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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    FSI Stops AI-Based Deforestation Alerts to States

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has stopped issuing fortnightly deforestation alerts through its AI-based Anavaran Deforestation Alert System. The portal has not been updated since November 2025.

    What was the Anavaran System?

    • An AI and satellite-based monitoring system launched in January 2024.
    • Provided deforestation alerts every 15 days to states.
    • Alerts included precise geographic coordinates where forest cover loss was detected.

    Purpose:

    • Enable quick field inspections by forest officials.
    • Improve near-real-time monitoring of deforestation.

    Technology Used

    The system used remote sensing and machine learning:

    • Google Earth Engine
    • Sentinel-2
    • Sentinel-1

    Features:

    • Optical satellite imagery (Sentinel-2).
    • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 for cloudy or monsoon conditions.
    • Machine learning algorithms compared before-and-after images to detect forest loss.

    Performance of the System

    • 12,351 alerts issued between Jan 2024 and Oct 2025.
    • Average alerts per month: 561
    • Alerts increased to 1,028 per month during Nov–March, when deforestation peaks.

    Why Alerts Were Stopped

    • According to FSI officials:
      • The system was only a pilot project.
      • The government is currently reviewing feedback from states on its usefulness.
      • Active monitoring reportedly stopped in January 2026.

    Comparison with Global Systems

    • The system was considered similar to Terra‑I, used in countries like Peru. However, Anavaran had higher spatial resolution:
      • 10–20 metre resolution (Sentinel satellites)
      • Terra-I: 250 metre resolution

    Other Forest Monitoring Systems in India

    • Van Agni Portal
    • Fire alerts using satellite data have been operational since 2004.
    [2015] In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? 1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating ground water resources 3. Mineral exploration 4. Telecommunications 5. Traffic studies Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 4 and 5 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran’s New Supreme Leader

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News

    The Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of former leader Ali Khamenei in a U.S.–Israeli strike.

    Key Highlights

    • Age: 57
    • Position: Third Supreme Leader of Iran.
    • Predecessors:
      1. Ruhollah Khomeini (1979–1989)
      2. Ali Khamenei (1989–2026)

    Role of the Supreme Leader in Iran

    • The Supreme Leader is the highest authority in Iran’s political system.
    • Key powers include:
      • Head of state
      • Commander-in-chief of armed forces
      • Control over the judiciary, military, and security agencies
      • Influence over foreign and defence policy
      • Ability to appoint key officials and veto decisions
    • Although Iran elects a President, the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority.
    [2016] Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (a) Iran (b) Saudi Arabia (c) Oman (d) Kuwait

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    250 Years of The Wealth of Nations: Adam Smith’s Lessons

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The famous economics book An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations completed 250 years on March 9, 2026. The work by Adam Smith continues to influence debates on free trade, taxation, monopolies, and economic inequality.

    About The Wealth of Nations

    • Published in 1776, during the Scottish Enlightenment.
    • Considered the foundational text of classical economics.
    • Analyses the sources of national wealth, labour productivity, trade, and markets.
      • Smith is often called the “father of modern economics”.

    Key Economic Ideas of Adam Smith

    • Division of Labour: Specialisation improves productivity.
      • Example used by Smith: pin factory, where each worker performs a specific task to increase output.
    • Free Markets: Economic activity works best when individuals pursue self-interest within competitive markets.
    • The “Invisible Hand”: Individuals pursuing their own interest can unintentionally benefit society as a whole. Markets allocate resources efficiently without heavy government intervention.
    • Free Trade: Smith criticised mercantilism, the idea that countries should maximise exports and minimise imports.
    • He argued that:
    • Trade allows nations to specialise in what they produce efficiently.
    • Greater trade leads to mutual prosperity.
    [2011] What does the term “economic liberalization” refer to in the context of the Indian economy? (a) Expansion of the public sector (b) Restriction of foreign investment (c) Removal of restrictions on private sector and encouragement of free market policies (d) Increase in trade barriers

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI Conducts OMO Purchase to Inject Liquidity

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted Open Market Operations (OMO) purchase of Government Securities worth ₹50,000 crore to inject liquidity into the banking system. Another tranche of ₹50,000 crore is scheduled shortly.

    Key Highlights

    • Amount purchased: ₹50,000 crore worth of Government Securities (G-Secs).
    • Total planned purchase: ₹1,00,000 crore in two tranches.
    • Maturity range of securities:
      • 6.01% G-Sec maturing 2030
      • 7.30% G-Sec maturing 2053

    Purpose:

    • Inject liquidity into the banking system.
    • Offset liquidity shortage caused by advance tax payments.
    • Ensure banks have sufficient funds for lending.

    What are Open Market Operations (OMO)?

    • Open Market Operations are a key monetary policy tool used by the RBI.
    • Definition: Buying or selling government securities in the open market to regulate money supply and liquidity.
    • If RBI buys G-Secs
      • Injects liquidity
      • Increases money supply
      • Encourages lending
    • If RBI sells G-Secs
      • Absorbs liquidity
      • Reduces money supply

    Additional Measures

    • The Government of India conducted a switch auction, buying back ₹6,309 crore of G-Secs and issuing ₹6,431 crore of new bonds.
    • These operations help manage the government’s debt maturity profile.
    [2013] In the context of Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to: (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI (d) None of the above

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Cheetah Population in India Crosses 50 Under Project Cheetah

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    A Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, taking India’s total cheetah population to 53. The development is a major milestone under Project Cheetah.

    Key Highlights

    • Five cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala.
    • Recently, another cheetah Gamini delivered four cubs at the same park.
    • Total cheetah population in India: 53.
    • Indian-born cubs: 33.
    • Successful litters in India: 10.

    About Project Cheetah

    • Launched on 17 September 2022 by Narendra Modi.
    • Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park.
    • Aim: Reintroduce cheetahs in India after extinction.

    Background

    • Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss.
    • The species is the fastest land animal.

    Objectives of the Programme

    • Restore the cheetah population in India.
    • Re-establish a functional grassland ecosystem.
    • Promote wildlife tourism and conservation awareness.
    • Improve genetic diversity and species recovery.
    [2024] Consider the following statements: Lions do not have a particular breeding season. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.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

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Silent Valley Bird Survey

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News
    A recent bird survey in Silent Valley National Park recorded 192 bird species, highlighting the park’s rich avian biodiversity.

    Key Findings

    • Survey dates: March 6 to 8, 2026
    • Organisers:
      • Kerala Forest Department
      • Malabar Natural History Society
    • Participants: About 85 birdwatchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Covered both core and buffer zones of the park.

    Important Observations

    • Total species recorded: 192 bird species
    • Rare migratory birds: Asian house martin and Western house martin. 

    Endemic Western Ghats species recorded:

    • Nilgiri laughingthrush
    • Black-and-orange flycatcher
    • White-bellied treepie
    • Nilgiri pipit
    • White-bellied blue flycatcher
    • Nilgiri sholakili (Nilgiri blue robin)

    About Silent Valley National Park

    • Located in Palakkad.
    • Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
    • Known for tropical evergreen forests and high endemism.
    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Graychinned minivet and White-throated redstart are: (a) Birds (b) Primates (c) Reptiles (d) Amphibians

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  • One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges

    [9th March 2026] The Hindu OpED: One Nation, One Election – remedy worse than disease

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2017] ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss.Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of electoral reforms, parliamentary accountability, and the role of elections in ensuring democratic responsiveness within India’s parliamentary system. It directly relates to the One Nation, One Election debate, where synchronised elections may reduce costs and administrative burden but could weaken continuous democratic accountability and federal political cycles.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The debate on One Nation, One Election (ONOE) has intensified following the introduction of a constitutional amendment proposal based on the High-Level Committee report (2023-24) chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The proposal suggests synchronising the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies through amendments to Articles 83, 172, and a new Article 82A. The issue has become significant because it proposes a fundamental restructuring of India’s electoral calendar and constitutional functioning.

    What Does the One Nation, One Election Proposal Entail?

    1. Simultaneous electoral cycle: Aligns elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to a single schedule.
    2. Article 82A (Proposed): Enables the President to notify an “appointed date” aligning Assembly terms with the Lok Sabha cycle.
    3. Truncation of legislative tenure: Requires some Assemblies to end their tenure earlier to achieve synchronisation.
    4. Residual tenure rule: If a legislature dissolves early, the newly elected Assembly serves only the remaining term rather than a full five-year term.
    5. Election Commission authority: Grants the Election Commission of India (ECI) power to defer State elections if simultaneous elections are impractical.

    Does Comparative Constitutional Practice Support Simultaneous Elections?

    1. Canada: Conducts separate federal and provincial elections, maintaining independent political cycles.
    2. Australia: State legislatures have fixed four-year terms, while the House of Representatives has a maximum three-year tenure, making synchronisation structurally difficult.
    3. Germany: Stability arises from the Constructive Vote of No Confidence, not from simultaneous elections.
    4. South Africa and Indonesia: Use proportional representation systems, which distribute political power across parties and protect minority voices.
    5. United States analogy: Fixed election cycles function because the executive is insulated from legislative confidence, unlike parliamentary systems.

    How Could Simultaneous Elections Affect Parliamentary Accountability?

    1. Continuous accountability mechanism: Staggered elections maintain ongoing voter oversight of governments.
    2. Feedback loop: Elections across different states allow voters to periodically signal approval or disapproval.
    3. Democratic responsiveness: Frequent elections maintain governments’ dependence on public sentiment, a principle highlighted by James Madison in Federalist No. 52.
    4. Campaign cycles: ONOE may reduce the frequency of elections but risks weakening institutional responsiveness.

    What Problems Arise From the Concept of “Unexpired Term Elections”?

    1. Residual mandate: Newly elected legislatures serve only the remaining tenure rather than a full five-year term.
    2. Reduced electoral legitimacy: Governments formed mid-cycle may lack a fresh democratic mandate.
    3. Policy distortions: Short-term governments may prioritise populist measures rather than structural reforms.
    4. Administrative constraints: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and truncated tenure may weaken governance capacity.

    Does the Proposal Threaten India’s Federal Structure?

    1. Basic structure doctrine: The Supreme Court in S.R. Bommai v. The Union of India affirmed that federalism forms part of the Constitution’s basic structure.
    2. Independent constitutional identity of states: States possess autonomous political cycles and democratic rhythms.
    3. Mandate truncation risk: Aligning electoral cycles may prematurely terminate state mandates.
    4. Central discretion: Proposed Article 82A(5) enables the ECI to defer State elections without clear criteria.

    Could the Proposal Enable Constitutional Misuse?

    1. Presidential Rule extension risk: If a State government falls mid-term, elections could be deferred to maintain synchronisation.
    2. Article 356 safeguards: Currently restrict President’s Rule to one year (extendable only during emergencies with ECI certification).
    3. Governance by Governor: Deferred elections could result in prolonged governance through central authority.
    4. Judicial precedent: In NJAC Case, the Court held that constitutional validity depends on institutional design, not on assumptions of benign use.

    Is the Fiscal Argument Strong Enough to Justify the Reform?

    1. Election expenditure scale: Combined Lok Sabha and Assembly elections cost about ₹4,500 crore (0.25% of Union Budget).
    2. GDP proportion: Electoral spending accounts for roughly 0.03% of GDP.
    3. Historical data: Lok Sabha election expenditure historically ranged between 0.02-0.05% of GDP (1957-2014).
    4. Administrative flexibility: Elections conducted in phases allow the ECI to rotate EVMs, VVPATs, and security forces.
    5. Resource burden: Simultaneous elections could require significantly greater logistical capacity.

    Conclusion

    The proposal for simultaneous elections attempts to streamline electoral administration but risks distorting constitutional balance. India’s parliamentary democracy is built on continuous accountability, federal autonomy, and flexible electoral cycles. A reform that truncates mandates, centralises electoral timing, and alters democratic rhythms may weaken rather than strengthen democratic governance.

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    India’s renewable transition caught between stranded power and institutional inertia

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India’s renewable energy push is facing a major challenge as large amounts of renewable power remain unused due to grid congestion. In Rajasthan, over 4,000 MW of operational renewable capacity cannot supply electricity during peak hours despite the state having 23 GW installed capacity and only 18.9 GW evacuation margin. Even costly 765 kV transmission corridors designed for 6,000 MW are operating below 20% utilisation, highlighting serious institutional and grid management gaps as India targets 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.

    Why is India facing stranded renewable power despite large transmission investments?

    1. Transmission congestion: More than 4,000 MW of renewable capacity in Rajasthan remains unable to evacuate power during peak hours due to grid bottlenecks despite being fully commissioned.
    2. Mismatch between capacity and evacuation margin: Rajasthan has approximately 23 GW of renewable capacity but only 18.9 GW evacuation margin, creating structural congestion.
    3. Underutilized transmission corridors: High-capacity 765 kV double-circuit corridors designed for about 6,000 MW evacuation are operating at only 600-1,000 MW, representing utilisation levels below 20%.
    4. High infrastructure costs: These corridors require ₹4,000-5,000 crore investment, yet deliver only a fraction of intended value due to conservative grid operation.
    5. Delayed connectivity readiness: Many commissioned renewable plants cannot inject power due to gaps in transmission infrastructure readiness.

    How does institutional conservatism affect grid operations?

    1. Grid security prioritisation: The grid operator’s mandate focuses primarily on maintaining system stability, leading to conservative operational decisions that limit utilisation of transmission assets.
    2. Absence of utilisation benchmarks: Transmission infrastructure lacks automatic utilisation benchmarks or performance review triggers, allowing persistent underutilisation.
    3. Limited accountability: Institutional frameworks do not assign clear responsibility for inefficiencies in transmission utilisation.
    4. Static security frameworks: Grid operations rely on static security rules rather than dynamic risk assessment mechanisms, restricting operational flexibility.
    5. Commercial burden on generators: Renewable generators bear the financial impact of congestion and curtailment, despite planning failures occurring elsewhere in the system.

    Why is there a structural disconnect between planning and grid operations?

    1. Planning assumptions vs operational reality: The Central Transmission Utility (CTU) plans corridors based on projected renewable capacity under General Network Access (GNA) assumptions.
    2. Mismatch in actual power flows: Transmission planning may assume 6,000 MW capacity evacuation, while operational permissions allow only about 1,000 MW of actual flow.
    3. Investment decisions based on approvals: Developers invest billions of rupees based on connectivity approvals and expected transmission timelines.
    4. Operational restrictions: When the grid becomes operational, physical infrastructure limitations prevent full capacity utilisation.
    5. Planning-operation misalignment: This creates a credibility gap between regulatory approvals and operational outcomes.

    How does the current curtailment mechanism create inequity in the power sector?

    1. Curtailment concentration: Current practices impose curtailment disproportionately on projects with Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA).
    2. Unequal risk allocation: Projects with Permanent GNA continue uninterrupted operation, while temporary access projects absorb most congestion impacts.
    3. Investment uncertainty: Developers that completed projects in good faith face unpredictable shutdowns during peak hours.
    4. Financial stress on renewable developers: Congestion leads to lost generation revenue and lower project viability.
    5. Regulatory alignment vs commercial outcome: While the policy framework aligns with regulatory categories, commercial outcomes remain inequitable across generators.

    What technological and operational solutions already exist but remain underused?

    1. Reactive power management technologies: Devices such as STATCOMs and advanced reactive-power equipment can stabilise voltage fluctuations and increase grid utilisation.
    2. Grid support equipment: Modern renewable plants increasingly include Static VAR generators and harmonic filters, enabling improved system stability.
    3. Dynamic security assessment: Advanced grid operators globally employ real-time contingency management and probabilistic risk evaluation to improve utilisation.
    4. Adaptive operational frameworks: Flexible operational protocols allow higher transmission utilisation while maintaining reliability.
    5. Global best practices: Many advanced grids have moved beyond static security frameworks to dynamic grid management systems.

    What institutional reforms are necessary to improve renewable grid integration?

    1. Expanded grid mandate: The national grid operator must balance both stability and infrastructure utilisation within safe operational limits.
    2. Performance-based evaluation: Grid performance metrics should include efficiency indicators alongside reliability indicators.
    3. Proportional curtailment mechanisms: Curtailment in constrained regions should be distributed proportionally across generators rather than targeting specific access categories.
    4. Dynamic GNA reallocation: Unused transmission capacity should be reallocated in real time through transparent operational protocols.
    5. Automatic review mechanisms: Major transmission assets should undergo automatic operational reviews if utilisation falls below expected capacity.
    6. Transparency in grid governance: Public disclosure of performance assessments can strengthen accountability and stakeholder confidence.

    Conclusion

    India’s renewable energy transition cannot succeed solely through capacity addition or infrastructure expansion. The Rajasthan example demonstrates that institutional governance, grid operation practices, and regulatory accountability are equally critical. Ensuring that transmission infrastructure operates efficiently, equitably, and transparently will determine whether India’s clean energy expansion results in actual electricity generation or stranded renewable capacity. Aligning planning, regulation, and operations is therefore essential to build a credible and resilient renewable energy system.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objectives? Explain.

    Linkage: This PYQ is directly linked to India’s renewable transition challenges, including grid integration, transmission constraints, and policy reforms.

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI’s impact on labour market: Anthropic’s report flags high exposure 

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues,Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    Artificial Intelligence is increasingly reshaping labour markets worldwide. A recent report by Anthropic shows that jobs involving digital tasks, cognitive work, and routine analysis face higher automation risks due to large language models (LLMs). This shift has implications for skills, education, and employment policies, especially for countries like India, where millions work in IT, services, and BPO sectors.

    What does the Anthropic report reveal about AI exposure in labour markets?
    The Anthropic report marks one of the first systematic attempts to measure real-world labour market exposure to AI rather than relying only on theoretical predictions.

    1. New Measurement Metric- “Observed Exposure”: Introduces a framework combining LLM technical capabilities with real-world usage data from Claude AI systems, enabling more accurate estimation of AI’s impact on jobs.
    2. High Exposure in Digital Occupations: Identifies sectors such as business and finance, management, computer science, engineering, legal services, and office administration as highly exposed to AI-driven automation.
    3. Striking Capability Statistic: Finds that LLMs are theoretically capable of performing up to 94% of tasks performed by computer and mathematics workers.
    4. Real Adoption Gap: Notes that despite this capability, Claude currently performs only about 33% of such tasks, indicating that technological potential exceeds current adoption.
    5. Declining Hiring Trends: Observes a 14% decline in hiring for younger professionals (22-25 years) in highly exposed occupations.
    6. Gender Dimension: Highlights that women constitute 54.4% of high-exposure roles compared to 38.8% of low-exposure roles, indicating potential gendered labour market impacts.
    7. Indian Context: A NITI Aayog report titled “Roadmap for Job Creation in the AI Economy” warns that over 60% of formal-sector jobs, particularly in IT services and BPO sectors employing over 6 million people, could face automation risks by 2030.

    How does the report measure AI exposure in the labour market?

    1. Observed Exposure Metric: Measures the extent to which AI is actually used in real work tasks by analysing usage patterns of Anthropic’s Claude AI model.
    2. Combination Approach: Integrates theoretical capability of LLMs with empirical usage data, creating a realistic understanding of labour market disruption.
    3. Correlation with Job Trends: Tests exposure levels against US government employment projections and unemployment survey data to identify links between AI exposure and labour market trends.
    4. Evidence-Based Findings: Establishes that higher AI exposure correlates with weaker job growth and rising job losses in certain occupations.

    Which sectors face the highest AI disruption risks?

    1. Business and Finance: AI systems can perform financial analysis, data interpretation, and report generation, increasing automation potential in financial services.
    2. Management Occupations: AI supports strategic planning, data analytics, and decision-support tools, reducing reliance on routine managerial tasks.
    3. Computer and Mathematical Jobs: LLMs show the highest capability in coding, debugging, and software documentation tasks, with theoretical capability covering 94% of such tasks.
    4. Legal Sector: AI assists in contract analysis, legal research, and document drafting, increasing exposure in legal professions.
    5. Office and Administrative Work: Routine administrative functions such as documentation, scheduling, and record management are highly susceptible to automation.

    Why are digital and knowledge-sector jobs more vulnerable than manual jobs?

    1. Digitisation of Work: Tasks performed in digital environments are easier for AI systems to replicate using algorithms and machine learning models.
    2. Routine Cognitive Tasks: AI excels in pattern recognition, data processing, and repetitive analytical tasks.
    3. Physical Constraints: Manual occupations involving physical movement, craftsmanship, or real-world interaction remain difficult for AI systems to automate.
    4. Lower AI Applicability in Manual Sectors: Industries such as construction, agriculture, protective services, and personal care show relatively lower AI exposure.

    How could AI affect employment patterns and demographics?

    1. Impact on Young Workers: Hiring in highly exposed occupations for workers aged 22-25 years has declined by 14%, suggesting reduced entry-level opportunities.
    2. Gender Disparity: Women represent 54.4% of high-exposure jobs, indicating disproportionate vulnerability in AI-driven labour market changes.
    3. Highly Educated Workforce Exposure: AI disruption is concentrated in graduate-level occupations, highlighting risks for knowledge workers rather than low-skilled labour.
    4. Occupational Polarisation: AI may lead to growth in high-skill innovation roles and low-skill manual jobs, while shrinking middle-skill occupations.

    What implications does AI disruption have for India?

    1. IT and BPO Sector Risks: Over 60% of formal-sector jobs in IT services and BPO industries may face automation pressures by 2030.
    2. Employment Scale: These sectors currently employ over 6 million people in India, making AI disruption economically significant.
    3. Stock Market Response: Shares of TCS, Wipro, and Infosys declined nearly 20% over the past year, reflecting investor concerns about AI-driven automation.
    4. Skill Gap Challenge: Limited mathematical and scientific skill levels among large segments of the population could hinder adaptation to AI-driven economies.
    5. Low R&D Investment: India’s low spending on research and development compared to the US and China reduces its capacity to lead in AI innovation.

    Can AI also create opportunities in traditional sectors?

    1. Precision Agriculture: AI-enabled analysis of satellite imagery, weather forecasts, soil data, and crop patterns enables farmers to optimise sowing and harvesting decisions.
    2. Agricultural Risk Reduction: AI systems provide early warnings about pests and diseases, improving crop protection.
    3. Resource Optimisation: AI helps farmers determine fertiliser use, irrigation requirements, and input efficiency.
    4. Policy Initiatives: The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed the Bharat-VISTAAR system (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) to integrate AgriStack platforms with ICAR research data.

    Conclusion

    Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the nature of work by transforming how tasks are performed rather than simply eliminating jobs. The Anthropic report highlights that occupations involving digital and cognitive tasks face the greatest exposure to AI-driven automation. For India, where millions depend on knowledge-sector employment, the challenge lies in strengthening skills, promoting AI innovation, and ensuring that technological progress complements rather than displaces human labour.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare?

    Linkage: This question directly relates to the applications and societal implications of AI, similar to how the article discusses AI transforming labour markets and professional work.

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  • Chile Eliminates Leprosy

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have officially verified Chile as the first country in the Americas and the second globally to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem.

    Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)

    • A chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
    • Primarily affects:
      • Skin
      • Peripheral nerves
      • Upper respiratory tract mucosa
      • Eyes
    • If untreated, it can cause permanent nerve damage and disability.

    Transmission

    • Spread through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth of untreated patients.
    • Requires close and prolonged contact.
    • Not highly contagious.

    Incubation Period

    • Very long incubation period.
    • Average: ~5 years, but symptoms may appear up to 20 years later.

    Symptoms

    • Pale or reddish skin patches with loss of sensation
    • Numbness and nerve damage
    • Muscle weakness in hands and feet
    • Painless ulcers on soles of feet
    • Eye damage in severe cases

    Treatment

    • Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) provided free worldwide by WHO.
    • Combination of medicines:
      • Rifampicin
      • Dapsone
      • Clofazimine
    • 100% curable if treated early.
    • Early treatment prevents disability.
    [2014] Consider the following diseases: Diphtheria  Chickenpox  Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India? (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 only  (c) 1, 2 and 3 only  (d) None of the above

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