Recently a White House official has proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This comes as Donald Trump pressures Canada, even suggesting it could be transformed into the 51st U.S. state.
About the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY):
The FVEY is a global intelligence-sharing network comprising 5 Anglosphere countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Established in 1946 following the UKUSA Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, it is one of the most secretive and influential alliances in global intelligence and security.
The alliance primarily focuses on sharing intelligence, especially signals intelligence (SIGINT), and collaborates on security matters like counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and geopolitical monitoring.
It plays a pivotal role in global surveillance programs, such as ECHELON, and is a key player in shaping international intelligence policy.
Members of the FVEY:
Australia: Plays a key role in monitoring the Asia-Pacific region and contributes to SIGINT and cybersecurity efforts.
Canada: Contributes significantly to global communications intelligence, focusing on networks and signals intelligence.
New Zealand: Has a relatively reserved role but provides valuable intelligence, particularly in the Pacific region.
United Kingdom: Works closely with the United States and is instrumental in intelligence gathering across Europe and the Middle East.
United States: The largest contributor of intelligence, particularly in global SIGINT, and leads the alliance in intelligence operations.
Mandate:
The Five Eyes primarily focuses on intelligence sharing, especially signals intelligence (intercepted communications, satellite data, etc.), but has expanded to include human intelligence (HUMINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and cybersecurity.
The alliance works on global surveillance programs, collecting data on adversarial governments, counterterrorism efforts, and counterintelligence operations.
A key principle of the alliance is the “no third-party rule,” meaning intelligence shared among member countries is not passed on to non-member states without permission.
PYQ:
[2020] “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.”
India’s goods trade deficit has dropped to a 42-month low of $14.05 billion in February 2025, driven by reduced imports of gold, silver, and crude oil, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Insights from February 2025 Trade Data
Exports: Goods exports amounted to $36.9 billion in February 2025.
Imports: Merchandise imports fell to a 22-month low of $50.9 billion, primarily due to lower demand for gold, silver, and crude oil.
Gold and Silver Imports: The value stood at $2.7 billion, the lowest since June 2024.
Crude and Petroleum Imports: Reduced to $11.89 billion, marking the lowest level since July 2023.
On a year-on-year basis, exports dipped by 10.84% in February 2025, partially due to the base year effect of a leap month.
However, imports shrank by 16.3% compared to February 2024.
Impact of Lower Trade Deficit on India’s Economy
Stronger Currency: A lower trade deficit reduces demand for foreign currencies, leading to an appreciation of the Indian Rupee. This makes imports cheaper, benefiting consumers and businesses.
Improved Current Account Balance: The lower trade deficit positively impacts India’s balance of payments, reducing dependence on external borrowing or foreign investments, and contributing to financial stability.
Boost to Domestic Production: A decrease in imports encourages local manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign products, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
Growth in Exports: The reduced deficit reflects a higher level of exports, improving India’s foreign exchange reserves and supporting industrial output.
Reduced Inflation: With fewer imports, particularly of essential goods like crude oil and gold, prices of imported goods stabilize, helping reduce inflationary pressures in the economy.
Better Fiscal Health: A lower trade deficit leads to less reliance on external financing, helping the government maintain fiscal stability and potentially improve credit ratings.
Positive Investor Sentiment: A smaller trade deficit enhances investor confidence, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), boosting economic development.
Focus on Self-Reliance: Reduced imports drive self-reliance, encouraging domestic production, and decreasing dependency on imports for essential goods and services.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q) “In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.” (2024)
Reason: This question requires an understanding of the challenges within the public healthcare system, including the availability and competence of public health professionals, which is linked to the quality and accessibility of public health education.
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Public health system’ (in 2015) and ‘role of Indian state in public healthcare system’ (2024).
The U.S. decision to leave the World Health Organization (WHO) and cut funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused major disruptions in healthcare services in many developing countries. However, India has remained mostly unaffected because it relies very little on international aid, which makes up only 1% of its total health spending.
Today’s editorial discusses the impact of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and reduce funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This analysis is relevant for GS Paper 2, covering International Relations (IR) and Governance in the health sector.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently,theU.S. decided to leave the World Health Organization (WHO) and cut funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Why has the withdrawal of U.S. funding from WHO and USAID had a limited impact on India’s public health system?
Low Dependence on Foreign Aid – International aid accounts for only 1% of India’s total health expenditure, making the system largely self-reliant. For example, India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme is fully funded by the government, reducing dependence on external grants.
Strong Domestic Health Programs – India has large-scale, government-funded health programs like the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). For instance, India’s polio eradication drive was successful primarily due to government initiatives rather than foreign aid.
Growing Private Healthcare Sector – The private sector plays a dominant role in healthcare delivery, reducing reliance on foreign-funded public health initiatives. For example, large hospital networks like Apollo Hospitals and Narayana Health operate independently of international funding.
Diversified Funding Sources – India receives aid from multiple global organizations, including the Gavi Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, ensuring that a reduction in U.S. contributions does not severely impact the overall funding pool. For example, India’s HIV/AIDS control programs receive support from UNAIDS and the Global Fund, not just USAID.
Increased Government Health Spending – The Union Budget allocations for health have consistently increased, helping sustain key health initiatives. For instance, India’s health budget in 2023-24 was ₹89,155 crore, allowing for the continued expansion of primary health infrastructure and insurance schemes without heavy reliance on foreign aid.
What are the key challenges faced by Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates in securing employment in India?
Limited Government Job Opportunities – Despite the increasing number of MPH graduates, government recruitment has stagnated. For example, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) initially opened roles for non-medical public health specialists, but hiring has since slowed.
Preference for Medical and Management Professionals – The private healthcare sector prioritizes hospital administrators and business managers over public health specialists. For instance, private hospitals often recruit MBA (Healthcare) graduates for leadership roles rather than MPH holders.
Declining International Funding for Public Health – Many research institutions and NGOs rely on foreign grants, which are shrinking due to the U.S. withdrawal from WHO and USAID cuts. For example, NGOs working on tuberculosis control have faced funding reductions, limiting hiring capacity.
Lack of Practical Training and Standardization – Many MPH programs lack field experience, making graduates less competitive. For example, graduates from institutions with strong internships (like PHFI) are often preferred over those from colleges with purely theoretical training.
Absence of a Public Health Cadre – Unlike developed nations where public health professionals have dedicated government roles, India lacks a structured Public Health Management Cadre. For example, states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have proposed such a cadre, but implementation remains slow.
How has the expansion of public health education in India led to concerns about the quality of MPH training?
Lack of Standardized Curriculum – Different universities follow varied curricula, leading to inconsistencies in training quality. For example, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) emphasizes social determinants of health and policy, while Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) focuses more on epidemiology and biostatistics. This lack of uniformity affects the competencies of graduates.
Insufficient Practical Training – Many MPH programs lack field-based learning, making graduates less prepared for real-world public health challenges. For instance, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) offers strong internship opportunities in collaboration with state governments, whereas some newer private universities, like Amity University, provide limited hands-on experience.
Shortage of Qualified Faculty – Several institutions face a shortage of experienced public health faculty, affecting the depth of education. For example, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has an established public health faculty, whereas some recently launched programs in private universities struggle to recruit trained professionals, leading to a reliance on general medical or social science faculty.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
Expansion of Public Health Institutes – The government has established institutions to strengthen public health education. Example: The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH) and National Institute of Public Health Training & Research (NIPHTR) provide specialized training in public health.
Inclusion of Public Health in Government Initiatives – Various health programs now incorporate public health professionals. Example: The National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayushman Bharat programs employ MPH graduates in areas like health policy, epidemiology, and disease surveillance.
Strengthening Public Health Cadre – Several states are working on creating a structured public health cadre for MPH graduates. Example: Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have proposed dedicated Public Health Management Cadres (PHMCs) to integrate MPH professionals into government health services.
Skill Development and Capacity Building – Initiatives to enhance practical training and research skills. Example: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) offer training in epidemiology, biostatistics, and field research.
Accreditation and Regulation Efforts – Steps are being taken to ensure uniform standards in MPH education. Example: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed guidelines for public health courses, and discussions are ongoing for a central regulatory body to oversee MPH programs.
Way forward:
Establishment of a Public Health Cadre – The government should create a dedicated Public Health Management Cadre (PHMC) at the state and central levels to ensure structured employment for MPH graduates. For example, states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have proposed such cadres, but national-level implementation is required.
Standardization of MPH Curriculum – A central body like the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the University Grants Commission (UGC) should regulate MPH programs, ensuring a uniform curriculum with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. For instance, defining core competencies such as epidemiology, health policy, and program management would enhance graduate employability.
In the upcoming financial year, the government has increased funding for two key schemes—Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
What are the key nutrition-related schemes that received higher allocations in Budget 2025?
Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0: Allocated ₹21,960 crore, up from ₹20,070.90 crore in the previous year, these initiatives aim to combat malnutrition and strengthen early childhood care.
Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services): Received ₹1,500 crore, an increase from ₹1,391 crore last year, focusing on creating a safe environment for vulnerable children through institutional and family-based care.
Mission Shakti (Women’s Empowerment): Allocated ₹3,150 crore, with components like Sambal and Samarthya receiving significant funding to support initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN): While specific figures were not detailed in the available sources, the scheme continues to provide nutritious meals to school children, aiming to improve health and learning outcomes.
Food Subsidy Program: The government plans to increase the food subsidy bill by about 5% to nearly ₹2.15 trillion, primarily due to higher rice purchases and rising storage costs, ensuring food security for the underprivileged.
Why is India’s nutrition challenge not just about food insecurity but also linked to cultural and social factors?
Dietary Habits Shaped by Culture: Traditional food choices often lack diversity in essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), only 11% of breastfed children (6-23 months) receive an adequate diet. Example: Many vegetarian diets in India lack protein, iron, and vitamin B12, increasing anaemia risks.
Caste and Social Norms Impact Food Access: Historical caste-based discrimination limits access to nutrient-rich foods for marginalized communities. Example: Many lower-caste communities have restricted access to milk and pulses, key protein sources.
Gender Disparities in Nutrition: Women often eat last and consume less nutritious food compared to men in the family.
NFHS-5 reports that 57% of Indian women (15-49 years old) are anaemic, significantly higher than men.
Urbanization and Processed Food Consumption: Rising income levels and urban lifestyles have increased fast food and processed food consumption, leading to diet-related diseases. Around 23% of women and 22.2% of men in India are overweight or obese, according to NFHS-5. Example: High consumption of sugar-laden, fiber-poor packaged foods contributes to rising cases of diabetes and hypertension.
Limited Nutrition Focus Beyond Maternal and Child Health: National policies prioritize nutrition interventions for pregnant women and children but ignore other vulnerable groups.Elderly populations and working men receive little policy attention, despite being at risk of malnutrition and lifestyle diseases.
Example: According to NFHS-5, only 27.5% of adults with diabetes were aware of their condition, 21.5% were on treatment, and just 7% had their diabetes under control.
How does the existing nutrition policy overlook certain segments of the population?
Focus on Women and Children, Ignoring Other Vulnerable Groups: Most policies, like Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi, prioritize maternal and child nutrition but neglect other groups. Example: Elderly populations, adolescent boys, and working men rarely receive targeted nutritional support.
Lack of Attention to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Policies focus on undernutrition but ignore rising lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Example:14% of adults in India require diabetes medication, yet nutrition plans rarely address high sugar and processed food consumption.
Limited Inclusion of Urban Poor and Middle-Class Nutritional Needs: Urban food insecurity and poor dietary habits are often overlooked in favor of rural nutrition programs. Example: Many urban poor rely on cheap, processed foods with low nutritional value, increasing obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach Ignores Local Dietary Diversity: National policies provide standardized nutrition interventions that may not align with regional food habits. Example: In some tribal areas, traditional nutrient-rich foods like millets are being replaced with government-distributed wheat and rice, reducing diet diversity.
Inadequate Support for Special Groups (Elderly, Disabled, Recuperating Patients): People recovering from illnesses, trauma, or those with disabilities have special dietary needs that existing policies fail to address. Example:Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) provide minimal nutrition support for elderly individuals with osteoporosis or post-surgical patients needing high-protein diets.
What steps has taken by the Indian government?
Increased Allocation for Nutrition Schemes: Higher funding for Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi to improve maternal and child nutrition. Example: Focus on aspirational districts and take-home rations for malnourished children.
Fortification of Staple Foods: Distribution of fortified rice, wheat, and edible oil to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. Example: Fortified rice with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in Mid-Day Meal (PM-POSHAN).
Strengthening Public Distribution System (PDS): Free ration under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to ensure food security. Example:5 kg of free grains per person per month for priority households.
Promotion of Millets and Local Food: Encouraging millet consumption for better nutrition and climate resilience. Example: 2023 was the International Year of Millets, and millets are now included in PM-POSHAN.
Awareness and Behavioral Change Campaigns: POSHAN Abhiyan promotes healthy dietary habits, anemia prevention, and hygiene. Example: Campaigns to promote breastfeeding and combat malnutrition at the grassroots level.
Way forward:
Expand Nutrition Coverage Beyond Maternal and Child Health: Develop inclusive policies targeting adolescents, elderly populations, and working adults. Example: Introduce nutrition programs for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and obesity.
Promote Region-Specific and Sustainable Diets: Encourage traditional, locally available nutrient-rich foods over a one-size-fits-all approach. Example: Integrate millets and indigenous grains into government nutrition programs.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (2024)
Reason: This question directly addresses the link between poverty and malnutrition and asks for solutions.
After nearly 10 years, India and New Zealand have resumed talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic relations.
What is the main objective of resuming India-New Zealand FTA negotiations?
Enhancing Market Access & Trade Growth: The FTA aims to expand trade opportunities by reducing tariffs and trade barriers. Example: Bilateral trade surpassed USD 1 billion (April-January 2025), highlighting the potential for further growth.
Strengthening Supply Chain Integration: The agreement seeks to improve logistics and supply chain efficiency between the two countries. Example: New Zealand’s dairy and agricultural products could find structured entry into India, while India’s IT and pharmaceutical sectors could benefit from easier access to the New Zealand market.
Boosting Investment & Business Opportunities: The FTA will help attract investments and foster job creation in sectors like IT, services, and agriculture. Example: India seeks better mobility for skilled professionals, benefiting industries like software services and engineering.
Why did the India-New Zealand trade talks stall in 2015?
Disagreements Over Dairy Market Access: New Zealand demanded greater access to India’s dairy market, but India resisted to protect its millions of dairy farmers. Example: India’s dairy imports from New Zealand were minimal (~$0.57 million), and India remained firm against allowing raw dairy imports.
Tariff Reduction Challenges: New Zealand had a low average tariff of 2.3%, while India had a higher average tariff of 17.8%, making tariff reductions challenging. Example: India was reluctant to lower tariffs on New Zealand’s dairy, meat, and wine exports, fearing a negative impact on domestic industries.
Limited Gains for India in Goods Trade: Since New Zealand already had low tariffs and duty-free access for many goods, India saw fewer advantages in an FTA. Example: Indian exports such as textiles, apparel, and pharmaceuticals already had significant access to the New Zealand market.
Concerns Over Skilled Labor Mobility: India wanted easier movement of skilled professionals in IT and services, but New Zealand was hesitant. Example: India sought better visa provisions for IT and engineering professionals, which faced resistance.
External Trade Pressures: India faced pressure from other countries like the U.S. to open its dairy and agricultural sectors, complicating negotiations. Example: Allowing New Zealand’s dairy products could have set a precedent for other trade partners demanding similar concessions.
How does the tariff disparity between India and New Zealand pose a challenge to the negotiations?
Significant Difference in Average Tariff Rates: New Zealand’s average import tariff is only 2.3%, with over half of its tariff lines duty-free, while India’s average tariff stands at 17.8%. Example: Indian goods already have substantial access to the New Zealand market, making a traditional FTA less beneficial for India.
Limited Market Access Gains for India: Since New Zealand already imposes low or no tariffs on many products, India’s exporters may not gain significant new access. Example: Sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and auto components already enter New Zealand with minimal restrictions, reducing the FTA’s potential benefits for India.
Pressure on India to Lower Tariffs on Sensitive Sectors: New Zealand is pushing for tariff reductions on dairy, meat, and wine exports, but India is reluctant to protect domestic farmers and industries. Example: India’s dairy sector supports millions of small farmers, making it difficult to allow imports that could undercut local production.
Imbalance in Reciprocal Concessions: If India significantly lowers its tariffs, New Zealand would gain more than India, creating an imbalance in trade benefits. Example: India would have to make greater tariff cuts, while New Zealand’s market access would remain largely unchanged.
Potential Precedent for Other Trade Partners: If India agrees to major tariff cuts for New Zealand, other countries in future FTAs may demand similar concessions, complicating trade policy. Example: Countries like Australia, the EU, and the U.S. could push India to open up its agriculture and dairy sectors, which India has traditionally protected.
Way forward:
Balanced Trade Concessions & Sectoral Safeguards: India and New Zealand should explore sector-specific agreements rather than blanket tariff reductions. Example: India can allow limited access to value-added dairy products while ensuring safeguards for domestic farmers. Similarly, New Zealand can offer better terms for India’s IT and services sector.
Enhanced Collaboration in Non-Tariff Areas: Both nations should focus on investment facilitation, technology exchange, and regulatory cooperation to maximize mutual benefits beyond tariff cuts. Example:Joint ventures in agritech, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals can create new trade opportunities without tariff-related conflicts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (2024)
Reason: It highlights the importance of analyzing India’s evolving economic relations with other regions, which is similar to the context of resuming talks with New Zealand.
The article explains AI’s impact, ethics, sustainability, and global governance efforts. UPSC often frames AI-related questions in a multidisciplinary way. In GS-3, it links AI with healthcare, economy, or sustainability. In GS-4, it focuses on ethical concerns like fairness, privacy, and decision-making. Recent trends show a shift towards AI governance and its role in public policy. Many students focus only on AI’s definition and applications but miss its real-world challenges. This article provides a global perspective on AI governance, linking international AI summits with India’s policy approach. This gives aspirants a ready framework to answer questions on AI’s ethical, economic, and governance aspects.
PYQ ANCHORING
GS 3: Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to the privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare? [2023]
GS 4: The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. [2024]
France and India co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on 10-11 February 2025, bringing together global leaders to advance AI for public good. The summit built on key milestones from the Bletchley Park (November 2023) and Seoul (May 2024) summits. France welcomed India as the host of the next AI Summit.
Key Outcomes of the AI Action Summit (February 2025)
Outcome
Details
Joint Statement on “Inclusive and Sustainable AI for People and the Planet”
Signed by 58 countries, including India, China, Brazil, France, Australia, and the European Commission. The U.S. and U.K. abstained.
Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator
Aimed at bridging gaps between public and private AI initiatives and addressing digital divides.
Founding Members
India, Kenya, Germany, Chile, Finland, Slovenia, France, Nigeria, Morocco.
Objective
To create a trustworthy AI ecosystem by supporting technical projects in data, transparency, model development, talent, financing, and collaboration.
Observatory on Energy, AI, and Data Centres
Led by the International Energy Agency (IEA), this will track AI’s energy consumption and sustainability applications. Report to be released in 2025.
Coalition for Environmentally Sustainable AI
Focuses on integrating AI sustainability into global discussions, similar to AI security and ethics. Initiated by France, UNEP, and ITU.
Green Digital Action Initiative
A new green computing initiative by ITU, featuring a Sustainable AI working group.
Current AI
A $400 million fund launched by MacArthur Foundation with governments, tech firms, and philanthropists. Aims to raise $2.5 billion for transparent, fair, and ethical AI.
AI for Labour
Establishes Observatories to track AI’s impact on workplaces, training, education, and productivity.
Global Dialogue on AI Governance
A commitment to align AI governance efforts globally, preventing redundancy and ensuring collaboration through an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Inclusive and Sustainable AI for People and the Planet – Key Highlights
Aspect
Details
Third Global AI Statement
Follows the Bletchley Declaration (UK, 2023) and Seoul Declaration (South Korea, 2024), both of which focused on AI risks and opportunities.
Bletchley Declaration
Signed by 28 countries + EU, established a shared understanding of AI risks and safety.
Seoul Declaration
Signed by 10 countries + EU, reinforced the need for responsible AI development.
Key Priorities
Accessible AI
AI should be widely accessible, ensuring trust and safety in its deployment.
Fostering Innovation
Encourages a competitive AI ecosystem that avoids market monopolization and supports industrial growth.
Labour Safety
AI should positively impact jobs and labour markets, shaping the future of work responsibly.
Human Rights-Based AI
AI must be ethical, human-centric, safe, and trustworthy, respecting human rights.
Reducing Inequality
Calls for AI capacity-building in developing countries to bridge the global AI divide.
Sustainable AI
AI systems—from data centres to training models—must run on sustainable energy.
Energy Consumption Concern
In 2022, data centres consumed 1.65 billion gigajoules of electricity (about 2% of global demand, as per IEA).
Concerns Regarding The AI Economy
Issue
Details
AI’s Massive Energy Demand
AI is an energy-intensive sector. A single ChatGPT query consumes 2.9 watt-hours of electricity—10 times more than a Google search (0.3 watt-hours).
Rising Carbon Footprint
Data center power demand is projected to increase by 160% by 2030, leading to a social cost of $125-140 billion in carbon emissions.
AI’s Impact on Jobs
AI could disrupt entry-level jobs, raising concerns about economic displacement and widening social inequalities.
Job Loss Risk
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 75 million jobs worldwide are at high risk of being automated due to AI.
Automation Inequality
AI benefits could be concentrated in a few developed nations, leaving labour-rich developing countries behind, worsening inequality.
Bias in AI Models
AI systems can inherit societal biases from training data, leading to discriminatory decisions in hiring, policing, and lending.
Diverging AI Governance Approaches
Europe: Focuses on regulation and investment. China: Expands AI access through state-backed tech giants. U.S.: Favors a deregulated, hands-off approach.
Way Forward
Energy-Efficient AI: AI systems should be designed to use less energy. This includes optimizing algorithms and integrating AI into smart power grids to improve electricity usage.
AI-Friendly Job Market: Strong institutions should help workers shift to better-skilled jobs where AI supports their work rather than replacing them.
AI Education & Training: AI should be part of school and college curriculums, and workers should have access to upskilling programs to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.
Fair & Inclusive AI Models: AI systems should be open-source, inclusive, and free from biases, including language barriers, so that everyone benefits from them.
Democratizing AI Infrastructure: The control of AI hardware, like Nvidia’s advanced AI chips, should not be limited to a few countries. A fairer distribution of AI resources is necessary for all economies to benefit.
#BACK2BASICS: SUSTAINABLE AI
Sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development and deployment of AI systems that are environmentally friendly, ethically sound, and socially responsible. It encompasses practices that ensure AI technologies contribute positively to society while minimizing negative impacts.
Five Key Components of Sustainable AI:
Energy Efficiency: Designing AI models and data centers to consume less energy, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. This involves optimizing algorithms and utilizing energy-efficient hardware. For instance, AI can be leveraged to monitor and predict climate and weather-change trends, aiding in environmental conservation efforts.
Ethical Frameworks: Establishing guidelines that ensure AI systems operate transparently, fairly, and without bias. This includes implementing measures to prevent discriminatory outcomes and protect user privacy. Practicing sustainable AI involves integrating environmental, economic, and social considerations throughout the AI lifecycle.
AI Governance: Developing policies and regulations that oversee AI development and deployment, ensuring accountability and alignment with societal values. This encompasses creating standards for AI applications and monitoring their adherence. India has launched several initiatives, including the India AI mission, to foster the development and adoption of AI, reflecting a commitment to balanced and ethical AI advancement.
Social Responsibility: Ensuring AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to all societal segments, addressing issues like job displacement through reskilling programs and promoting inclusivity. The AI for India 2030 initiative aims to integrate AI across the nation’s socio-economic fabric, promoting inclusive growth and equitable access to AI benefits.
Sustainable AI Corporate Responsibility: Encouraging organizations to adopt sustainable practices in AI development, such as reducing electronic waste and ensuring the ethical sourcing of materials. This also involves companies being transparent about their AI systems’ environmental and social impacts. Achieving sustainable AI involves enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting ethical practices.
India’s Preparedness for Sustainable AI:
India has demonstrated a proactive approach toward embracing sustainable AI through various initiatives:
Policy Initiatives: The Indian government has introduced the AI for India 2030 initiative, aiming to integrate AI into various sectors for inclusive growth. This strategy emphasizes democratizing AI access, ensuring that its benefits reach all societal levels.
Ethical Considerations: Recognizing the importance of responsible AI, India has been involved in global discussions to promote ethical AI development. Collaborations with international organizations like UNESCO reflect India’s commitment to adopting balanced AI approaches that align with societal values.
Corporate Engagement: Indian businesses are increasingly investing in AI-driven sustainability initiatives. A significant percentage of Indian business leaders plan to enhance IT investments to achieve sustainability goals, leveraging AI as a powerful tool in this endeavor.
While these steps indicate substantial progress, continuous efforts are necessary to address challenges such as energy consumption, ethical governance, and equitable AI access. Ongoing collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and international partners will be crucial in advancing sustainable AI in India.
A new study by IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters (November 2024), reveals that air pollution and climate change are undermining solar panel efficiency in India.
Key Findings of the IIT Delhi Study
Efficiency Loss Forecast:
Scenario 1 (Moderate climate efforts): Solar panel efficiency is projected to decline by more than 2.3% by 2041-2050.
Scenario 2 (Weak climate action, strong air pollution control): Efficiency drops by 2.3%, amounting to at least 840 GWh loss annually.
Primary Causes:
Solar radiation decline is the biggest factor.
Temperature increase follows closely, with a 2°C rise in cell temperature predicted by mid-century.
Wind speed variations have minimal but present impact.
Kerala and Northeast regions could see higher solar potential due to reduced cloud cover, offering opportunities for future solar investments.
India’s Solar Capacity
India, is the 5th-largest solar power producer globally.
India has achieved a significant milestone with a total installed solar capacity of 100.33 GW as of January 31, 2025.
India’s solar capacity has increased 35 times in the past decade, growing from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana has been a key driver in promoting rooftop solar, with nearly 9 lakh rooftop installations already completed.
A record 24.5 GW of solar capacity was added in 2024, more than doubling the installations compared to 2023.
In 2024, 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity was installed, a nearly 2.8 x increase compared to the previous year.
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are the top-performing states, contributing significantly to India’s solar installations.
India’s solar module production capacity has surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024, establishing the country as a global leader in solar manufacturing.
PYQ:
[2020] India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
At the recent Indian Anthropology Congress officials from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) called for a shift in defining tribes.
Instead of a rigid binary classification—tribe or not—they advocate for a “spectrum of tribalness”.
About Scheduled Tribes (STs)
STs are defined under Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution.“
Under Article 342, the President notifies STs for each State/UT after consultation with the Governor, and modifications can only be made by Parliament through legislation.
Currently, 705 STs are notified across 30 States/UTs, comprising 8.6% of India’s population (2011 Census).
They are mainly concentrated in Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc.) and the North-East.
Existing Criteria for ST Classification (Lokur Committee, 1965)
The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down 5 key criteria for classifying STs:
Primitive Traits
Distinctive Culture
Geographical Isolation
Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large
Backwardness
Criticisms of Existing Criteria:
Termed obsolete, condescending, and colonial by scholars.
Many communities today do not fully meet all criteria.
Fails to reflect regional diversity, historical coexistence, and social changes.
Overly dependent on a binary view of ‘tribe’ vs. ‘non-tribe’, leading to inclusion-exclusion conflicts (e.g., Meitei ST demand in Manipur).
Proposal for a ‘Spectrum of Tribalness’
Recent academic and policy discussions (e.g., at the Indian Anthropology Congress) advocate for a paradigm shift:
Replace binary classification with a “spectrum of tribalness” or matrix of indicators.
Use a broader set of 100-150 indicators, including:
Marriage, kinship systems, language, rituals, governance structures, cultural materiality (e.g., headgear, weaponry) etc.
Assign weightage to each indicator to determine the degree of tribalness.
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following statements:
1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
