Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Human Genomes
Why in the News?
India has created a database of 10,000 human genomes, covering 83 population groups, which is about 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups.
What are the key achievements of the Genome India Project?
- Completion of Genome Sequencing: The project successfully sequenced 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups, representing approximately 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups. This data is now housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.
- Identification of Genetic Variants: Initial analyses revealed around 27 million genetic variants, with 7 million being low-frequency variants not found in other global databases. This highlights India’s unique genetic diversity and the potential for targeted research.
- Global Accessibility: The genome data is accessible to researchers worldwide, fostering international collaboration in genomics research and precision medicine.
What are the impact on Biotechnology and Healthcare?
- Advancement of Precision Medicine: The database is expected to facilitate advancements in precision medicine by enabling researchers to study disease risks and drug responses specific to the Indian population. This could lead to more effective treatments tailored to genetic variations.
- Potential for Drug Development: With a focus on understanding genetic predispositions to diseases, the project can support the development of new medications and therapeutic interventions, particularly for genetic and infectious diseases.
- Strengthening India’s Biotech Economy: The initiative is seen as a cornerstone for bolstering India’s biotechnology sector, enhancing its capacity for genomic research and manufacturing.
What are the challenges?
- Data Privacy and Security: India currently lacks a comprehensive Data Privacy Bill, which raises concerns about the protection of sensitive genetic information.
- The absence of robust legal frameworks increases the risk of misuse or unauthorized access to genetic data, potentially compromising individual privacy.
- Ethical Concerns: The use of genomic data for purposes such as gene editing could lead to ethical dilemmas, including issues related to “designer babies” and unintended consequences of genetic modifications.
- Public Trust and Acceptance: Gaining public trust is crucial for the success of the project. There may be apprehensions among individuals regarding how their genetic data will be used, especially if it involves sharing with commercial entities or if there are fears about potential discrimination based on genetic information.
- Integrity of Data Collection: Ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data collection, storage, and usage is essential.
- Without stringent protocols, there is a risk that the data may be misinterpreted or misused, leading to flawed conclusions about genetic predispositions and health risks.
What steps can be taken to overcome the present challenges? (Way forward)
- Expanding the Database: Experts suggest increasing the number of sequenced genomes to up to 1 million to better capture India’s vast genetic diversity. This expansion would provide deeper insights into genetic variations across different ethnic groups.
- Funding and Collaboration: Securing additional funding and forming partnerships with leading research institutions can help overcome financial limitations and enhance data enrichment efforts.
- Ethical Data Management: Ensuring robust data sharing protocols and privacy measures will be crucial for maintaining public trust and facilitating research access while protecting individual identities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Opportunities and challenges to AI;
Why in the News?
India has started leveraging AI to bolster its defence ecosystem, but significant challenges remain.
What are the strategic implications of AI integration in India’s defence?
- Enhanced Military Capabilities: The integration of AI is expected to revolutionize military operations through improved predictive analytics, autonomous decision-making systems, and advanced operational efficiency.
- Modernization Focus: With a defence budget of ₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion) for 2023-24, India is prioritizing modernization efforts, including the development of innovative products like the Indrajaal autonomous drone security system.
- Global Competitiveness: To keep pace with countries like Israel and China that have rapidly advanced their military AI capabilities, India recognises the need for a clear vision and strategy for AI deployment in defence.
How does India plan to overcome challenges in implementing AI in military operations?
- Funding and Infrastructure: A significant barrier to effective AI integration is the high cost of data centres and the infrastructure necessary for running advanced AI systems. The military’s focus on replacing outdated legacy systems adds to financial pressures.
- Fragmented Policies: India’s current policies regarding AI deployment are often fragmented, lacking comprehensive guidelines specifically tailored for military applications. Existing frameworks do not adequately address accountability and transparency in military AI use.
- Inter-Service Silos: The historically siloed nature of the Indian Armed Forces—where the Army, Navy, and Air Force operate independently—hinders interoperability and complicates joint operations.
What role does collaboration between the public and private sectors play in advancing AI in defence?
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): To enhance technological advancements in defence, India needs to foster collaboration between public sector units (PSUs) and private entities. This approach can leverage the innovation capabilities of startups and private companies.
- Knowledge Sharing: Collaborations with foreign tech giants like Microsoft, which has committed approximately $3 billion to develop data centres in India, can facilitate knowledge transfer and resource sharing essential for building a robust AI ecosystem.
- Accelerating Innovation: Engaging private sector expertise can lead to faster development cycles and more effective deployment of AI technologies within the military framework.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Policy Frameworks and Coordination: Develop cohesive and actionable policies for AI deployment in defence, focusing on inter-service interoperability, accountability, and transparency while operationalizing bodies like DAIC and DAIPA effectively.
- Promote Public-Private Collaboration: Enhance public-private partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private innovation and attract foreign investments, ensuring resource optimization and accelerated AI adoption in military operations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Why in the News?
The sex ratio at birth in Haryana, which reached a peak of 923 in 2019, declined to 910 in 2024, marking an eight-year low.
What is the present sex ratio in India?
As of January 2025, the sex ratio at birth in India is approximately 933 females per 1,000 males.
World Bank
Why Historically has there been an Imbalance in the Sex Ratio in India?
Historically, India has faced a skewed sex ratio primarily due to cultural preferences for male children, leading to practices such as female foeticide. The sex ratio was recorded at 943 females per 1,000 males during the 2011 Census. Factors contributing to this imbalance include:
- Cultural Preference for Sons: Societal norms often favour male children, viewing them as economic assets while daughters are seen as financial burdens due to dowry practices.
- Female Foeticide: The availability of prenatal sex determination technologies has led to sex-selective abortions, contributing to the skewed ratio.
- Economic Factors: Families may prefer fewer children and opt for sons to secure lineage and support in old age.
What are the Government Initiatives to Improve the Sex Ratio?
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the sex ratio:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign: Launched in 2015, this campaign focuses on preventing female foeticide and promoting the welfare of girls.
- Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT Act): Enforced to curb sex-selective abortions and promote gender equality.
- Financial Incentives: Programs such as providing financial assistance at the birth of a girl child (e.g., Rs 21,000) encourage families to value daughters.
- Education and Awareness Programs: Efforts are made to improve female education and reduce dropout rates among girls, which are crucial for long-term improvements in gender equality.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Law Enforcement and Monitoring: Ensure strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act with increased vigilance and swift action against violations.
- Address Cultural and Economic Barriers: Launch targeted campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms, promote gender equality, and incentivise families to raise daughters.
Mains PYQ:
Q Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Artefacts mentioned
Why in the News?
Rashtrapati Bhavan’s revamped “At Home” reception for the 75th Indian Republic now includes a box of GI Tagged handcrafted items from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh along with the invitation card.
About the GI Tagged products crafted for the Invittees
The curated box features a variety of handcrafted items with Geographical Indication (GI) tags and sourced from the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative:
- Bamboo Weave Box: Decorated with Kalamkari paintings crafted by Nimmalakunta artisans from Andhra Pradesh.
- Ikat-Pochampalli Cover: Reusable even after dismantling the box.
- Mysore Ganjifa Fridge Magnet: Inspired by the intricate art seen in traditional Ganjifa playing cards.
- Kanjeevaram Silk Pouch: Handcrafted in Tamil Nadu.
- Etikopakka Dolls: Male and female wooden dolls from Andhra Pradesh.
- Screwpine Leaf Bookmark: Woven by artisans from Kerala.
What is the One District One Product (ODOP)?
- ODOP initiative is a flagship scheme designed to foster balanced regional development, enhance local economic potential, and promote employment generation by focusing on a unique product from each district.
- Originally launched by the Uttar Pradesh Government in January 2018, it was later adopted nationwide by the Central Government.
- It is managed by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and coordinated with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Districts as Export Hubs initiative.
- It is centrally sponsored, with funding shared between the Central and State Governments in a 60:40 ratio.
- Key Products Under ODOP
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- Handicrafts: Banarasi silk (Varanasi), Chikankari embroidery (Lucknow), and Madhubani painting (Bihar).
- Agricultural Products: Alphonso mangoes (Ratnagiri), Litchi (Muzaffarpur), and Black rice (Manipur).
- Processed Foods: Pickles, spices, and traditional sweets.
- Industrial Goods: Leather products, pottery, and brassware.
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PYQ:
[2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015)
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRICS-11, New members of BRICS
Why in the News?
Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a full member. This move was unanimously approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and announced by Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS in 2025.
What is BRICS?
- BRICS represents a coalition of nations committed to fostering economic growth, development cooperation, and global governance reform.
- BRICS focuses on collaboration across 3 key pillars:
- Political and Security Cooperation: Ensuring peace, global stability, and governance reform.
- Economic and Financial Cooperation: Promoting trade, investment, and economic resilience.
- Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation: Enhancing mutual understanding and societal linkages.
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- Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- Recent Additions: Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.
Evolution of BRICS:
- 2001: The term “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in a report highlighting Brazil, Russia, India, and China as fast-growing economies.
- 2006: BRIC leaders held their first meeting during the G8 Outreach Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.
- 2009: The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, to formalize the grouping.
- 2010: South Africa joined, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
- 2014 Fortaleza Declaration: The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) marked significant steps toward financial collaboration.
- Recent Expansion: In 2023 Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined, reflecting BRICS’ expanding influence in the Global South.
- 2025: Indonesia officially joins.
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Significance of BRICS:
- Economic Growth: Acts as a significant driver of global economic growth, contributing 24% of global GDP and over 16% of global trade.
- Multipolar World Advocacy: Promotes a multipolar world order, challenging Western dominance in global governance.
- South-South Cooperation: Strengthens collaboration among developing nations, addressing shared issues like poverty and climate change.
- Alternative Financial Systems: Explores mechanisms like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to reduce reliance on Western financial institutions and the US dollar.
Challenges Faced by BRICS:
- Diverging Interests: Members have differing priorities, such as India-China tensions and varying stances on global issues.
- Economic Disparities: Wide differences in economic size and capacity, with China dominating BRICS GDP.
- Institutional Weakness: Absence of a formal structure and binding agreements limits the bloc’s effectiveness.
- Geopolitical Pressures: External challenges like Western sanctions on Russia and US-China tensions test BRICS’ cohesion and neutrality.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Why in the News?
Prime Minister has inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention. The theme for this year was the “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to honor the achievements and contributions of Indians living abroad.
- This celebration is held every two years on January 9, marking the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the country’s freedom movement.
- Since 2015, the event has been held biennially, with theme-based conferences organized during the intervening years.
- The location of the convention changes to showcase the progress and diversity of different regions in India.
Who are the Girmitiyas?
- The Girmitiyas were indentured laborers from British India who were transported during the 19th and early 20th centuries to work on plantations in various countries.
- The term “Girmitiyas” originates from the Indian pronunciation of the English word “agreement”, referencing the contracts they signed.
- The Girmitiyas were sent to places such as Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana (now Guyana), Suriname, Malaysia, and Kenya.
- These laborers were bound by contracts, called Girmits (agreements), which required them to work for a single employer at a fixed wage for a period of 3 to 5 years.
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Contributions of the Indian Diaspora
- Economic Contributions: In 2024, India received $129.1 billion in remittances, accounting for 14.3% of global remittances. This inflow has been a vital source of economic support.
- Professional Contributions: Over 73% of Indian-Americans are employed in high-skill sectors such as STEMM, business, law, and academia. The diaspora acts as a bridge between India and global markets, facilitating skill transfer, trade, and foreign direct investment.
- Cultural and Soft Power: The Indian diaspora serves as cultural ambassadors, promoting traditions such as Bollywood, Yoga, and festivals like Diwali.
- Global Presence: The Indian diaspora is spread across the globe, with 31.3 million people residing in countries such as the United States, UAE, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
PYQ:
[2020] ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
[2017] The Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gulf of Mexico
Why in the News?
Donald Trump has proposed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” after his plans for purchasing Greenland.
About the Gulf of Mexico
- The Gulf of Mexico is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
- It is bordered by:
- United States: States of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
- Mexico: Eastern coast, including the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Cuba: Southeastern boundary.
- It is believed to have formed around 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic era.
- Its formation is linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea.
- The Gulf has a subtropical to tropical climate.
- It is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms
- The Gulf is one of the world’s most significant oil-producing regions. It contains over 17% of global proven petroleum reserves.
Strategic Location:
- The Gulf is a crucial artery for international shipping, particularly between the Americas and Europe.
- It connects to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida and to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal.
- The Gulf serves as a key area for U.S. naval operations.
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