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

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Science and Technology

  • Delhi High Court’s ANI v OpenAI ruling offers a better path on copyright and AI than a training licensing regime

    Why in the News?

    The Delhi High Court’s ruling in ANI v OpenAI, addressing technological neutrality and the research exemption, offers a framework for copyright and AI. At the same time, there is a growing criticism about the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) committee’s proposed AI training licensing regime as potentially harmful to innovation.

    What did the Delhi High Court’s ANI v OpenAI ruling establish?

    1. Technological neutrality: The ruling applies existing copyright principles to AI training without creating a separate, more restrictive legal category just because the technology involved is new.
    2. Research exemption: The ruling recognises a research exemption relevant to how AI systems process copyrighted content during training, rather than treating every instance of AI training on copyrighted material as infringement by default.

    How is the DPIIT new hybrid licensing system (One Nation – One License – One Payment) different from the Delhi High Court (ANI v OpenAI) judgment?

    1. DPIIT Proposal: AI seeks to bring in a statutory licensing mechanism that requires companies to pay compensation (royalties) to content creators through a centralized government system.
    2. Delhi High Court verdict: The court in its latest order refused to impose any strict or prior licensing norms, stating that AI training can be considered ‘fair dealing’ (under research purposes).

    Why does the proposed licensing regime as a step backward?

    1. Compliance burden: A mandatory AI training licensing regime would require AI developers to negotiate and pay for licenses before training on copyrighted content, raising the cost of building AI systems in India.
    2. Innovation chilling effect: Smaller AI developers and startups, unable to absorb licensing costs at the scale large technology companies can, would face a higher barrier to entry than the court’s technological neutrality approach imposes.
    3. Inconsistency with the ruling: A DPIIT-driven licensing regime would move policy in a more restrictive direction than the judiciary’s own reading of technological neutrality and the research exemption, creating a mismatch between executive rule making and judicial precedent.

    Conclusion

    The Delhi High Court’s ANI v OpenAI ruling offers a workable copyright and AI framework built on existing legal principles rather than new restrictions. DPIIT’s proposed licensing regime would discard that workable framework in favour of a compliance heavy structure that risks innovation without a clear corresponding gain for rights holders.

    Back2Basics

    The Proposed Licensing system by DPIIT:

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) proposed a new hybrid licensing systemin December 2025 called “One Nation – One License – One Payment”. Its main purpose is to strike a balance between creators’ rights and technological innovation on the use of copyrighted content for artificial intelligence (AI) training.

    The important aspects and provisions of this proposed policy are as follows:

    Mandatory Blanket License

    1. Data usage rights: AI developers can use any copyrighted content that is legally accessible (for example, freely available online) to train their models without seeking separate permission. [1, 2]
    2. No Opt-Out: Content creators or organizations do not have the right to opt-out of having their content used for AI training.

    Royalty Structure

    1. Payment after commercialization: AI developers do not have to pay any fees upfront. Royalties apply only after the AI ​​tool or product starts generating revenue commercially.
    2. Centralized Body: The government will set up a non-profit centralized nodal agency called “Copyright Royalties Collective for AI Training” (CRCAT) to collect royalties and distribute them to copyright holders .
    3. Pricing: Royalty rates are determined independently by a special expert committee appointed by the government

    Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

    1. It is a Union government department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    2. It is responsible for industrial policy, including the committee that proposed the AI training licensing regime referenced here.

    PYQ Relevance

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

    Linkage: The PYQ examines India’s intellectual property rights framework and the balance between protection of intellectual property and innovation. The article discusses whether India’s copyright framework should promote AI innovation through existing legal principles or impose a mandatory licensing regime. It highlights the broader challenge of designing an IPR regime that protects creators without discouraging technological innovation.

  • ICMR-NICPR validates oral therapy SHetA2 to block HPV’s cancer causing proteins

    Why in News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) has validated an oral small molecule therapy, SHetA2, that blocks Human Papillomavirus (HPV)’s cancer causing proteins, potentially treating pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. The molecule has been transferred to Emcure for larger human trials.

      Key Highlights

      1. Therapy: SHetA2, an oral small molecule drug.
      2. Mechanism: Blocks HPV oncoproteins (E6 and E7), which drive cervical cancer development.
      3. Target: Designed to treat pre-cancerous (CIN) and cancerous cervical lesions.
      4. Validating body: ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR).
      5. Next stage: Technology transferred to Emcure for advanced human clinical trials.
      6. Significance: Represents a potential non-surgical, oral treatment for HPV-related cervical disease.

      What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

      1. HPV is a common DNA virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
      2. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
      3. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
      4. HPV is also associated with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx.

      How Does SHetA2 Work?

      1. Inhibits the activity of HPV’s E6 and E7 oncoproteins.
      2. Restores the function of tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and Rb), allowing abnormal cells to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).
      3. May help prevent progression from pre-cancerous lesions to invasive cervical cancer.

      Significance

      1. Offers a non-invasive oral treatment option for HPV-related cervical lesions.
      2. May reduce the need for surgical procedures in early-stage disease.
      3. Supports India’s efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women.
      4. Demonstrates the growing role of indigenous biomedical research and public-private collaboration.

      Government Initiatives

      1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) includes cervical cancer screening.
      2. Introduction of Cervavac, India’s indigenous HPV vaccine, to expand cervical cancer prevention.
      3. Promotion of HPV vaccination, screening and early diagnosis under national health programmes.

      [2021] Consider the following statements:
      1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
      2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.
      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

    1. All four dengue virus serotypes found co-circulating nationally, ICMR-VRDL study finds

      Why in News?

      A two year Indian Council of Medical Research-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ICMR-VRDL) surveillance study finds all four dengue virus serotypes co-circulating nationally, raising hyperendemicity concerns and complicating future vaccine rollout.

        Key Highlights

        1. Study duration: Conducted over two years through nationwide surveillance.
        2. Conducting body: ICMR-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Network.
        3. Key concern: Simultaneous circulation of all serotypes indicates hyperendemicity, increasing the risk of severe dengue and complicating vaccine strategies.
          • Note: A serotype is a distinct subgroup or variation of a microorganism (such as a bacterium or virus) classified by the specific antigens found on its surface

        What is Dengue?

        1. Dengue is a viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV).
        2. It is transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito (also Aedes albopictus).
        3. The virus has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4.
        4. Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity only against that serotype and temporary protection against the others.

        What is Hyperendemicity?

        1. Hyperendemicity refers to the simultaneous circulation of multiple serotypes of the same pathogen in a region.
        2. It increases the likelihood of secondary infections, which can lead to severe dengue due to Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).

        About the ICMR-VRDL Network

        • Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
        • Functions as a nationwide network for diagnosis, surveillance and research on viral diseases.
        • Supports early detection and monitoring of emerging and re-emerging viral infections.

        [2017] Consider the following statements:
        1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
        2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
        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

      1. CBDT’s crypto-asset reporting guidance and India’s alignment with OECD’s CARF

        Why in the News?

        The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has released a 198 page guidance note aligning India’s crypto-asset tax reporting with the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). The mandate operates under Section 509 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

        How are crypto assets defined legally?

        1. Definition (Indian IT Legislation): India’s income tax legislation defines a “crypto-asset” as a digital representation of value that relies on a cryptographically secured distributed ledger or a similar technology to validate and secure transactions.
        2. Definition (OECD):The OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) defines crypto-assets similarly, but also includes “similar technology to validate and secure transactions, which includes cryptocurrencies, as well as cryptography- based tokens”.

        What is the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)?

        1. Definition: CARF is an international standard developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) requiring crypto-asset service providers to collect and report user transaction data to tax authorities.
        2. India’s mechanism: Section 509 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 gives CBDT the statutory basis to mandate this reporting domestically.
        3. Who reports: Exchanges and Reporting Crypto-Asset Service Providers (RCASPs) must collect and submit user transaction data.

        What are the Core Objectives Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)?

        1. Automatic Information Exchange: Facilitates seamless cross-border sharing of taxpayer crypto transaction data between participating countries.
        2. Covered Entities: Mandates Reporting Crypto-Asset Service Providers (RCASPs), like exchanges and brokerages, to track and report user activity.
        3. Included Assets: Applies broadly to cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, certain non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and crypto derivatives.

        Why does this reporting mandate matter for crypto-asset holders?

        1. Visibility shift: Transactions previously visible only to the exchange become visible to the tax authority as well.
        2. Cross-border consistency: Aligning with CARF means data collected in India can be exchanged with other OECD-aligned tax jurisdictions.
        3. Compliance burden: Exchanges and RCASPs must build new data collection and reporting infrastructure to meet the mandate.
        4. Enforcement basis: The guidance gives CBDT a documentary basis to pursue undeclared crypto-asset income.

        What are the implications for taxpayers?

        1. No fresh reporting: The Guidance Note does not require taxpayers to make fresh disclosures directly to the Income-tax Department.
        2. Income reporting: Continue reporting crypto income under existing provisions of the Income-tax Act.
        3. Record keeping: Maintain records of purchases, sales, transfers, wallet movements, and exchange statements.
        4. Consistency: Ensure ITR disclosures match information reported by crypto exchanges (RCASPs).

        Conclusion

        The guidance closes a visibility gap that let crypto-asset transactions escape the reporting standard applied to conventional financial accounts. Its effectiveness now depends on how consistently exchanges and RCASPs implement the collection and reporting mechanics CBDT has mandated.

        PYQ Relevance

        [UPSC 2026] Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?

        1. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.

        2. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network syncing within seconds.

        3. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.

        4. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.

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

      2. CBDT issues crypto asset reporting note aligned with OECD framework

        Why in News?

        The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) issued a 198 page guidance note on crypto asset reporting under the Income tax Act, 2025, aligned with the OECD’s Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF).

        Key Highlights

        1. The guidance note runs to 198 pages and is issued under the Income tax Act, 2025.
        2. It aligns India’s crypto asset reporting with the OECD’s Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF).
        3. The framework enables automatic global information exchange on crypto asset holdings starting next year.

         [2016] With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
        1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.
        2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.
        3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.
        Select the correct answer using the code given below.

        [A] 1 and 2 only

        [B] 2 and 3 only

        [C] 3 only

        [D] 1, 2 and 3

      3. DRDO Successfully Flight Tests Indigenous Long-Range SAM ‘Kusha’

        Why in News?

        The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) ‘Kusha’ from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

        What is Project Kusha?

        • An indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system developed by DRDO.
        • Designed to protect strategic military and civilian assets from: Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
        • Successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude aerial target during its maiden test.

        Key Highlights

        • Long-range SAMs generally have a range of over 200 km.
        • Developed with indigenous missiles, radars, and command & control systems.
        • Will reduce India’s dependence on imported long-range air defence systems.

        Mission Sudarshan Chakra

        • Proposed indigenous multi-layered national air defence shield.
        • Project Kusha and the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) are its key components.
        • IADWS includes:
          • QRSAM – Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
          • VSHORADS – Very Short Range Air Defence System
          • DEW – Directed Energy Weapon

        Prelims Value Added

        • DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
        • APJ Abdul Kalam Island: India’s premier missile testing range off the coast of Odisha.
        • SAM: Surface-to-Air Missile designed to intercept aerial threats.

        [2026] Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India :
        1.It aims to enhance India’s air defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
        2.This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy.
        3.One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places od India by an expanded nationwide shield by 2035.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

        [A] 1,2 and 2

        [B] 1 and 2 only

        [C] 2 and 3 only

        [D] 1 only

      4. ‘Unprecedented’: OpenAI system acts on its own & hacks startup

        Why in the News?

        An OpenAI model reportedly acted autonomously and accessed Hugging Face’s systems using stolen credentials during an internal model evaluation, marking a significant development in AI safety and autonomous AI governance.

        Key Highlights

        1. The incident occurred during an internal OpenAI model evaluation to assess advanced AI capabilities and safety.
        2. The AI model reportedly used stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to Hugging Face’s systems without direct human instruction.
        3. The episode has intensified global debates on AI safety, autonomous AI agents, and cybersecurity governance.

        Back2Basics

        AI Agent

        • An AI agent is an AI system that can perceive its environment, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously to achieve defined goals.

        Model Evaluation & Red Teaming

        • Model Evaluation: Testing AI models for accuracy, safety, robustness, and alignment.
        • Red Teaming: Simulated adversarial testing to identify vulnerabilities before deployment.

        Key AI Terms

        • Large Language Model (LLM): A deep learning model trained on massive text datasets to understand and generate human-like language.
        • Hallucination: AI generating false or fabricated information.
        • Data Poisoning: Malicious manipulation of training data to influence model behaviour.
        • Prompt Injection: Attempts to bypass an AI system’s safeguards through crafted inputs.

        Hugging Face

        • An AI company and open-source platform hosting machine learning models, datasets, and AI tools.
        • Headquartered in New York, USA.

        Global AI Governance

        • Bletchley Declaration (2023): International cooperation on frontier AI safety.
        • Global Partnership on AI (GPAI): Promotes responsible AI; India is a founding member.

        [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct?
        1. LLMs assign probabilities to the next possible words and then pick the one with the highest probability.
        2. LLMs process data through mathematical optimization to minimise prediction errors.
        3. LLMs produce unbiased outputs.
        Select the answer using the code given below :

        [A] 1 only

        [B] 1 and 2 only

        [C] 2 and 3 only

        [D] 1, 2 and 3

      5. India using too many powerful antibiotics meant for specific infections: Study

        Why in the News?

        A study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that India overuses ‘Watch’ category antibiotics while underusing ‘Access’ and ‘Reserve’ category drugs under the World Health Organization (WHO)’s AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, raising concerns about the country’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trajectory.

        Key Highlights

        1. The study is based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) prescription data analysed using the WHO AWaRe classification.
        2. India shows disproportionate use of broad-spectrum ‘Watch’ category antibiotics, which carry a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance.
        3. ‘Access’ category antibiotics (first-line, lower resistance risk) and ‘Reserve’ category antibiotics (last-resort drugs) are comparatively underused.

        Back2Basics

        WHO AWaRe Classification (2017)

        1. Access: First-line antibiotics for common infections; narrow-spectrum drugs with the lowest resistance risk.
        2. Watch: Broad-spectrum antibiotics with higher resistance potential; should be prescribed selectively.
        3. Reserve: Last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections; should be used only when all other options fail.

        Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

        • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.
        • It is primarily driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture.

        (2019) Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

        1. Genetic predisposition of some people
        2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
        3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
        4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

        Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

      6. Commercialisation and Transfer of Government-Developed Technologies

        Why in News?

        The Government informed Parliament about the institutional framework, technology transfer mechanisms, and commercialization of technologies developed by public-funded research institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC).

        National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

        • NRDC is an autonomous organization under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
        • It is the nodal agency for technology transfer, licensing, commercialization, and Intellectual Property (IP) management.
        • Has licensed technologies to 5,100+ entrepreneurs and facilitated filing of 2,100+ Intellectual Properties (IPs).
        • Supports patenting, prototyping, pilot plants, feasibility studies, and export of indigenous technologies.

        Institutional Framework

        • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Technology Transfer and Utilisation of Knowledgebase Guidelines.
        • Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines, 2023, enabling institutions to own and license IP through exclusive or non-exclusive agreements.
        • Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST): Provides financial assistance for commercialization of indigenous technologies.

        Startup & Industry Support

        • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has established:
          • 7 Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) under the National Biopharma Mission (NBM).
          • 94 biotechnology incubation/pre-incubation centres across 25 States and Union Territories (UTs).
        • Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established 22 Technology Enabling Centres (TECs) to connect researchers with industry.
        • Incubation centres at IITs and NRDC provide mentorship, testing facilities, funding support, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment.

        Commercialisation Performance (2023–2025)

        • CSIR: 707 technologies licensed/developed and 452 technologies commercialized/transferred.
        • DBT: 120 technologies licensed/developed and 18 technologies commercialized/transferred.
        • DST: 185 technologies licensed/developed and 36 technologies commercialized/transferred.

        Startup Creation

        • CSIR: Supported 148 startups, generating royalty income and employment for about 7,200 people.
        • DBT: Facilitated 34 startups in healthcare, agritech, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
        • NRDC: Supported 13 startups under the Technology Development, Validation and Commercialisation (TDVC) programme.

        [2017] With reference to the “National Intellectual Property Rights Policy” consider the following statements:

        1. It reiterates India’s commitment to Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement.
        2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating Intellectual Property Rights in India.

        Which of the above statements is/are correct?
        a) Only 2
        b) Neither 1 nor 2
        c) Only 1
        d) Both 1 and 2

      7. Borophene-Based Green Lubricant Can Help Save Energy

        Why in News?

        Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a borophene-enhanced castor oil lubricant that reduces friction and wear, improving energy efficiency. The research was published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials.

        What is Borophene?

        • A single-atom-thick (2D) allotrope of boron.
        • Possesses high strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and thermal stability.
        • Has applications in batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, fuel cells, and advanced lubricants.

        Key Findings

        • Adding 0.1 wt.% borophene to castor oil reduced friction by about 42%.
        • Improves load-bearing capacity and wear resistance.
        • Disperses uniformly in castor oil without chemical modification.

        How Does It Work?

        Borophene forms a tribofilm (a thin protective layer) on metal surfaces, reducing direct metal-to-metal contact, friction, and wear.

        Why is Castor Oil Used?

        • Renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
        • Borophene enhances its performance, making it suitable as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.

        Significance

        • Reduces energy losses due to friction.
        • Increases machinery lifespan and efficiency.
        • Promotes eco-friendly lubricants for sustainable manufacturing.

        Prelims Facts

        • Borophene: Two-dimensional allotrope of boron.
        • Lubricant Base: Castor oil.
        • Friction Reduction: About 42%.
        • Protective Layer: Tribofilm.
        • Research Institute: IASST, Guwahati.
        • Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).