Science & Technology

Role of BESS in shaping India’s Energy Transition

Context: Energy storage technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a crucial solution to mitigate the variability of renewable energy while enhancing grid stability. Declining costs and technological advancements lead to the accelerating expansion of BESS.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to battery energy storage system (BESS). 

India’s first Battery Energy Storage System- Key Highlights

  • India’s first commercial utility-scale BESS (an inverter that can provide electricity to a grid) from renewable energy is operational from April 2025. 
  • Capacity: 20 MW (megawatt)/40 MWh (megawatt hour) cluster of batteries. 
    • It is capable of providing four hours of power every day (two hours each during the day and at night).
    • The electricity used to charge the system’s batteries will come from renewable power purchase agreements.
  • Location: South Delhi's Kilokri village.
  • Initiative of: BSES Rajdhani (joint venture between the Reliance Group and the Delhi government)
  • Utility: Enable 24/7 reliable power in the area for over 12,000 low-income consumers.
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What is a Battery Energy Storage System?

  • BESS are advanced systems that use rechargeable batteries to store energy generated from different sources, generally renewable sources like sun and wind, and release it to the grid when needed. 
  • BESS are intelligent systems that use algorithms and software to coordinate with the electricity grid and decide whether to store or release energy. 
  • Commonly used batteries in BESS: Lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, long life span and declining costs.  
  • Components of BESS:
    • Batteries (lithium-ion, lead-acid, flow-batteries etc.)
    • Inverters to convert stored DC to AC power for the grid and vice versa. 
    • Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor battery health and performance. 
    • Thermal Management Systems to regulate the temperature of batteries. 
  • Utility of BESS:
    • Store surplus energy.  
    • Reliable source of backup power.
    • Enhance grid stability.
    • Enhance integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.
    • Clean, reliable and affordable electricity to citizens.
  • Limitations of BESS: 
    • High initial capital cost for installing BESS.
    • Limited number of battery charge-discharge cycles, eventually needs replacement. 
    • Energy loss during charge-discharge cycles eventually reduces efficiency of the batteries.  
    • Environmental challenges due to mining for critical minerals used in batteries and disposal of batteries. 

Development of 4 GWh BESS:

  • India has set a target of 500 GW of installed power capacity from non-conventional fuels by 2030. As of January 2025, the country had already achieved 217.62 GW. To achieve full results, BESS deployment must be accelerated.
  • India's total BESS capacity reached 219 MW as of March 2024. The government has committed to installing 47 GW of BESS by 2032 to enable increased renewable deployment and its integration with the grid.
  • Significance: 
    • BESS capacity of 4GWh is expected to result in an annual reduction of approximately 1.3 million metric tons (MMT) of carbon emissions, considering charging of BESS with Renewable Energy.

Government Initiatives in this regard

1. Viability gap funding: 

  • In September 2023, the Central Government approved a scheme to create BESS capacity of 4GWh by 2030-31. 
  • Viability gap funding to the developers up to 40% of capital cost for BESS is provided by the Central Government.
  • Total outlay: ₹3,760 crore. 
  • The funding will be offered over three years from 2023-24 to 2025-26. 

2. PLI Scheme: 

  • The Central Government has also announced a ₹18,100 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced cell chemistry battery manufacturing.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection

Context: A recent study presents a novel approach to Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) as a potential means to directly cool the Earth.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Concept and Mechanism of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Method.

What is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)?

  • SAI is a proposed method of cooling the planet and reducing the impacts of climate change by adding a layer of tiny reflective particles (aerosols) to the high atmosphere. 
  • Aerosols reflect sunlight back into space, increasing Earth’s albedo and lowering surface temperatures by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the earth.
  • The method was inspired by volcanic eruptions, which have been known to have a cooling effect on the planet by spewing aerosols into the air.
  • How well SAI works depends on the type of material injected, the timing of the injection, and the location. 

Key Findings: 

  • Injecting 12 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide every year at an altitude of 13 km in the local spring and summer seasons of each hemisphere could cool the planet by approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius. 
  • To achieve 1°C cooling, 21 million tonnes/year of sulphur dioxide would be required.
  • If the particles were injected at an even higher altitude in the subtropics, only 7.6 million tonnes would be required annually.
  • Higher altitude injection is more effective because particles stay for longer. At lower altitudes particles are more likely to be caught in clouds and washed out by rain. Despite this, researchers are exploring low-altitude spraying because it is technically less challenging.

While there are some benefits to this method, using three times the usual amount of aerosols carries greater risk.

Risks and Side effects of SAI 

  • Social and geopolitical risks: If one country injects aerosols into the stratosphere, all countries will be affected, it could affect global climate patterns, leading to conflicts.
  • Delayed recovery of the ozone hole and increased risk of acid rain.
  • Cooling could mask warming on the ground and make countries complacent about curtailing emissions.

Defence Production in India receives a Fillip

Context: While India continues to import a large share of its defence equipment and weapons, government data shows that domestic manufacturing has picked up.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key trends in India’s defence sector production.

Rising Indigenous Defence Production

  • India’s defence production touched a record high in FY24 at ₹1.3 lakh crore, growing at 17% compared to FY23, and exceeding the ₹1 lakh crore mark for the second year in a row. In fact, defence production has been seeing double-digit growth since FY22.
  • While the complete figures for FY25 are not yet in, government data as of December 2024 shows that production is touching ₹90,000 crore against a target of ₹1.6 lakh crore for FY25.
  • PSUs continue to dominate total defence production. Private companies are gradually expanding, from around 20% share in defence production between FY17 and FY24, their contribution has risen to 24% in FY25. 
  • MSMEs contributed significantly to defence production with FY25 procurement exceeding ₹13,000 crore, over twice the mandated target, due to government support through compulsory procurement norms.
  • India’s defence exports have exceeded ₹20,000 crore in the past two financial years (FY23 & FY24). These figures are twice as in FY20. Private firms also lead in defence exports, primarily due to a higher number of export authorisations granted to them.
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Despite the surge in production and exports, the share of defence in overall government expenditure is on a decline. Yet, India still spends more on the military (as % of GDP) than many other emerging markets.

Also Read: India is the second largest arms importer after Ukraine: SIPRI 

Thermophile Bacteria 

Context: Researchers have discovered thermophilic bacteria capable of producing antimicrobial compounds, particularly from the Actinobacteria group in the Rajgir hot spring in Bihar. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts of Thermophiles bacteria.

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Thermophilic Bacteria

  • Thermophiles are heat-loving bacteria that can survive in extreme temperatures ranging from 45°C to 70°C. They thrive in hot springs, deep-sea vents, and compost piles, etc. 
  • To compete with other microbes, some thermophiles produce strong antibiotics. These antibiotics kill or suppress other bacteria, helping thermophiles survive better.

Findings from Rajgir Hot Spring Study: 

  • Using a method called 16S rRNA metagenomics, researchers identified one major group of bacteria- Actinobacteria. 
  • Actinobacteria constituted 40-43% of the microbial diversity in the lake, a much higher share than typically observed in hot springs (generally ~20%).
  • This group of bacteria is well-known for producing antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin. However, not all thermophiles can produce antibiotics. 
  • Seven strains of Actinobacteria were found that produced potent antimicrobial compounds. These antimicrobial compounds are capable of inhibiting the growth of several pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Researchers have succeeded in isolating a compound called diethyl phthalate from Actinomycetales bacteria found in the hot spring. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), they identified its antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, a serious foodborne pathogen. This finding highlights the potential use-case of hot spring microbes.
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Significance of Thermophiles:

  • Produce antibiotics: Discovering antibiotic-producing thermophiles offers a promising solution to combat antimicrobial resistance, which could add $1 trillion to global healthcare costs by 2050.
  • Produce enzymes for diagnostics: Enzymes from thermophiles like Thermus aquaticus are used in PCR testing, which became a backbone of COVID-19 diagnostics.
  • Heat-resistant enzymes from thermophiles are used in biotechnology, molecular biology, and chemical industries.
  • Biofertilisers: A 2018 study by Banaras Hindu University found that thermophiles from Chumathang hot spring in Leh enhanced plant growth, suggesting application in biofertilisers and heat-stress resistant crops.

What are Building-Integrated Photovoltaics? 

Context: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is an emerging alternative to conventional rooftop solar power installations.  

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key facts about BIPVs- benefits, challenges. 

  • With over 17 GW of installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity as of April 2025, India has made commendable progress in its renewable energy mission. 
  • In space-starved urban areas, RTS systems face limitations due to insufficient shadow-free rooftop space. Nearby buildings, trees, water tanks etc. obstruct the direct sunlight. This structural challenge necessitates a shift from conventional rooftop installations to Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

  • BIPV are solar panels integrated into the structure of buildings, such as facades, roofs, windows, and balconies, replacing conventional construction materials while simultaneously generating electricity.
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Benefits of BIPV: 

  • Dual Use: Generating electricity and also working as a structural part of a building. BIPV can turn entire buildings into power generators by integrating solar elements directly into architectural elements. This needs replacing conventional construction materials such as glass, tiles, and cladding with solar alternatives.
  • Efficient Space utilisation: In space-constrained high-rises, BIPV can generate 3-4 times more power by utilising facades and other building surfaces, compared to limited rooftop solar capacity.
  • Inclusive Solar access: BIPV enables solar adoption beyond rooftops, ideal for independent homes and apartments with no roof access. Balcony-integrated systems, already popular in Germany, can help households save up to 30% on electricity bills.

What is the status of BIPVs in India?

  • India has some BIPV installations. E.g., Datacenters building in Navi Mumbai, Renewable Energy Museum in Kolkata, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. facility in Angul, Odisha (hosts one of the largest BIPV installations in India), and is also incorporated into some railway stations.
  • However, BIPVs adoption in India has been limited by high initial costs, policy gaps, inadequate technical capacity, and reliance on imports. Low awareness, lack of dedicated incentives, and absence of clear standards also pushed BIPV out of early building-design considerations.

How can BIPV uptake be scaled up?

  • Expand Financial Incentives: Increase subsidies for BIPV under schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (currently ₹78,000 for a 3-kW system). Introduce dedicated incentive schemes for commercial and industrial BIPV adoption, similar to Seoul’s model with up to 80% subsidy.
  • Policy Integration: Integrate BIPV in the National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, and Eco Niwas Samhita.
  • Pilot Projects: Demonstrating BIPV through pilot projects in public infrastructure (via public-private partnerships) can improve visibility and catalyse wider acceptance.
  • Boost Local Manufacturing: Extend PLI schemes and invest in R&D for customised, India-specific BIPV products.
  • Awareness & Capacity Building: Train architects, planners, and builders; run public campaigns to mainstream BIPV.
  • Innovative Financing Models: Financial arrangements such as Renewable Energy Service Company model, and long-term power purchase agreements can help enhance project reliability and enable large-scale BIPV deployment.
  • Adapt successful global models such as- Europe’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive mandating solar use in new buildings. South Korea’s urban solar subsidies, making BIPV cost-competitive in cityscapes.

To achieve its 300 GW solar target by 2030, India must look beyond rooftops and embrace land-neutral solutions like BIPV, which has an estimated 309 GW potential in existing buildings alone.  

Artificial Nanozyme to prevent abnormal Blood Clots

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can be used to prevent abnormal blood clotting caused by conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

Relevance of Topic: Prelims: Scope of artificial metal-based nanozyme; Applications of Nanotechnology. 

Clotting of blood under normal conditions: 

  • When a blood vessel is injured, specialised blood cells called platelets get activated and cluster together around the vessel to form protective blood clots to stop bleeding. This is the normal blood clotting cascade (haemostasis). 
  • Haemostasis involves a complex series of protein interactions triggered by exposure to proteins like collagen (from the damaged vessel wall) and enzymes like thrombin (key enzyme in clot formation; activates fibrinogen and stabilises the clot.   
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Under diseases like PTE or COVID-19:

  • In conditions like PTE or diseases like COVID-19, the oxidative stress and levels of toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increases in the body, leading to over-activation of platelets. 
  • This triggers the formation of excess clots in the blood vessel contributing to thrombosis (life-threatening causes blockages in blood vessels).
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Artificial metal-based Nanozyme: 

  • To tackle this challenge, researchers have developed a nanomaterial that mimics the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes. 
  • This artificial nanoenzyme is spherical vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). It scavenges reactive oxidative molecules, controls ROS levels, and thereby prevents the over-activation of platelets.

Thus, artificial metal-based nanozyme will help in reducing ROS levels, preventing over-activation of platelets and controlling abnormal blood clotting.

S-400 Missile System: India's Sudarshan Chakra

Context: Recently, Russian authorities have confirmed that Russia will deliver the remaining units of S-400 air defence systems to India by 2025-2026. India has strategically deployed four S-400 squadrons, with key installations in Pathankot, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, creating a robust shield around its most critical regions.

  • Despite fear of sanctions from the US, under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), India and Russia signed a contract in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 system worth over Rs 35,000 crore. 
  • Russia has already delivered the three units of S-400 Triumf systems, with the first unit delivered in 2021.  
S-400 Triumf Features

S-400 Missile System:  

  • The S-400 Triumf is a surface-to-air missile system (SAM) and one of the most advanced anti-aircraft systems developed by Russia. 
  • It is designed to defend against a wide range of air threats which include- aircrafts, ballistic, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • The missile defence system includes- multifunctional radars, automated command centres, four types of missiles, and mobile launchers.  
  • Capability:
    • S-400 has a maximum range of up to 400 km.
    • It can destroy targets at a height of 10 m to 30 km. 
    • It can track up to 80 targets simultaneously, engaging up to 36 of them at once. 
    • It can intercept targets moving at speeds of up to 4.8 kilometers per second, offering high precision in neutralising fast-moving threats.
  • Missiles:
  • The S-400’s radar system includes several different sensors for detection of short-range, medium-range and long-range targets.
    • The main one is the 91N6E Big Bird, a three-dimensional phased-array radar capable of detecting targets at long ranges.
    • The 92N6E Grave Stone radars are used to guide the missiles and more accurately detect medium and short-range targets.
    • The system relies on integrated command control with a 55K6E module that coordinates actions between launchers and radars, ensuring a quick response when a threat is detected.
  • Mobility: The S-400 system is mobile, can be mounted on trucks, and thus, allows for easy repositioning and deployment in different terrains. 
  • Superiority: 
    • S-400 can be deployed in 5 minutes as opposed to Patriot’s 25 minutes (Patriot is one the United States’s most advanced missile defence systems).
    • Patriot’s top speed of 1.38 km/sec is surpassed by the S-400’s top speed of 4.8 km/sec, making it one of the fastest surface-to-air missiles in the world. This high speed allows the system to intercept ballistic missiles and other fast-moving targets.
    • The S-400 system contains four different types of missiles with maximum ranges of 40 km, 120 km, 250 km, and 400 km, as well as a maximum height of 30 km. By using different ranges and heights, an air defence net with numerous levels is produced.
      • The American THAAD is a one-dimensional missile system that can only fire one type of missile up to a range of 150–200 km.
      • Patriot has a maximum range of 180 km.
  • Utility:
    • India plans to use the S-400 systems as a key element of its air defence strategy focused on defending against air and missile threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. 
    • The systems are set to be deployed at strategic locations, including on the northeastern border. 
    • The systems will provide a significant advantage by enabling early warning and precision targeting of enemy targets, which is critical to India’s defence strategy in the context of rising tensions in the region. 

India needs indigenous Marine Engines 

Context: India must develop indigenous marine engines to achieve true self-reliance in shipbuilding and reduce foreign dependency.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Lack of indigenous Marine Engine Manufacturing - Issues, Way Forward 

India is making strong strides in shipbuilding supported by the Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund, mega clusters, customs exemptions, and infrastructure status for large vessels. Partnerships with global firms and private investments aim to make India a top-five shipbuilder by 2047.

However, the lack of indigenous marine engine manufacturing remains a critical gap. Presently, over 90% of engines rated above 6 MW installed on Indian commercial and naval vessels are sourced from a concentrated group of five global manufacturers-  MAN Energy Solutions (Germany), Wärtsilä (Finland), Rolls-Royce (UK), Caterpillar-MaK (US/Germany) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan).

Key Concerns associated with importing Marine Engines

  • Perpetual state of technological dependence: These engines are embedded with proprietary ECUs, closed-source control software, and IP-restricted components. The imports make India dependent on foreign firms not just for procurement but also for diagnostics, software updates, and even spare parts. 
  • Vulnerability to supply-chain disruptions: Dependence on a concentrated group of five global manufacturers may create a technological chokepoint. Any disruption in diplomatic or trade relations, export control regime, or intellectual property licensing can effectively immobilise India’s shipbuilding programme. 
  • Denial on National security grounds: Key supplier countries have tightened regulations under frameworks like the EU Dual-Use Regulation, US EAR, and Japan’s METI controls. The export of marine engines, their components, software updates, diagnostics, and spare parts can be denied on national security grounds at any time under these export control regulations.

Challenges in making Indigenous Marine Engines: 

  • Lack of access to Modern engine design: India lacks indigenous design capabilities. This leads to dependence on foreign OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). This dependency restricts the ability to modify engines for military profiles, optimisation for local climatic and operational conditions, or transition to fuel-flexible, autonomous maritime systems.
  • Metallurgical Limitations: India has limited domestic capability in producing advanced materials like high-chromium steels and nickel-based superalloys used in marine engines to withstand extreme thermal and mechanical stress. 
  • Tribology and Precision Manufacturing: Advanced wear-resistant coatings and ultra-precise machining of heavy engine components require sophisticated technology and industrial integration, which India lacks currently. 
  • Outdated Training and Skill Gaps: Engineering institutes use obsolete engine models for training. Modern decommissioned engines (E.g., from Alang ship-breaking yard) should be used to upgrade practical skills and knowledge.

Way Forward

  • India must shift its strategy from relying solely on large public- and private-sector firms, which have struggled to deliver full-stack indigenous marine engines, and instead invest in a new generation of tech start-ups. Start-ups must be supported not only with capital, but also through access to testbeds, IP support, and public procurement guarantees.
  • The government should facilitate targeted innovation missions, design-linked incentives, and dedicated funding for marine propulsion R&D, backed by defence and shipping sector demand. Institutions like IIT Madras can serve as anchor nodes, supporting venture creation with lab-to-market pipelines. 

India’s dream of becoming a global shipbuilding leader by 2047 cannot be fulfilled without self-reliance in marine engine technology. Indigenous development is not just an industrial need but a strategic necessity to safeguard national security and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. 

India’s domestic AI Foundational Model

Context: In part of its ambitious India AI Mission, the government has selected three more start-ups- SoketAI, Gnani AI and Gan AI to build indigenous AI foundational models.
This is in addition to selection of Sarvam AI to build India’s indigenous foundational AI large language model (LLM), an open source 120 billion parameter AI model. The start-up has launched two models- Sarvam-1 model (2 billion parameters) and Sarvam-M (24 billion parameters) model with hybrid reasoning capabilities. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key Terms related to Artificial Intelligence; India and AI- Government Efforts. 

Key Terms related to Artificial Intelligence

  • Artificial Intelligence:
    • AI is the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behaviour and perform complex tasks similar to how humans solve problems. 
    • E.g., Perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem-solving and decision-making. 
  • Machine Learning: 
    • Machine learning techniques, including Artificial neural networks (ANNs), are used to achieve the goals of AI. 
    • Machine learning is a subfield of AI, and ANNs are a specific type of machine learning algorithm that uses interconnected nodes to learn from data.
  • Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs):
    • Algorithms that are inspired by the structure and workings of human brains, and have the capability to identify and learn patterns in data. 
    • Breakthroughs in ANNs have enabled the development of LLMs and AI-tools like AlphaFold (An AI tool that can predict protein structures).  
  • Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): 
    • Machines capable of ‘thinking’ and ‘acting’ autonomously through a process of self-learning or artificial general intelligence (AGI).
  • Foundational AI: 
    • Large-scale AI models that are trained on very large datasets and over which numerous specific applications can be built, including generative AI. 
  • Generative AI: 
    • AI models that use machine learning algorithms to create new and original content, such as images, text, code, audio, or even video with the help of natural-language prompts. E.g., DALL-E for image generation, ChatGPT for text generation. 
    • Generative AI models can be Large Language Models (LLMs) or Small Language Models (SLMs).
  • Large Language Models (LLMs):
    • LLMs are a type of Foundational AI model trained with vast datasets with at least one billion or more parameters. 
    • LLMs have shown an exceptional proficiency to understand and interact in human languages in a meaningful way.  
    • E.g., AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, DeepSeek, Grok. 
  • Small Language Models (SLMs): 
    • SLMs are compact AI systems typically having fewer than 1 billion parameters (ranges from millions to a few billion parameters).
    • Cheaper to run and maintain, and ideal for specific use cases. 
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India’s challenges to build its own Foundational Model

India has been focused on building AI-based applications for specific work, like in healthcare or drug discovery. But it aims to develop its own foundational model. 

  • Building foundational models is an extremely resource-heavy and expensive exercise.
    • It involves massive computational infrastructure, enabled through specially designed state-of-the-art chips called Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).
      • Training advanced deep learning models demands substantial GPU clusters (thousands of GPUs run in hyperscale data centres, as big as one million square feet) and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities.
      • Shortage of GPUs (currently in high demand and short supply). AI Mission seeks to procure at least 10,000 of GPUs, which will require high skill and expertise.
    • The Model has to be trained on very large datasets which consume an enormous amount of electricity. E.g., LLMs like GPT-3 consumed nearly 1,300 megawatt-hours (MWh) of power. 
  • Building applications on top of other country’s models can bring in layers of vulnerabilities. E.g.,
    • Models trained on global datasets often lack local nuances and can insert foreign biases, thereby producing unwanted or erroneous results.
    • In applications related to defence or national security, a foreign model always carries potential dangers of sabotage or leaking sensitive data.

India and AI: Government Efforts: 

  • For India work on AI is at a relatively nascent stage. In 2024, India had launched a Rs 10,000-crore IndiaAI mission to build capabilities in AI. 
  • India aims to build its own LLM within 10 months (till the end 2025).
    • The central government had received at least 67 proposals to build the India-specific models.
    • A high-level technical committee will evaluate the proposals. 
    • The intellectual property of the models will remain with the entity, with provision for a perpetual license for use by the government for public use.
  • The government has also selected 10 companies to supply 18,693 graphics processing units or GPUs (high-end chips needed to develop machine learning tools) crucial for developing a foundational model.
    • The initial aim of the IndiaAI Mission was to procure 10,000 GPUs.
  • The government will launch a common compute facility from where startups and researchers can access the computing power. To ease access to these services, the government will give a 40% subsidy to end users on the total price.

Also Read: Inclusive AI: AI Action Summit 2025 

India needs to create a centralised AI infrastructure, allocate substantial funding, including on procuring GPUs, and private-public Industry-academia participation. 

Growth in India’s Telecom and Internet Sector 

Context: In the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, the Minister of Communications announced that India is the second largest telecom market in the world and will have 1 billion internet users by the end of FY26.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: India’s Telecom & Internet sector- Key Trends and Govt. Initiatives. 

Growth in India’s Telecom and Internet Sector: 

In the last decade-

  • India became the second largest telecom market in the world. India’s mobile market witnessed a growth from roughly 1 billion to 1.2 billion customers. 
  • The Internet market has grown from around 250 million to 974 million subscribers. 
  • The broadband market, with speeds greater than 2 Megabits per second (Mbps), has grown from 66 million (2014) to 940 million in 2025. India is expected to hit one billion Internet users in 2026.
  • Rise in Affordability: Call prices are down from 50 paise per minute to 0.003 paise per minute; data from 1 GB at ₹287 to ₹9 per GB. India is the cheapest data market in the world; the global average is $2.49 per GB.
  • Growth in manufacturing: From importing 80% of mobile phone requirements to exporting ₹1.75 lakh crore worth of mobile phones.
  • Patents of 6G: India ranks among the top six countries globally in terms of 6G patent filings. Bharat 6G Alliance is working to contribute a minimum 10% of 6G patents to the world. 
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Government Policies that contributed to the growth: 

  • Universal Service Obligation Fund (Digital Bharat Nidhi): USOF is funded by a 5% Universal Service Levy on telecom operators' Adjusted Gross Revenue to finance telecom expansion in rural areas. Digital Bharat Nidhi aims to ensure transparent management and targeted deployment of the funds.
  • BharatNet: Ambitious project aimed at providing affordable high-speed broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in India. It is the largest public sector investment in connectivity to the grassroots level costing over $16.9 billion.
    • In the first phase, almost 7 lakh kilometres of fibre optic cables were laid and 2.14 lakh gram panchayats were connected. 
    • The ongoing BharatNet II project aims to connect the remaining gram panchayats.
  • Advanced technology inBharatNet II:
    • Use of Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) routers instead of Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) routers for higher redundancy levels. 
    • Ring topography instead of linear topography to prevent incidents of single breakage disrupting all the downstream gram panchayats.
    • Central network operating centre to monitor and maintain the network throughout the country. 
    • Provide an Internet leased line with a minimum speed of 25 Mbps to every subscriber.
  • PM-WANI (WiFi Access Network Interface): To proliferate broadband access through public Wi-Fi networks and create a robust digital communications infrastructure in India, especially in rural areas.
  • Bharat 6G Alliance: Launched in 2023 by DoT, it is a collaborative platform that brings together the government, industry, and academia to develop 6G technology in India. It is working to contribute a minimum 10% of 6G patents to the world, development of at least one new radio technology originating from India, and creation of at least 10 standard essential patents (SEPs).
  • PLI Scheme for Smartphones: India has become a key player in global smartphone exports. Handsets are now the second highest exported products from India. As a result, India has come a long way from importing 80% of mobile phones to exporting ₹1.75 lakh crore worth of mobile phones (~$20 billion).

Also Read: India ranks among top six nations globally in 6G patent filings 

India needs to increase investment in research and development (R&D) to become the creators and innovators of global products in the telecom space.

Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 

Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26, marking a significant step towards India's goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella by 2026.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Measles, Rubella; Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign. 

About Measles:

  • Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by the measles virus virus. Measles virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense, enveloped RNA virus.
  • Transmission:
    • spreads easily from one person to the next through the coughs and sneezes of infected people.
    • spread through direct contact with mouth or nasal secretions.
  • Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and rash. Rashes usually appear near the hairline & cheeks, slowly moving to the chest and trunk area, and later on the limbs. Koplik spots (small white spots) may form inside the mouth. Measles can also lead to serious health issues, including- ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and death. Fatality rate: 5-10%
  • Measles Vaccine: The first effective measles vaccine was developed in 1963. In the last 50 years, it is estimated that measles vaccinations have prevented over 9 crore deaths worldwide. The vaccines reduce chances of developing measles 20-fold.
  • Key Facts: Most people do not get the disease more than once. Measles is not known to occur in other animals.
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About Rubella

  • Rubella is caused by the rubella virus that invades the lymph nodes, eyes and skin. Rubella or German measles is milder than measles. 
  • Transmission: Transmitted through droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected individual. Transmitted through direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of an infected person.
  • Symptoms: Low-grade fever, rashes, sore throat. Rubella may not cause serious complications in healthy adults, it poses a great risk to pregnant women as it can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome which affects the development of the baby.

Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26:

  • With the ‘ACT NOW’ policy, govt. aims to target the elimination of Measles-Rubella in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. 
  • Aim: Achieve 100% immunisation coverage to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine.

Key Facts: 

  • Under the Universal Immunisation Programme, two doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. 
  • Currently, India's MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2% for the second dose.
  • In 2024, India recorded a remarkable decline of 73% in Measles cases and a 17% reduction in Rubella cases in comparison with 2023.

Why Covid cases are rising?

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.  
  • Vaccines: mRNA vaccines (Pfizer); viral vector vaccines (Covishield; Sputnik V); inactivated viral vaccines (Covaxin); DNA vaccines (ZyCov-D); protein subunit vaccines (Novavax). 

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. 

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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.