Context: The number of COVID-19 cases in India has been steadily increasing with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala accounting for the majority of new infections. A new virus subvariant- NB.1.8.1 was found in a sample and sent to India's genome sequencing consortium.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about SARS-CoV-2 Virus.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel beta coronavirus belonging to the same subgenus as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Coronaviruses are positive-stranded RNA viruses with a crown-like appearance due to the presence of spike glycoproteins on the envelope.
Like other RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 is prone to genetic evolution/mutation over time. This results in mutant variants that may have different characteristics than its ancestral strains.
Origin: widely postulated to have originated from an animal, implicating zoonotic transmission.
Transmission: Exposure to respiratory droplets carrying the infectious virus from close contact or droplet transmission from presymptomatic, asymptomatic, or symptomatic individuals.
SARS-CoV-2 has not disappeared. It has become part of a recurring cycle of illnesses, similar to the flu. Periodic waves of Covid-19, like other endemic respiratory diseases, are expected throughout the year.
Several factors could be contributing to the rise in cases:
Waning immunity: Protection from vaccination or past infection decreases with time, leaving individuals more vulnerable to reinfection.
New variants: Like other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate. Some of these new variants may spread more easily or evade immunity to a greater extent.
Seasonal patterns: Respiratory viruses often spread more efficiently in colder or more humid periods.
Not enough testing: Covid-19 is now considered endemic, and testing and genome sequencing efforts have been scaled back, delaying the identification of outbreaks.
High-risk groups: Individuals with weakened immune systems or severe comorbidites remain especially vulnerable.
Context: A university in Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has created India’s first gene-edited sheep. It is the nation’s first success in editing the genes of livestock and a major milestone in India’s push for innovation in animal biotechnology.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key concepts- gene editing, gene modification & their applications.
Gene-edited Sheep:
The lamb’s DNA was carefully altered using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. A particular gene- myostatin gene (natural brake on muscle growth) in Indian sheep was edited.
By altering this gene, researchers were able to increase muscle mass by 30%. Such a feature exists naturally only in some European breeds like the Texel, not in Indian sheep.
How is Gene Editing different?
Gene editing is distinct from crossbreeding and gene modification.
Gene editing involves using technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 which enable the addition, removal, or alteration of genetic material at specific locations within an organism’s genome. Unlike genetic modification no foreign DNA is introduced. It offers faster and safer results and aligns with India's current biotech regulations.
Crossbreeding is the traditional breeding of two different breeds from the same species to create a new breed. Generally, breeds chosen have complementary traits that will enhance the offsprings’ economic value. However crossbreeding is a slow process, with viable traits visible after a few generations.
Gene modification (transgenic animals) involves inserting news from one species into the other to create a transgenic organism.
Significance:
The progress is a turning point in livestock genetics. Gene editing allows precise changes without foreign genes which makes it more acceptable for regulators and consumers alike. This can have applications in:
Production of gene-edited species (increased muscle mass) for meat consumption.
Increasing output in cattle (E.g., Milk, wool etc.)
Elimination of disease causing genes in cattle (disease-resistant animals).
Context: The Ministry of Defence has formally approved the execution model for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. It opens the door for private sector participation alongside Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
AMCA Development- Major Highlights
The Cabinet Committee on Security gave in-principle approval to the AMCA programme in 2024, with an estimated development cost of around ₹15,000 crore.
The Ministry of Defence has formally approved the execution model for the AMCA programme. The AMCA programme is now open to competitive bidding. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) can now bid either independently or in partnership with private firms.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has committed to delivering the AMCA prototype by 2035.
AboutAdvanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
AMCA is a 5th-generation fighter aircraft. It is currently the only 5th generation fighter under development in India.
Indigenous development:
Designed by: Aeronautical Development Agency under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project.
Manufactured by: state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private companies.
Max speed: Nearly 2600 kilometres per hour (Mach 2.15)
Combat range: 1620 kms
Can carry armament weighing 6500 kg (1.5 tonnesinternal payload capacity).
Key Features:
Designed formulti-role missions- including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), and electronic warfare (EW).
Stealth aircraft (capable of avoiding enemy radars and air defence mechanisms). The stealth fighter uses:
specialised paint coating and radar-absorbing material to reduce radar bounce-off
exhaust nozzles that reduce infrared radiation emitted by the engine
exhaust plume and fuselage technology that reduces the heat signature of the engine.
First look first kill: AMCA will be based on the ‘first look, first kill’ concept, where an AMCA pilot would see an enemy plane first, fire a missile and destroy it before the latter can react.
Fuel and Weapons: AMCA will have a concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons.
Engine:
AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE-F414 engine of the 98 kilonewton (kN) class.
AMCA Mk2 will have a more powerful 110kN engine to be developed indigenously by DRDO’sGas Turbine Research Establishment in collaboration with foreign collaboration.
Anti-tank missiles, laser-guided bombs and precision munitions.
Strategic significance of AMCA:
Fulfil operational gap in IAF: Indian Air Force has 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, significantly below the optimal readiness requirements. Of the current 31 squadrons, the phase out of two MIG-21 squadrons has been extended due to the delayed deliveries of Tejas LCA-Mk1A. Tejas LCA-Mk2 and AMCA are critical for IAF’s modernisation plans.
Counter regional threats: Pakistan is expected to procure over 40 J-35A fifth-generation fighters from China. China is developing sixth-generation prototypes like the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50.
India’s entry into the fifth-generation fighter club, currently limited to the US (F-22 and F-35), Russia (Su-57), and China (J-20), reflects its growing defence ambitions amid evolving regional security challenges.
Context: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared the monsoon onset over Kerala on May 24, 2025, eight days ahead of its normal date schedule of June 1. The onset of monsoon marks the beginning of the four-month (June-September) southwest monsoon season over India, which brings over 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims & Mains: Key facts about Indian monsoon- southwest monsoon season over India.
What factors contributed to the early onset of Monsoon?
Multiple, large-scale atmosphere-oceanic and local factors developed and favoured the early monsoon onset this year. The monsoon arrived over the south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood areas on May 13, against a normal of May 21.
The IMD termed the onset took place under very favourable conditions, including:
1. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): It is one of the most important and complex ocean-atmospheric phenomena influencing Indian monsoons with origins in the Indian Ocean. A key feature is that a disturbance of clouds, wind and pressure moves eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. Within 30 to 60 days, MJO winds can travel around the world and cause significant weather changes during their movement. In a favourable phase, it can enhance rainfall over India during the monsoon season.
2. Mascarene High: Mascarene High is a high-pressure area found around the Mascarene Islands (in the south Indian Ocean) during the monsoon period. The variation in the intensity of high pressure is responsible for heavy rains along India’s west coast.
3. Convection: An increase in the convective activity, i.e., the vertical transport of heat and moisture in the atmosphere also brings rainfall. E.g., a convective system over Haryana moved south-eastward and led to rains in the Delhi region (in mid May).
4. Somali Jet: It is a low-level, inter-hemispheric cross-equatorial wind band originating near Mauritius and north Madagascar. During May, after crossing the east coast of Africa, it reaches the Arabian Sea and the west coast of India. A strong Somali jet is associated with the strengthening of monsoon winds.
5. Heat-low: Following the movement of the Sun to the northern hemisphere, marking the summer season, a low-pressure area develops in the Arabian Sea. The development of a heat-low pressure zone over Pakistan and adjoining areas acted as a suction device for moist air along the monsoon trough, and its strong presence influences good monsoon rainfall.
6. Monsoon trough: It is an elongated low-pressure area extending from the heat low to the north Bay of Bengal. The north-south swinging of this trough causes rainfall during the June–September period across the core monsoon zone. Pressure gradient and monsoon onset vortex, a cyclonic formation in the Arabian Sea, also play a role in good monsoon.
7. Neutral El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions were observed during the period, which typically support a normal or stronger monsoon, unlike El Niño years that often suppress rainfall over India.
What is the onset of Monsoon?
The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September, although its timing and intensity can vary across different regions.
Pre-monsoon period (March to May): During this time, temperatures rise across the country due to the increasing solar radiation. As summer approaches, the landmass of the Indian subcontinent heats up faster than the surrounding oceans, causing a low-pressure area to develop over the region.
Arrival of the southwest monsoon (end of May to mid-June): The southwest monsoon is responsible for the majority of the rainfall in India. It begins with the onset of the monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean are drawn towards the low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, creating a monsoon trough.
Factors affecting onset of monsoon:
Intense heating of the Indian landmass and formation of intense low pressure.
Deflection of SE trades after crossing the equator towards Indian west coast.
Advancement of the monsoon (June to July): The monsoon winds gradually advance across the country, starting from the southernmost state of Kerala and progressing northwards. This northward progression is known as the “monsoon onset line” and is closely monitored by meteorological departments.
Onset over different regions: The onset of the monsoon occurs at different times across various regions of India. The western coast and northeastern states receive the monsoon rains first, followed by the central and northern parts of the country. The Himalayan region experiences the monsoon last.
Monsoon progression and rainfall: Once the monsoon sets in, it brings heavy rainfall to different parts of India. The amount and distribution of rainfall vary from region to region. The western coast and north eastern states generally receive more rainfall compared to the arid regions in the northwest.
How does IMD declares that monsoon has arrived in India?
Following are the guidelines to be followed:
Rainfall
If after 10th May, 60% of the available 14 stations report rainfall of 2.5 mm or more for two consecutive days, the onset over Kerala be declared on the 2nd day.
Low outgoing longwave radiation
INSAT derived OLR value should be below 200 wm-2 in the box confined by Lat. 5-10ºN and Long. 70-75ºE.
Wind field
Depth of westerlies should be maintained upto 600 hPa, in the box equator to Lat. 10ºN and Long. 55ºE to 80ºE. The zonal wind speed over the area bounded by Lat. 5-10ºN, Long. 70-80ºE should be of the order of 15 – 20 Kts. at 925 hPa. The source of data can be RSMC wind analysis/satellite derived winds.
Note – Similar to above the onset of NE monsoon also has its own criteria: India Meteorological Department (IMD) made the following criteria in August 1988 for declaring NE monsoon onset, which was further amended in August 2006 (IMD, 2008).
The criteria are:
Withdrawal of Southwest monsoon up to Latitude 15-degree N
Onset of persistent surface easterlies over Tamil Nadu Coast
Depth of easterlies up to 850 hPa over Tamil Nadu Coast
Fairly widespread rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas.
Impact of Climate Change on Monsoon:
According to IMD, there has been overall decrease in monsoonal rainfall of about 6%-10% since 1951. However, changes in monsoon remains within 10% of the long period average (LPA).
Intermittent rainfall has increased with increase in dry as well as wet spells.
Onset of monsoon and its withdrawal has also been delayed. For e.g. based on data from 1901-1940, the date of withdrawal was 1 September which was revised to 17th Sept in 2020. Despite this, monsoon 2023 was delayed by around 20 days.
It has impacted the regional spread also. Indo-Gangetic plains + Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal -> reduced. Saurashtra and Kutch, southeastern Rajasthan, northern Tamil Nadu, -> Increased
Context: The government has restored the RoDTEP scheme for exporters done by Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The scheme had expired in February 2025. The decision aims to enhance competitiveness in overseas trade and support small and medium enterprises facing thin margins.
The government is considering extending the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for the Domestic Tariff Units (DTAs) beyond September 30, 2025.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: RoDTEP scheme- Prelims related facts.
What is the RoDTEP Scheme?
The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in January 2021, replacing the existing MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme).
Purpose:
To ensure that the exporters receive the refunds on the embedded taxes and duties previously non-recoverable.
To boost exports which were relatively poor in volume previously.
Need:
The US had challenged India’s key export subsidy schemes in the WTO.
The WTO dispute panel ruled against India, stating that India’s export subsidy programmes violated WTO’s trade norms.
The RoDTEP Scheme ensures Indian exporters are supported, while staying WTO-compliant.
Eligibility criteria:
All sectors, including the textiles sector, can avail benefits of RoDTEP Scheme.
Manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters (traders).
Special Economic Zone Units and Export Oriented Units.
Goods exported via courier through e-commerce platforms.
There is no particular turnover threshold to claim RoDTEP.
Re-exported products are not eligible.
Exported products need to have the country of origin as India.
Features of RoDTEP Scheme
Refund of the previously Non-refundable duties and taxes: The scheme provides refund of duties and taxes which are levied at central, state and local level and are not refunded under any other mechanism. They include:
Central and State Excise Duty on fuel for transportation of export goods (petrol, diesel, CNG, PNG, etc.)
Coal cess or duty levied by States on electricity consumed for manufacturing of export goods
Mandi tax levied by APMCs
Toll tax and stamp duties on import-export documentation
Value added tax (VAT) wherever applicable.
Automated system of Credit:
Refunds under the scheme are issued in the form of transferrable electronic scrips, which could be used for paying Basic Customs Duty on import of goods.
The e-scrips (duty scrips) can be transferred electronically to another party.
The benefit will not be in the form of direct credit to the bank account.
These duty credits are maintained and tracked through an electronic ledger.
Quick verification through Digitisation:
Through the digital platform, clearance happens at a much faster rate.
Multi-sector Scheme:
RoDTEP covers all sectors, including the textiles sector.
Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for schools to set up sugar boards in schools to educate students on the risks of high sugar intake.
The National Commission For Protection of Child Rights has pushed for the introduction of a ‘sugar board’ in all schools- not only CBSE affiliated but affiliated to various State boards.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts about the Initiative- Sugar Boards.
Mains: Efforts by the government in promoting healthy dietary habits and nutritional intake.
What are Sugar Boards?
Sugar board is a visual representation of the quantity of sugar contained in commonly consumed foods and drinks.
Objective: To educate students about the risks of excessive sugar intake.
It provides essential information including- recommended sugar intake, sugar content in commonly consumed foods (such as junk food and cold drinks), health risks associated with high sugar consumption and healthier dietary alternatives.
Significance: It is a significant initiative towards nutritional literacy and preventive healthcare to create awareness in nearly 2 crore students and their families.
Sugar Intake and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in Type 2 Diabetes among children, a condition primarily seen in adults. The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes among children and adolescents is 397 per lakh population, next only to China which has 734 estimated cases per lakh.
Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4-10 years and 15% of those aged 11-18 years, substantially exceeding the recommended limit of 5%.
This alarming trend is attributable to high sugar intake and easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages and processed foods within school environments.
India’s Regulatory Stand
Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) had convened a scientific panel of experts in 2025 to decide on a High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) definition pertaining only to school meals. However, the FSSAI has still not set HFSS standards or finalized the ‘health-star rating system’, for front-of-pack labelling regulations.
While there are regulations in place for making claims on packaged food, FSSAI has not fixed a cut-off for High Fat, Salt, Sugar consumption for the Indian population.
India currently relies on World Health Organisation (WHO) cut-offs for ideal HFSS intake. For instance, WHO guidelines restrict daily sugar intake in adults and children to 25 grams (six teaspoons).
Experts emphasise the need for India-specific sugar intake cut-offs based on indigenous epidemiological data, as Indians are genetically more prone to heart diseases, necessitating studies on BMI, insulin resistance, and other health indicators.
The initiative must be complemented by stringent food regulations in school canteens, formulation of India-specific HFSS standards, and widespread parental and community engagement.
Context: China is about to launch a space mission called Tianwen-2 to explore a small asteroid named Kamo‘oalewa.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Tianwen-2 Mission.
Tianwen-2 Mission:
Tianwen-2 aims to explore a near Earth asteroid named Kamo‘oalewa.
The mission will use touch-and-go technique, which has been successfully implemented by the United States’ OSIRIS-Rex and Japan’s Hayabusa2 missions. In touch-and-go technique, the spacecraft hovers close to the surface of the asteroid, while a robotic arm fires an object or burst of gas to knock fragments into a collection chamber.
Depending on the surface conditions, the Tianwen-2 probe might also use anchor and attach technique. In this technique, four robotic arms extend and drill into the surface to retrieve material.
After collecting the samples, the mission will drop them on Earth. The probe will then head towards the main asteroid belt for another mission (towards comet 311P/PANSTARRS). The fragments collected by Tianwen-2 will return to Earth about 2.5 years after the launch.
If successful, China will join the US and Japan as the third country to bring back asteroid samples to Earth.
Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid:
It is a near-Earth asteroid discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. It is quite small, measuring just 40 to 100 metres in diameter.
It belongs to a rare class called quasi-satellites- celestial bodies that orbit the Sun but remain gravitationally close to Earth.
It appears to follow Earth’s orbit in a "leading and trailing" motion due to its highly elliptical path. This gives the impression the asteroid orbits Earth.
Significance of the Mission
Kamo‘oalewa has garnered attention due to its unusual orbit and unknown origin. Scientists believe exploring this asteroid would help them find clues about quasi-satellites, and how their orbits evolved over time.
Some researchers suggest that Kamo‘oalewa could be the first known asteroid composed of lunar material. The exploration of the asteroid could settle the hypothesis that the Moon was formed as a result of a collision between the Earth and another small planet (Kamo‘oalewa could be a small remnant of that collision).
Context: Rise of AI-powered autonomous satellites has the potential to transform space operations, but at the same time it has created new legal, ethical, and geopolitical challenges.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Outer Space Treaty (1967), Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972), UNCOPUOS.
Mains: AI powered autonomous satellites - Applications & Challenges
Autonomous Satellites
Autonomous satellites are designed to perform their functions with minimal to no human intervention by utilising a suite of advanced technologies and algorithms.
Onboard intelligence in satellites is called satellite edge computing and allows satellites to analyse their environment, make decisions, and act autonomously like self-driving cars on the ground.
Applications of Autonomous Satellites
Automated space operations: Independent manoeuvring in space to perform tasks like docking, inspections, in-orbit refuelling, and debris removal.
Self-diagnosis and repair: Monitoring their own health, identifying faults, and executing repairs without human intervention.
Route planning: Optimising orbital trajectories to avoid hazards and obstacles or to save fuel.
Targeted geospatial intelligence: Detecting disasters and other events of interest in real-time from orbit and coordinating with other satellites intelligently to prioritise areas of interest.
Combat support: Providing real-time threat identification and potentially enabling autonomous target tracking and engagement, directly from orbit.
Challenges associated with Autonomous Satellites:
As satellites become more intelligent and autonomous, the stakes rise geometrically:
AI Hallucinations and misidentification of threat: A satellite hallucinating can misclassify a harmless commercial satellite as hostile, and respond with defensive actions. This could potentially escalate tensions between nations.
Legal Vacuum and Liability Ambiguities: Existing treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and Liability Convention (1972) are premised on human control. If an autonomous satellite causes damage or collision, it is unclear who bears legal responsibility- the state, private operator, software developer, or the AI itself. This creates a normative gap in international law complicating enforcement and redressal.
Geopolitical and Security Risks: AI’s dual-use capabilities (i.e., civilian + military) create misinterpretation risks in geopolitically sensitive contexts.
Ethical Concerns: AI satellites collect enormous volumes of surveillance and environmental data. Without safeguards, this data can be misused for military, commercial, or surveillance purposes.
Outer Space Treaty (1967):
Also known as Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is the foundational international treaty governing space exploration and use.
Opened for signature in 1967, it establishes several key principles including-
prohibition of weapons of mass destruction in space
commitment to peaceful uses of space
outer space is the province of all mankind.
India ratified the Treaty in 1982.
Key Articles of the Treaty :
Article I: Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all states; access must be on the basis of equality.
Article II: No state can claim sovereignty over outer space or celestial bodies.
Article IV: Prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or any weapons of mass destruction in outer space.
Article VI: States are responsible for national space activities, including those by non-governmental entities. Activities must be authorised and continually supervised by the state.
Article VII: States are internationally liable for any damage caused by their space objects to other states or their property.
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972):
It elaborates on liability provisions in Article VII of the Outer Space Treaty.
India is a signatory and has ratified the Liability Convention.
Key Provisions:
Absolute Liability: Regardless of fault, launching states are strictly liable for damage caused by their space objects on Earth or to aircraft in flight.
Fault-Based Liability: For damages occurring in outer space, liability is based on proving fault.
Joint Liability: If multiple states are involved in launching a space object, they are jointly and severally liable.
Claims Mechanism: Claims must be presented through diplomatic channels, and a claims commission may be established for disputes.
Way Forward
AI-driven satellite systems must be tested and certified by neutral international bodies to ensure safety and predictability. Bodies like United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) or International Standards Organisation could:
Test AI response to critical scenarios like collision risk, sensor malfunctions, or communication failures.
Conduct adversarial testing by feeding unexpected or manipulated data to check how AI responds under stress.
Mandate decision-logging mechanisms so that every autonomous action, especially manoeuvres, can be audited later for accountability.
Adopting pooled insurance and strict liability regimes similar to aviation and maritime sectors can ensure fair, predictable compensation mechanisms without lengthy legal disputes.
Formulation of clear international rules on how AI satellites collect, store, and share data, to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
With thousands of autonomous systems projected to operate in low-earth orbit by 2030, the probability of collisions, interference or geopolitical misinterpretation is rising. Autonomous satellites demand a new regulatory architecture that balances innovation with responsibility, and sovereignty with global cooperation.
Practice MCQ:
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Outer Space Treaty (1967):
1. It prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty over outer space.
2. It requires that all space activities be authorised and continually supervised by the state.
3. It explicitly regulates the use of artificial intelligence in space missions.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Mains Practice Question:
Q. Explain how the increasing autonomy of satellites through AI poses new challenges to space safety and security. What regulatory and technical frameworks are needed to address them?
Context: India has launched the country’s first 9000 HorsePower (HP) electric freight locomotive engine at Dahod, Gujarat with regenerative braking capability.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Regenerative Braking System.
Dahod-9000 Electric Engine:
Manufactured in: Dahod, Gujarat in collaboration with German engineering firm Siemens.
Has regenerative braking capability, i.e., when the engine brakes, it becomes a generator and produces power.
Six-axle electric engine with an average speed of 75 km/h (max speed of 120 km/h). No noise or vibration (in this engine).
Advantages: High quality; low cost; high export potential; boost freight movement; reduce CO2 emissions.
What is a Regenerative Braking System?
A regenerative braking system is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to recover the kinetic energy of the vehicle that would otherwise be lost during braking.
Braking is the mechanism by which an automotive vehicle in motion slows down.
A vehicle moving faster has more kinetic energy than a vehicle moving slower, so the process of braking removes (mostly) kinetic energy from the vehicle.
In the traditional braking systems, when the brakes are applied the kinetic energy from the vehicle is converted into heat, which is then dissipated into the environment.
In regenerative braking systems, instead of converting the kinetic energy into heat, it is converted into electrical energy which can then be stored in the vehicle's battery for later use. This is done by using the electric motor in the vehicle which acts as a generator during the braking process.
How does a Regenerative Braking System work?
Kinetic Energy Conversion: When a vehicle is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. When the driver applies the brakes, the regenerative braking system starts working.
Motor as a Generator: The electric motor which normally drives the wheels, operates in reverse during braking. It starts acting as a generator, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Energy Storage: The electrical energy generated during braking is directed to the vehicle's battery or a supercapacitor for storage.
Energy Reuse: The stored energy can be used later to power the vehicle, reducing the need to draw as much power from external sources and improving the vehicle's overall efficiency.
Benefits of Regenerative Braking:
Improved Energy Efficiency & reduced emissions: By recovering and reusing energy, regenerative braking reduces the overall energy consumption of the vehicle and reduces emission of heat.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Because regenerative braking reduces reliance on traditional friction brakes, it can decrease wear and tear on brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Limitations:
Efficiency Variations: The efficiency of energy recovery decreases as the vehicle's speed drops. (Lesser the speed of vehicle, lesser kinetic energy is available for conversion to electrical energy and storage)
Not a Complete Replacement: Regenerative braking often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop on its own and must be supplemented with conventional braking systems.
Context:57% of women in their reproductive age in India have undiagnosed and untreated Anaemia. This increases the risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight, and life-threatening maternal complications which contribute to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Anaemia.
About Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs), and consequently their oxygen-carrying capacity, is insufficient to meet the body’s physiological needs.
Anaemia impairs the body’s ability for gas exchange by decreasing the number of RBCs transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The function of the RBCs is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.
This is accomplished by using haemoglobin (Hb), a protein composed of haem and globin.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath etc.
Treatment: Anaemia is preventable and treatable. Treatments include folic acid supplements, iron chelation, and blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants (in advanced cases).
Factors causing Anaemia
Anaemia results from one or more of the following process:
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia globally (around 50% cases).
Iron is necessary for synthesis of haemoglobin (Hb).
Other nutritional deficiencies (including folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A)
Defective red cell production, increased red cell destruction or blood loss.
Inherited or acquired disorders that affect Hb synthesis, red blood cell production or red blood cell survival can all cause anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia results in impaired cognitive and motor development in children and decreased work capacity in adults.
In pregnancy iron deficiency anaemia can lead to perinatal loss (miscarriage, still birth), prematurity and low birth weight babies.
Iron deficiency anaemia adversely affects the body’s immune response.
Burden of Anaemia in India
India’s anaemia burden has grown alarmingly with NFHS-5 (2019-21) finding that:
57% of women in the age group (15-49)
67% of children between 6-59 months
59% in adolescent girls (15-19 yrs)
31% in adolescent boys (15-19 yrs)
This is a rise from the data in NFHS-4 (2015-16).
Government Initiatives to tackle Anaemia burden
1. Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy (2018):
6X6X6 strategy to reduce prevalence of anaemia in children, adolescents, and women.
Reduce Anaemia among six beneficiary age groups:
children 6-59 months
children 5-9 years
adolescents 10-19 years
women of reproductive age (15-49 years)
pregnant women
lactating women
Implementation of six interventions:
Prophylactic Iron Folic Acid Supplementation
Periodic deworming (Albendazole tablet)
Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication Campaign
Testing of anemia using digital invasive haemoglobinometer
Point of care treatment
Mandatory provision of Iron Folic Acid fortified foods in public health programmes
Addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, via six institutional mechanisms.
2. Mission Poshan 2.0:
Supplementary nutrition is provided to children (6 months to 6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers and Adolescent Girls (14 to 18 years in Aspirational districts and North-East States).
Poshan Maahs and Poshan Pakhwadas: Celebrated in September and March-April, dedicated activities for awareness on anaemia are conducted.
3. Rice Fortification Initiative:
Government is supplying fortified rice enriched with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme in all States and Union Territories.
4. Diet and Biomarkers Survey in India (DABS-I)survey (2022):
New survey launched to map diet, nutrition and health status pan India. It will collect individual dietary intake data of different age groups for correct estimates of anaemia among urban and rural populations.
5. AnemiaPhone:
It is a latest technology to accurately, quickly, and cheaply assess iron deficiency, recently transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research.
It requires a small finger prick, a drop of blood is placed on a test strip, and the device can determine iron deficiency in a few minutes. It would enable access to rapid screening, and diagnosis of iron deficiency at the point of need.
Context: The recent data from the Ministry of Education shows that the majority of schools in rural areas in India lack robust digital infrastructure and internet access.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts related to UDISE+ 2023-24 report.
Mains: Mains: Reasons behind digital divide and measures to bridge it.
India’s education system has been known to draw criticism on several counts. One is the lack of access to basic amenities and adequate infrastructure and other is the consequential rise in dropout rates. However, one important criticism is the growing digital divide in Indian schools.
The recently released Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 report by the Ministry of Education underscores this crisis.
State of Digital Infrastructure in Schools
As per UDISE+ 2023-24 report:
Around 50% of our schools do not have access to modern information and communications technology (ICT), despite proclaimed increases in investment in education both by Centre and the States.
Functional computers are available in only ~52% of schools.
The Internet is accessible in only 54% of schools.
These figures mark a marginal improvement from FY22, when just 45% of schools had computers and 34% had internet access.
Rural-Urban Gap in Internet Connectivity: Rural schools are behind urban schools in terms of internet connectivity by 29%. 69% of urban schools have access to digital infrastructure against 45% of rural schools. This indicates that a gap of 24% percent exists between urban and rural schools.
Persistent post-pandemic digitaldeprivation: A CRY survey during the pandemic found most school children lacked access to online classes, and this deprivation continues post-pandemic, despite the adoption of hybrid learning to improve access to quality education.
Tele-Density Imbalance: Urban tele-density and rural tele-density stood at 134% and 59% respectively, as of March 2024, highlighting a substantial difference of 75%, between tele-density in rural and urban areas.
Reasons for growing Digital Divide
Despite an overall increase in digital penetration, divide been growing because of following reasons:
Lack of infrastructure in rural areas:
Even though 89.7% of schools have access to functional electricity (UDISE+ 2023-24), frequent power outages especially in rural areas due to transmission and distribution losses often render digital infrastructure redundant and unusable.
Digital India School programme under the Digital India Campaign has failed to make any impact in rural schools due to poor internet connectivity.
Shortage of qualified teachers: Limits the quality and reach of computer literacy programs.
Gaps in education system: Although computer education is part of the school curriculum, there are disparities in access and instructional standards, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. E.g: Assam (17.6%), Bihar (20.4%), Madhya Pradesh (21%).
Limited access for older demographics: Older age groups often lack motivation or access to learning resources for computer literacy.
Unequal distribution of resources: There is a significant disparity in resource allocation for computer literacy initiatives, leading to unequal progress across different states and regions.
Delays in BharatNet Project: The persistent digital divide is partly due to delays in BharatNet Project, which aimed to connect 6 lakh villages with broadband by May 2023. As of October 2024, only 2.14 lakh villages were connected, pushing the deadline to 2025.
Government Initiatives to promote Digital Literacy:
Digital India Campaign 2015: To transform the country into a digitally empowered society.
Education Integration: Computer education is being integrated into the formal education system from an early age. E.g., Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Skill Development: Various programs target underprivileged communities to bridge the digital divide. E.g., Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA).
The growing digital divide highlights the urgent need to prioritise basic infrastructure in schools, especially in rural areas. Only after addressing these foundational gaps education system will become truly inclusive and effective.
Context: India and Africa are entering a new phase of development partnership centered around digital innovation.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India-Africa Digital Partnership
India’s development partnership with Africa is evolving into a digitally-driven collaboration, aligned with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030) which places digital innovation at the core of socio-economic progress.
For decades, India’s engagement with Africa included:
Concessional Lines of Credit (LoCs) for infrastructure development.
Capacity-building programmes through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
Pan-African e-Network (2009) which provided tele-medicine and tele-education through satellite and fibre-optic infrastructure, implemented by TCIL on behalf of the Indian government.
Grant-in-aid projects and humanitarian support.
Shift Towards Digital Diplomacy:
Expanding on traditional diplomacy, and building on the success of its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems, such as Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, and DIKSHA, India is now focusing on sharing and co-creating digital solutions to tackle fundamental governance and service delivery challenges in Africa.
For Example :
In 2021, Togo’s National Agency for Identification signed an MoU with IIIT-B (India) to implement the Modular Open-Source Identification Platform as the foundation for its national digital ID system.
In 2023, Zambia signed an MoU with the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure at IIIT-B to support the implementation and scaling up of the Smart Zambia Initiative, a national effort to advance digital transformation across government services.
In 2024, the Bank of Namibia signed a pact with the National Payments Corporation of India for developing a UPI-like instant payment system.
Ghana is also linking its payment system with India’s UPI to enable faster transactions.
The new IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar offers courses in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and works with Indian companies to provide scholarships. This helps build local skills and supports Africa’s digital growth.
These partnerships reflect a growing interest in India’s DPI model, which offers affordability, scalability, and a public-oriented design.
However, these advances ofIndia’s digital diplomacy in Africa are not occurring in a vacuum.
African nations prioritise digital partners based on their ability to meet national needs, with China often favoured for its low-cost, state-backed infrastructure support.
Apart from China, the European Union, the U.S., and India are competing for influence.
What sets India apart is not just its technology, but its framing of DPI as a digital public good, open-source, and its adaptability.
Opportunity for India
Deepening digital partnerships helps India strengthen diplomatic ties and build long-term goodwill with African nations, a region of growing strategic importance.
India’s DPI model offers a public-oriented alternative unlike some other countries that promote costly or surveillance-heavy systems. The real opportunity is not just in transferring technology but in working closely with African governments to build solutions that suit local needs.
Challenges:
Africa is home to the world’s largest digital divide.
High cost of data plans and devices hinder widespread digital adoption.
Stark rural-urban disparities in connectivity.
Persistent gender gap in digital access and literacy.
Many African states also face gaps in institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, and digital literacy, which can hinder DPI adoption.
Expansion of digital infrastructure requires reliable energy supply, a critical bottleneck in many African countries.
Despite challenges like limited access and energy constraints, Africa is progressing in digital governance, with widespread adoption of national ID and biometric systems.
A scalable India-Africa Digital Compact rooted in mutual respect, co-development, and open-source innovation can build on this foundation to drive inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across the continent.
