective treatment options. Eg, India’s development of Nafthromycin was the first new antibiotic in three decades, highlighting the global innovation gap.
    • Widespread Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Over-prescription and use of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Eg, in India, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, promoting resistance and reducing drug effectiveness.

    What is Nafthromycin? 

    • Nafthromycin, marketed as ‘Miqnaf’, is a new antibiotic developed in India by Wockhardt, with support from BIRAC.
    • It treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment with a 97% success rate.
    • India’s first indigenously-developed antibiotic in 30 years and the first globally in this class.

    What is the role of Nafthromycin in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

    • Provides a New Effective Treatment Option: Nafthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in 30 years, offering a powerful new drug to treat infections like Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) with a 97% success rate. Eg: This helps overcome resistance to older antibiotics like azithromycin.
    • Supports Antibiotic Stewardship by Reducing Overuse of Existing Drugs: By providing an effective alternative, Nafthromycin can reduce reliance on existing antibiotics that have become less effective due to resistance, helping slow down the spread of AMR.

    Why is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major cause of AMR in India?

    • Over-the-counter sales without prescription: Antibiotics are often sold without a prescription, leading to improper and unnecessary use. Eg: People buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies for viral infections like common cold, where antibiotics are ineffective.
    • Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture: A large portion of antibiotics is used in animals to promote growth or prevent disease, which contributes to resistant bacteria spreading to humans. Eg: Use of colistin in poultry farming, which was recently banned in India to curb resistance.
    • Self-medication and lack of awareness: Many people self-medicate with antibiotics or do not complete prescribed courses, promoting resistance.  

    What are the healthcare gaps in the treatment of AMR?

    • Shortage of Trained Medical Personnel in AMR Management: There is limited awareness and training among healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use and infection control practices. Eg: A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that in community clinics in tier-2 cities, over 50% of doctors were unaware of the national treatment guidelines for infections.
    • Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Many primary and secondary healthcare centers in India lack adequate microbiology labs to accurately identify bacterial infections and their resistance profiles. Eg: In rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, absence of lab support leads doctors to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics blindly, increasing resistance risks.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR): A comprehensive plan aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan to tackle AMR using a One Health approach (human, animal, and environment sectors). Eg: The plan prioritizes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and rational antimicrobial use. States like Kerala and Delhi have developed their own State Action Plans on AMR in alignment with NAP-AMR.
    • Establishment of Surveillance Networks: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) to track resistance patterns across hospitals. Eg: AMRSN collects data on AMR trends in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli from over 30 hospitals, helping inform national policy.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Regulation and Stewardship: Enforce strict controls on antibiotic sales and promote antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals and clinics.
    • Invest in Surveillance and Public Awareness: Expand AMR surveillance networks and run sustained awareness campaigns to educate public and healthcare providers.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] How do you explain the factors responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    Linkage: The core issue of “drug-resistant diseases” which is Antibiotic Resistance (AMR). The article talking about the key factors for AMR, such as misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors, including non-prescription sales in countries like India. It also discusses the need for monitoring and control mechanisms like responsible global stewardship, patient education, public awareness, innovation, regulation, and government leadership in stewardship.