Science & Technology

From Uranium to Thorium: India’s Nuclear Fuel Shift through ANEEL

Context: India’s nuclear energy strategy is witnessing a renewed push towards thorium-based fuel innovation. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has stated that NTPC Ltd and Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) are exploring the development and deployment of thorium-based ANEEL fuel for India’s Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This marks a strategic move to strengthen long-term energy security and reduce dependence on imported uranium.

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Key Developments in India’s Nuclear Strategy

India continues to anchor its roadmap in the Three-Stage Nuclear Programme, based on the progression from uranium → plutonium → thorium. This structure ensures fuel sustainability and aligns with India’s unique resource endowment.

However, the strategy is evolving. Instead of only investing in infrastructure-heavy reactor expansion, India is now focusing on fuel innovation to improve efficiency and maximise output from existing nuclear assets. The development of advanced fuels such as ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life) reflects this shift.

Another significant change is the reorientation of thorium deployment. Earlier plans aimed at building dedicated thorium reactors, but current thinking prioritises adapting existing PHWR fleets for thorium-based fuel blends, reducing time and cost.

India’s commitment to a closed fuel cycle, including reprocessing of spent fuel, remains central to improving fissile recovery and reducing long-term waste burdens.

Why Thorium-Based ANEEL Fuel for PHWRs?

India’s uranium reserves are limited, whereas thorium deposits are among the largest globally. This creates a strong resource security incentive to diversify nuclear fuel sources.

Thorium-based ANEEL fuel offers multiple advantages:

  • Fleet Compatibility: PHWRs form the backbone of India’s nuclear capacity, and ANEEL can enhance performance without redesigning reactors.
  • Higher Fuel Efficiency: Thorium blends allow improved burn-up potential and better neutron economy.
  • Reduced Long-Lived Waste: Thorium cycles generate fewer long-lived transuranic elements compared to conventional uranium-plutonium cycles.
  • Safety Improvements: Thorium’s favourable reactor behaviour and thermal properties improve stability under stress conditions.

Thus, ANEEL fuel can act as a bridge between present infrastructure and India’s future thorium economy.

India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

Stage 1 (PHWRs)
Uses natural uranium in PHWRs. India operates 19 PHWRs, which remain the backbone of nuclear generation.

Stage 2 (Fast Breeder Reactors)
Uses plutonium-based fuel to breed more fissile material. However, slow progress has delayed large-scale expansion.

Stage 3 (Thorium Phase)
Aims to use thorium to produce Uranium-233, enabling long-term, self-sustaining nuclear power.

Currently, nuclear power contributes around 3% of India’s electricity generation, but India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

Conclusion

Thorium-based ANEEL fuel represents a practical and strategic step in India’s nuclear transition. By upgrading existing PHWRs, India can strengthen energy security, reduce waste challenges, and move closer to a sustainable thorium-driven nuclear future.

Rafale Induction Push: India’s Omnirole Airpower Upgrade

Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the plan, 96 jets will be manufactured in India through a strategic partnership model, integrating indigenous weapons such as Astra and BrahMos-NG missiles.

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About Rafale Fighter Jet

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation twin-engine multirole combat aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation. Designed as an “omnirole” platform, it can perform air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, nuclear delivery, and maritime missions within a single sortie.

It uses a canard-delta aerodynamic configuration, providing high manoeuvrability and stability across combat envelopes. Powered by two Snecma M88 engines, the aircraft can achieve Mach 1.8 and operate up to 50,000 ft, with limited supercruise capability (supersonic flight without afterburner).

Advanced Sensors and Electronic Warfare

The Rafale’s combat effectiveness stems from advanced avionics and survivability systems:

  • RBE2 AESA radar: Enables simultaneous detection, tracking, and engagement of multiple airborne and ground targets at long ranges.
  • SPECTRA EW suite: Provides electronic intelligence, threat detection, jamming, and decoy deployment for survivability in contested airspace.
  • Sensor fusion: Integrates radar, infrared search-and-track, and electronic signals into a single tactical picture for the pilot.

India-specific enhancements include helmet-mounted sights, low-band jammers, and cold-start capability for operations from high-altitude Himalayan bases.

Weapons Integration

Rafale carries a wide spectrum of advanced weapons:

  • Meteor BVR missile (>150 km): Ramjet-powered air-to-air missile providing unmatched no-escape zone in aerial combat.
  • MICA missile: Short- to medium-range interception in both IR and RF variants.
  • SCALP cruise missile: Long-range precision strike against hardened targets deep inside adversary territory.
  • HAMMER precision weapon: High-altitude stand-off strike capability in mountainous terrain.
  • Nuclear delivery capability: Strengthens the air-based leg of India’s nuclear triad.

Future integration of Astra Mk-2 and BrahMos-NG will deepen indigenisation and strike reach.

Strategic Significance for India

The 114-jet programme addresses the IAF’s declining squadron strength and modernisation gap. Domestic production enhances technology transfer, aerospace manufacturing capability, and supply-chain resilience under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Operationally, Rafale improves India’s ability to conduct multi-domain air operations, especially in high-threat environments along northern and western borders. Its long-range sensors and weapons enhance deterrence credibility against advanced regional adversaries.

Thus, Rafale represents not merely a fighter acquisition but a capability leap in India’s airpower doctrine, combining indigenous integration with proven Western combat technology.

AI for Public Good: India’s Shift Towards Inclusive Digital Welfare

Context: India is hosting the fourth AI Impact Summit with a renewed focus on “sarvajana hitaya, sarvajana sukhaya”—using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to promote welfare, inclusion, and public well-being. The emphasis is shifting from global debates on AI safety to harnessing AI as a tool for socio-economic transformation.

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AI as a Tool for Welfare Transformation

AI-driven innovations are increasingly shaping India’s public service delivery:

  • Food Security: Smallholders contribute nearly 70% of global food production, yet face productivity challenges. AI-enabled advisories improve yields and climate resilience. For instance, Kisan e-Mitra answers around 20,000 farmer queries daily in multiple languages.
  • Income Enhancement: Precision agriculture tools optimise fertiliser and pesticide use. Telangana’s Saagu Baagu programme has reportedly doubled chilli farmers’ incomes while reducing chemical inputs.
  • Healthcare Access: Telemedicine platforms help address doctor shortages. The eSanjeevani digital health service has completed about 389 million consultations by mid-2025.
  • Skill Development: Digital learning and skilling initiatives such as DIKSHA have reached over 275 million users, with a large share from rural areas.

Why Welfare-Oriented AI Is Critical for India

  • Agricultural Productivity: AI-based advisories can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen climate adaptation for farmers.
  • Universal Healthcare: India’s doctor–patient ratio of nearly 1:11,000 makes AI-enabled diagnostics and telemedicine essential.
  • Skill Gap: Only about 5% of India’s workforce has formal training; AI-driven platforms enable personalised and scalable skilling.
  • Inclusive Growth: With rural internet access around 24% compared to 66% in urban areas, AI-driven welfare can bridge regional and gender disparities.

Key Challenges

  • Digital Divide: Limited rural connectivity and digital gender gaps restrict access to AI services.
  • Talent Shortage: A shortage of skilled AI professionals slows innovation and adoption.
  • Technology Dependence: Over 90% import reliance for semiconductors exposes India’s AI ecosystem to geopolitical risks.

Way Forward

  • Outcome-Based AI: Measure success through welfare indicators—higher farm productivity, early disease detection, and learning outcomes.
  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Integrate AI with platforms like digital health, education, and payments for scale.
  • Infrastructure Alignment: Strengthen broadband, energy, and domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Regulatory Balance: Promote “good-enough” and accessible AI solutions while ensuring ethical and secure deployment.

By aligning AI with inclusive development, India can create a model where technological innovation directly improves livelihoods, strengthens human capital, and accelerates the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

SHANTI Act & Nuclear Liability Debate

Context: As reported by The Hindu, the SHANTI Act, passed during the Winter Session of Parliament, marks a decisive shift in India’s nuclear energy policy. It opens the nuclear power sector to private participation and substantially modifies the liability architecture under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010. While aimed at boosting investment and capacity, the Act has revived concerns over liability dilution, safety incentives, and victim compensation.

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Key Features of the SHANTI Act

  • Private Sector Entry: Ends the Union government’s monopoly by allowing private entities to operate nuclear power plants.
  • Supplier Indemnity: Removes the operator’s right of recourse, preventing operators from suing suppliers for defective equipment.
  • Liability Caps:
    • Operator liability capped between ₹100 crore – ₹3,000 crore.
    • Total accident liability capped at 300 million SDR (~₹3,900 crore).
  • Omission of Clause 46 (CLNDA): Victims can no longer seek remedies under other civil or criminal laws beyond the Act.
  • Regulatory Framework: Gives statutory backing to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), but member selection remains linked to a committee constituted by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).

Liability and Safety Concerns

Supplier Indemnity Debate

  • Evidence from Past Accidents: Major nuclear disasters were linked to design and engineering flaws—
    Chernobyl (reactor instability), Three Mile Island (control room failures), Fukushima (containment and flood protection gaps).
  • Distorted Safety Incentives: Indemnifying suppliers weakens pressure for rigorous quality control and accountability.
  • Risk Transfer: Liability shifts from suppliers → operators → State/victims, diluting the polluter-pays principle.

Liability Cap vs Potential Damage

  • Scale Mismatch:
    • SHANTI Act cap: ~₹3,900 crore
    • Fukushima damages: ~₹46 lakh crore
  • Compensation Deficit: Even the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) funds would cover <1% of catastrophic loss.
  • Absolute Liability Dilution: Relaxation for “grave natural disasters” weakens India’s traditionally strict hazardous industry liability regime.

Way Forward

  • Liability Rebalancing: Restore calibrated supplier accountability through hybrid liability models used in select OECD countries.
  • Regulatory Independence: Strengthen AERB autonomy to prevent regulatory capture, on lines of the US NRC and France’s ASN.
  • Safety Investment Mandate: Enforce stronger multi-hazard resilience and disaster preparedness, reflecting post-Fukushima global standards.

Institutional Background

  • Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
    • Established: 1983, under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
    • Role: Licensing, safety oversight, decommissioning approvals
    • Position: Functions under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
  • Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
    • Established: 1948
    • Role: Policy direction and strategic control of India’s nuclear programme
    • Oversees: BARC, NPCIL, AERB
    • Chaired by: Secretary, DAE

Eyes in Orbit: India’s Private Leap in Space Surveillance

Context: India’s private satellite Aerospace First Runner (AFR) achieved a major milestone in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) by tracking and imaging the International Space Station (ISS) from orbit — the first publicly known case of an Indian private satellite performing space-to-space imaging (“in-orbit snooping”).

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India’s First Private Non-Earth Imaging Satellite

The AFR satellite marks a shift in India’s space ecosystem from state-led missions to private-sector deep-space capabilities. Built by Azista BST Aerospace (ABA), an Indo-German joint venture, the 80-kg satellite was launched in June 2023 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-8 mission into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

Though primarily designed as an optical Earth-observation satellite with panchromatic and multispectral cameras, AFR demonstrated the ability to track and image another satellite — the International Space Station — from orbit. This capability, termed Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) or space-to-space imaging, involves satellites observing objects in orbit rather than Earth.

Strategic Significance for Space Situational Awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) refers to tracking and monitoring all objects in Earth’s orbit to ensure safe and secure space operations. AFR’s achievement has major implications:

  • Orbital surveillance: Ability to inspect satellites, space debris, or hostile spacecraft.
  • Collision avoidance: Imaging and tracking improve orbital safety and debris mitigation.
  • Strategic security: Dual-use potential for defence, intelligence, and anti-satellite monitoring.
  • Private capability: Demonstrates India’s growing commercial space competence under IN-SPACe reforms.

With global satellite numbers rising rapidly (over 9,000 active satellites), SSA has become a critical domain for space-faring nations.

Technical Profile of AFR

  • Mass: ~80 kg small satellite
  • Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit (~500–600 km altitude)
  • Payload: Wide-swath optical cameras (panchromatic + multispectral)
  • Primary Role: Earth observation (agriculture, disasters, urban planning)
  • Advanced Capability: Space-to-space imaging (ISS tracking)

The ability to reorient optical sensors to image another fast-moving orbital object requires precise attitude control, tracking algorithms, and orbital mechanics modelling — indicating high technological maturity for a private satellite.

Applications Beyond Space Surveillance

While SSA is the headline achievement, AFR continues to support conventional Earth-observation uses:

  • Crop health and precision agriculture
  • Disaster mapping and damage assessment
  • Urban infrastructure monitoring
  • Environmental and land-use analysis

Thus, AFR demonstrates the convergence of civil, commercial, and strategic space capabilities in India’s emerging private space sector.

India’s Expanding Private Space Ecosystem

Since the 2020 space reforms, India has enabled private players through:

  • IN-SPACe regulatory facilitation
  • Commercial launch access (ISRO infrastructure)
  • Foreign collaboration and manufacturing
  • Small-satellite market participation

AFR’s success positions India among a small group of nations capable of operational space-to-space imaging, a frontier technology in orbital security.

Conclusion

The AFR satellite’s in-orbit imaging of the ISS marks a watershed moment for India’s private space sector and SSA capability. It signals India’s transition from Earth observation to orbital domain awareness, strengthening both commercial competitiveness and strategic autonomy in space.

Indian Scientific Service (ISS): Towards Expert-Led Policymaking

Context: As highlighted by The Hindu, the growing technical complexity of governance—spanning artificial intelligence, climate change, biotechnology, and nuclear safety—has revived the debate on creating an Indian Scientific Service (ISS). The proposal aims to institutionalise evidence-based, expert-led policymaking within the Indian administrative framework.

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Current Framework of Scientific Services

India’s governance architecture continues to be dominated by generalist administrators, even in highly technical domains.

  • Generalist Hegemony: Scientific departments are largely headed by IAS officers, often leading to gaps in domain-specific leadership.
  • Fragmented Recruitment: Unlike the Civil Services Examination, scientific recruitment is decentralised across bodies such as CSIR, ISRO, and ICMR, limiting inter-sector mobility.
  • Restrictive Conduct Rules: Scientists are governed by CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, prioritising administrative compliance over independent inquiry.
  • Reactive Utilisation: Scientific expertise is mostly invoked during crises rather than embedded in long-term policy design.
  • Vertical Immobility: Technical experts often face a “glass ceiling,” with final decision-making resting with generalist administrators.

Arguments in Favour of an Indian Scientific Service

  • Regulatory Agility: A specialised cadre can better regulate “black-box” technologies such as AI, genomics, and quantum systems.
  • Diplomatic Leverage: Scientific negotiators enhance India’s position in global forums on climate finance, nuclear safeguards, and health security.
  • Institutional Memory: A permanent scientific cadre ensures continuity in long-gestation R&D and mission-mode projects.
  • Innovation Culture: Separate service rules can legitimise risk-taking, treating failure as part of innovation.
  • ‘Lab to Land’ Translation: ISS officers can bridge research outputs with scalable public welfare programmes.

Arguments Against the ISS

  • Administrative Siloisation: A separate cadre may weaken coordination between scientists and executive administrators.
  • Technocratic Tunnel Vision: Excessive reliance on technical logic may underplay socio-economic and political realities.
  • Bureaucratic Expansion: A new service may increase fiscal costs and procedural complexity.
  • Research Dilution: Scientists risk being overburdened with administrative work.
  • Existing Alternatives: Lateral Entry already offers flexible, targeted expertise without creating a permanent cadre.

Way Forward

  • Embedded Cadre Model: Place scientific officers within ministries instead of creating a rigid vertical.
  • Statutory Safeguards: Protect scientific integrity and the right to record dissent.
  • Unified Training: Establish a Policy–Science Bridge at LBSNAA.
  • Legislative Support: Create a scientific advisory unit attached to Parliament.
  • Phased Rollout: Pilot ISS in sectors like Public Health and Disaster Management before expansion.

Data Privacy in the Digital Republic: India’s Governance Challenge

Context: International Data Privacy Day (28 January) commemorates the 2006 signing of Convention 108, the world’s first binding international treaty on data protection. The 2026 theme—“Take Control of Your Data”—underscores individual agency and informed consent in an increasingly data-driven economy.

What is Data Privacy?

Data privacy refers to an individual’s right to control how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and shared. In the digital age, it is a cornerstone of democratic governance, market trust, and national security.

In K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court recognised the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21, placing constitutional limits on state and private data use.

India’s Digital Scale and the Privacy Imperative

India is the third-largest digital economy, with nearly one billion internet users and about 70% penetration. Population-scale Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker—has transformed service delivery but also amplified privacy risks. Ultra-low data costs (≈ $0.10/GB) have accelerated adoption, generating vast datasets that can be misused for profiling, AI-driven manipulation, and deepfakes.

State digitisation further heightens exposure. Platforms such as eSanjeevani (over 44 crore telemedicine consultations) and MyGov (over 6 crore users) handle sensitive personal data, making robust safeguards indispensable.

Recognising these risks, the Union Budget 2025–26 earmarked ₹782 crore for cybersecurity, signalling the growing salience of data protection in public policy.

Beyond citizen trust, privacy has economic value. Strong data governance improves investment confidence, enables cross-border digital trade, and positions Indian firms as credible global partners.

India’s Data Protection Architecture

India’s framework has evolved from sectoral rules to a comprehensive statute:

  • Information Technology Act, 2000: The parent law for cyber offences and electronic governance; Section 69A empowers content blocking for national security.
  • CERT-In: National nodal agency for cyber incident response and breach advisories.
  • IT Rules, 2021: Due diligence and grievance redressal obligations for intermediaries to ensure platform accountability.
  • Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023: India’s first comprehensive personal data law, built on the SARAL principle—Simple, Accessible, Rational, Actionable. It emphasises lawful purpose, consent, data minimisation, and accountability.
  • DPDP Rules, 2025: Operationalise enforcement, timelines, and compliance processes.
  • Data Protection Board of India (DPBI): A digital-first regulator for complaint filing and adjudication; appeals lie with TDSAT.

The Road Ahead

As India’s digital footprint expands, data protection must move from compliance to culture. Empowering users with meaningful consent, strengthening institutional capacity, and aligning innovation with privacy-by-design will be critical.

International Data Privacy Day is a reminder that safeguarding personal data is not merely a legal obligation—it is central to sustaining India’s digital transformation with trust and constitutional fidelity.

India’s Bhairav Battalions: Institutionalising Next-Generation Land Warfare

Context: The Indian Army’s newly raised Bhairav Battalions, also known as Desert Falcons, will make their ceremonial debut at the Army Day Parade on January 15, 2026, in Jaipur. Their public unveiling signals a doctrinal shift towards agile, technology-driven and hybrid warfare capabilities.

What are Bhairav Battalions?

Bhairav Battalions are high-mobility offensive infantry units designed to operate across conventional, sub-conventional and grey-zone conflict environments.

They are conceptualised from lessons drawn from recent global conflicts, including Ukraine, West Asia, and India’s own operational experience along the western and northern borders.

Unlike traditional infantry formations, these battalions are structured to execute Special Forces–like missions while remaining embedded within the regular Army framework.

This positions them as a bridge force between the elite Para (Special Forces) units and standard infantry battalions, enabling wider dissemination of advanced combat capabilities.

Key Operational Features

A defining feature of the Bhairav Battalions is their drone-centric doctrine. The Indian Army is developing a cadre of over one lakh drone-trained personnel, enabling real-time surveillance, target acquisition, loitering munitions deployment, and battlefield situational awareness.

This reflects a shift from manpower-intensive operations to sensor–shooter integration.

The battalions are optimised for rapid deployment, high-speed manoeuvre, and decentralised command structures—essential for modern battlefields characterised by information dominance and precision strikes.

Strategic Significance

  • Hybrid Warfare Readiness: Enhances India’s ability to counter state and non-state threats involving cyber, drones, proxies, and conventional forces simultaneously.
  • Force Multiplier: Expands special-operations capability beyond limited elite units.
  • Deterrence Signalling: Their Army Day parade debut conveys India’s intent to institutionalise future warfare doctrines.
  • Operational Flexibility: Suitable for deserts, plains, and semi-urban theatres, particularly along the western front.

Force Expansion

Currently, 15 Bhairav Battalions have been raised, with plans to expand to around 25 battalions. This reflects a long-term restructuring of India’s land forces to ensure adaptability against evolving threats.

Conclusion

The Bhairav Battalions mark a paradigm shift in Indian Army doctrine—from platform-heavy, linear warfare to agile, technology-enabled combat units.

Their induction strengthens India’s preparedness for future conflicts where speed, precision, and information dominance will define battlefield success.

Strengthening India’s Biosecurity Framework

Context: Rapid advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and dual-use research have heightened the risk of deliberate biological threats. This makes biosecurity - distinct from biosafety—a strategic national priority for India.

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What is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity refers to the policies, practices, and institutional systems designed to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or life-science technologies.

  • Scope: Human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment
  • Includes: Laboratory security, surveillance, export controls, and response to deliberate outbreaks
  • Biosafety vs Biosecurity:
    • Biosafety → Prevents accidental release of pathogens
    • Biosecurity → Prevents intentional misuse of biological materials

Why India Needs a Stronger Biosecurity Framework

  • Demographic Vulnerability:
    With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and high urban density, even small outbreaks can escalate rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed stress points in hospital capacity and disease surveillance.
  • Agriculture & Livelihood Risks:
    About 42% of India’s workforce depends on agriculture. Deliberate attacks on crops or livestock could undermine food security and rural incomes.
  • Dual-Use Research Risks:
    According to the WHO, nearly 42% of high-risk laboratories globally lack adequate oversight to prevent diversion of legitimate research for harmful purposes.
  • Non-State Actor Threats:
    Terrorist misuse of biological toxins remains a concern, with alleged ricin-related cases reported in India.
  • Global Preparedness Gap:
    India ranked 66th in the Global Health Security Index (2023), indicating relatively weaker response and preparedness capacities.

India's Existing Biosecurity Framework

Institutional Architecture

  • Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Regulates biotechnology research and biocontainment
  • National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): Disease surveillance and outbreak response
  • Animal & Plant Authorities: Monitor zoonotic and agricultural bio-risks

Legal Framework

  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Regulation of GMOs
  • WMD Act, 2005: Criminalises biological weapons
  • Biosafety Rules, 1989 & rDNA Guidelines, 2017: Standards for recombinant DNA research

International Engagement

  • Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Prohibits biological weapons
  • Australia Group: Export controls on dual-use biological materials

Key Challenges

  • Fragmented Governance: No single nodal authority for biosecurity
  • Outdated Laws: Limited coverage of synthetic biology and gene editing
  • Dual-Use Oversight Gaps: No mandatory assessment of misuse potential
  • One-Health Silos: Human, animal, and environmental surveillance remain disconnected, despite 70% of emerging diseases being zoonotic

Way Forward

  • Unified Authority: Establish a National Biosecurity Authority (similar to Australia’s Biosecurity Act model)
  • Legal Modernisation: Update laws to regulate synthetic biology and gene editing
  • One-Health Integration: Link human, animal, and environmental surveillance
  • DNA Order Screening: Mandate verification of gene-synthesis orders
  • Global Cooperation: Deepen coordination under the Australia Group

Brain–Computer Interface (BCI): Bridging the Human Brain and Machines

Context: As reported in The Hindu, Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are moving beyond experimental laboratories into real-world applications, accelerating the global neurotechnology revolution. Neurotechnology refers to mechanical or digital tools used to record, analyse, or influence the human nervous system, particularly the brain.

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What is a Brain–Computer Interface?

A Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that enables direct communication between the brain’s electrical signals and an external device, bypassing the neuromuscular pathways.

Its primary objective is to restore, enhance, or substitute cognitive and sensory-motor functions, especially for individuals suffering from paralysis, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Components of a BCI System

  1. Signal Acquisition: Electrodes capture neural electrical activity from the brain.
  2. Signal Processing: Raw signals are filtered to remove noise and extract meaningful patterns.
  3. Translation: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms convert neural patterns into digital commands.
  4. Device Output & Feedback: Commands control external devices (e.g., robotic limbs, cursors), while feedback helps users improve accuracy.

Types of BCIs

  • Non-Invasive BCIs: Sensors placed on the scalp (EEG, fMRI); low risk but lower signal resolution.
  • Partially Invasive BCIs: Electrodes placed beneath the skull but outside brain tissue (ECoG); better signal quality with moderate risk.
  • Invasive BCIs: Electrodes implanted directly into brain tissue; high precision but higher infection risk (e.g., Neuralink, Blackrock Neurotech).

Key Applications

  • Medical: Mobility assistance for paralysis, speech recovery in stroke patients, Parkinson’s and epilepsy treatment, and vision-restoration research.
  • Cognitive Enhancement: Neurofeedback-based training for attention, memory, and performance improvement.
  • Security & Defence: Secure authentication and hands-free control of advanced systems.
  • Human–Machine Interaction: Thought-controlled gaming, VR/AR navigation, and smart-home systems.

Why India Needs BCI Adoption

India’s neurological disease burden doubled between 1990 and 2019, with stroke contributing 37.9% of DALYs (Lancet Global Health). An ageing population, coupled with rising dementia cases, makes assistive neurotechnology essential. With a projected USD 6 billion global BCI market by 2030, indigenous innovation can boost startups, patents, and India’s status as a neurotechnology hub.

India’s Current Standing

India holds about 2.5% of the global BCI market (2024). Notable developments include IIT Kanpur’s BCI-controlled robotic hand, C-DAC’s Vivan-BCI for children with special needs, and startups like BrainSight AI working on neurological mapping and screening tools. India’s BCI ecosystem is currently dominated by non-invasive EEG-based systems.

Global Landscape

The United States leads with companies like Neuralink and Synchron. Europe focuses on collaborative neurorehabilitation research.

China’s Brain Project (2016–2030) integrates cognition research and brain-inspired AI, while Japan and South Korea emphasise rehabilitation, robotics, and gaming-oriented BCIs.

Australia Enforces World’s First Under-16 Social Media Ban

Context: Australia has implemented the world’s first nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16, effective 10 December 2025. The law mandates platforms to verify user age, delete underage accounts, and comply with stringent enforcement oversight.

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Why the Ban Was Introduced

Multiple studies and clinical observations indicate rising digital harm among children:

  • Online Exposure Risks: Nearly 70% of users aged 10–15 report exposure to violent content, misogyny, or self-harm posts.
  • Cyberbullying: Over 50% of Australian children experienced bullying online, correlating with increased cases of anxiety, trauma, and social withdrawal.
  • Addictive Design: Children reportedly spend 4–6 hours per day on platforms, with persuasive design techniques increasing compulsive use by 30–40%.
  • Mental Health Decline: Youth suicides (15–17 age group) have risen by 13% in five years, and mental health experts have linked excessive screen time to worsening emotional instability.

Implementation Challenges

The policy faces several structural hurdles:

  • Age-Verification Gaps: AI-based age-estimation tools have an inaccuracy margin of 25–35%, risking false approvals and exclusions.
  • Data Privacy Risks: With recent breaches exposing over 10 million records, the public fears storing sensitive identity or biometric data.
  • Circumvention Methods: Evidence from the UK shows a 1,800% increase in VPN use post similar regulations.
  • Weak Enforcement: The penalty of $49.5 million per violation may be low compared to revenue scales of global platforms.

Global Context

  • UK: The Online Safety Act 2023 mandates strict age controls and executive accountability.
  • EU: Several nations require verified parental consent for minors under 15; proposals for bans and curfews are increasing.
  • Malaysia: A nationwide age-verification system linked to MyKad/MyDigitalID will apply from 2026.

Way Forward

Experts suggest:

  • Layered Age Assurance: Combine device-level controls, behavioural signals, and optional ID verification for balanced compliance.
  • Independent Audits: Third-party algorithm reviews ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
  • Cross-Platform Regulation: Policies must include AI chat tools, games, and VR platforms.
  • Digital Literacy: Schools and parents must be equipped to guide safe online behaviour.

Relevance to India

India has 820+ million internet users, including over 500 million social media users. The regulatory framework includes the IT Act 2000, IT Rules 2021, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023.

Key provisions include:

  • Mandatory removal of harmful content within 24 hours.
  • Appointment of compliance officers in India.
  • Parental consent required for users under 18, with bans on profiling and targeted advertising.

Cybercrime in India surged 65% (2019–23), and child cybercrime reports rose 400%, underlining the urgency of stronger safeguards.

India to Open Civil Nuclear Power Sector to Private Firms

Context: According to recent reports, the Union Government is planning to partially open India’s civil nuclear power sector—currently a state monopoly—to private companies. This marks a major policy shift in a sector governed exclusively by the Central Government since the enactment of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

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Current Nuclear Energy Landscape

India presently operates 25 nuclear reactors across seven power stations, with an installed capacity of 8,880 MW, contributing nearly 3% of total electricity generation (FY 2024–25).

India aims to expand capacity to 22.5 GW by 2031-32 and reach 100 GW by 2047, aligning with Net Zero commitments.

Most reactors are indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), with a few imported Light Water Reactors (LWRs) under international agreements.

India imports over 80% uranium from Kazakhstan, alongside supplies from Russia, Uzbekistan, Canada and Australia. Domestic reserves are estimated at 4.25 lakh tonnes, primarily mined in Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh.

Legal and Policy Framework

  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Restricts nuclear power generation to Government and PSUs such as NPCIL.
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010: Establishes supplier liability, a key issue post the India-US Nuclear Deal.
  • Safety Oversight: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) ensures regulatory compliance.
  • India follows a closed fuel-cycle policy, enabling reprocessing of spent fuel to reduce waste.

Why Private Participation Matters

Private sector entry is expected to:

  • Mobilise investment to bridge an estimated $26 billion funding deficit.
  • Improve project timelines through a Fleet Mode construction strategy.
  • Accelerate deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
  • Expand high-precision manufacturing for reactor-grade equipment.
  • Reduce tariffs to ₹4–5/unit via improved efficiency and competition.

Challenges Ahead

Key barriers remain:

  • Unlimited supplier liability under Section 17(b) of CLNDA hinders global OEM participation.
  • Nuclear power’s exclusion from the Green Taxonomy limits access to low-cost financing.
  • High generation cost (₹6–8/unit) discourages long-term purchase agreements.
  • Land acquisition challenges and public opposition delay projects.
  • Current rules restrict private firms to construction roles, blocking Build-Own-Operate participation.

Recent Government Measures

  • Proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to permit private ownership of civilian nuclear plants.
  • Planned revision of CLNDA (2010) to align with global conventions.
  • Launch of Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat with ₹20,000 crore funding for SMRs and advanced systems.
  • Development of new PPP frameworks, where private firms may provide capital and infrastructure, while NPCIL oversees operations.

Conclusion

Opening India’s civil nuclear sector to private participation represents a strategic shift aligned with energy security, climate goals, and industrial growth. While legal, financial and public acceptance challenges persist, reforms and technological innovation—especially SMRs—may position India as a major nuclear energy hub by 2047.

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