Content India’s Drone Ecosystem: Policy to Public Service Transformation Circular Economy in Agriculture: Waste to Wealth India’s Drone Ecosystem: Policy to Public Service Transformation A. Issue in Brief India has developed a regulated drone ecosystem integrating drones into governance, agriculture, infrastructure, and defence, enabled by Drone Rules 2021, Digital Sky, PLI incentives, and GST reduction. As of Feb 2026, India records 38,500+ UIN-registered drones, 39,890 certified pilots, and 244 RPTOs, signalling institutional maturity and transition of drones from experimental tools to governance infrastructure. Government-led schemes like SVAMITVA and Namo Drone Didi use drones for land governance, precision agriculture, and women-led rural enterprises, linking technology adoption with inclusion and productivity. Relevance GS 2 (Polity & Governance) Regulatory reforms: Drone Rules 2021, trust-based governance Digital governance platforms (Digital Sky, eGCA) Centre–State coordination in airspace, land records, agriculture delivery Public service delivery through emerging tech GS 3 (Economy / S&T / Security / Environment) Sunrise sector, PLI-led manufacturing, startup ecosystem Precision agriculture, cost and input efficiency Internal security: counter-drone, border surveillance Tech convergence: AI, IoT, GIS Environmental gains from optimised spraying B. Static / Legal Background Union List Entries 29 & 30 empower Centre to regulate aviation and air navigation, forming constitutional basis for DGCA control over drone certification, safety, and operational airspace. Drone Rules 2021 introduced self-certification, trust-based regulation, and reduced compliance burden, replacing approval-heavy regime and encouraging start-ups, MSMEs, and Drone-as-a-Service models. Nearly 90% airspace designated Green Zone permitting flights up to 400 feet without prior approval, significantly lowering entry barriers for commercial and public-service drone usage. C. Types of Drones in India (DGCA Classification) Nano drones: ≤ 250 g, minimal regulation, used in photography, education, and hobby applications; limited payload and range but important for entry-level innovation and consumer markets. Micro drones: 250 g–2 kg, widely used in surveys, agriculture spraying, policing, and inspections, forming backbone of civil and commercial drone operations in India. Small drones: 2–25 kg, used for precision agriculture, mapping, logistics trials, and disaster response, balancing payload capacity with operational flexibility. Medium drones: 25–150 kg, deployed in industrial surveys, defence logistics, and high-endurance missions, requiring stricter compliance and skilled operators. Large drones: > 150 kg, mainly for defence, strategic surveillance, and high-altitude operations, treated closer to aircraft-level regulation and certification. D. Key Dimensions Governance / Administrative SVAMITVA Scheme has completed drone surveys in 3.28 lakh villages (~95% target) and generated 2.76 crore property cards in 1.82 lakh villages across 31 States/UTs, strengthening tenure security and credit access. Drone-based mapping reduces land disputes, litigation burden, and survey delays, improving Panchayat-level fiscal planning and supporting evidence-based rural governance. Economic PLI Scheme (₹120 crore) supports domestic manufacturing of drones and components, promoting value addition, scale economies, and global competitiveness in a sunrise technology sector. GST reduced to 5% (Sept 2025) from earlier 18–28% slabs, lowering acquisition and training costs, encouraging MSMEs, start-ups, and institutional adoption. Social / Ethical Namo Drone Didi Scheme (2023) distributed 1,094 drones to women SHGs (500+ under NDD), enabling them to provide spraying services, earn income, and gain social empowerment. Drone Didi model shifts women from labour roles to tech-enabled service providers, strengthening rural entrepreneurship and gender inclusion in agri-value chains. Increased drone usage raises concerns on privacy, surveillance, and informed consent, necessitating strong data-protection and accountability frameworks. Environmental Precision spraying reduces excessive fertiliser and pesticide use, lowering soil degradation, water contamination, and input costs, supporting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Environmental risks include battery waste, noise, and biodiversity disturbance, requiring lifecycle regulation and green standards. Security / Strategic Drones enhance border surveillance, intelligence, and precision operations, acting as force multipliers and reducing human exposure in hostile terrains. Rising risks from rogue drones, smuggling, and swarm threats demand counter-drone systems, geofencing, and integrated airspace awareness. Technology Convergence with AI, GIS, IoT, and satellite navigation enables autonomous flights, analytics, and real-time governance intelligence. Import dependence on chips, sensors, and GNSS exposes supply-chain vulnerabilities, highlighting need for indigenous R&D. E. Critical Analysis India’s state-led demand model accelerates diffusion but risks overreliance on public procurement rather than sustainable private demand and export competitiveness. Rapid growth to 39,890 certified pilots raises quality and employability concerns, requiring strong training standards and periodic re-certification. Absence of clear aerial data governance policy risks misuse, commercial monopolisation, and national-security vulnerabilities. F. Way Forward Create a Drone Data Governance Framework covering ownership, privacy, localisation, and lawful access aligned with digital data-protection architecture. Promote indigenous R&D and component manufacturing via mission-mode funding and defence–civil fusion. Expand counter-drone and airspace management systems around borders and critical infrastructure. Institutionalise drones in disaster management, agriculture extension, and urban governance with SOPs and trained local personnel. G. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers  Drone Rules 2021 reduced forms from 25 to 5 and approvals from 72 to 4, signalling major regulatory liberalisation. Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) replaced traditional pilot licence for drone operators. Digital Sky Platform provides registration, UIN, and airspace maps; regulatory services now integrated with eGCA. Green Zone airspace (~90%) allows operations up to 400 ft without prior permission. GST on drones: Uniform 5% since Sept 2025. DGCA approves RPTOs for pilot training; as of 2026 there are 244 RPTOs. Namo Drone Didi focuses on women SHGs and agriculture services, not direct farm subsidies. Geofencing and NPNT (No Permission–No Takeoff) are core safety features. Practice Question (250 Words) “Drones are redefining governance, agriculture, and security in India, but also raise regulatory and ethical challenges.” Critically examine India’s drone ecosystem. Discuss opportunities, concerns, and the policy measures required for responsible scaling.  Circular Economy in Agriculture: Waste to Wealth A. Issue in Brief India generates nearly 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, including straw, husk, stubble, and processing by-products, creating environmental stress but also offering large waste-to-wealth and bioenergy potential. MNRE estimates 18,000+ MW power potential from agricultural residues, indicating major scope for biomass energy, biogas, and biofuels, reducing fossil-fuel dependence and stubble-burning externalities. Government push via GOBARdhan, Crop Residue Management (CRM), AIF, and AHIDF signals policy shift from waste disposal to resource recovery, circularity, and climate-resilient agriculture. Relevance GS 3 (Economy / Environment / Agriculture) Bioenergy, bio-CNG, compost markets Climate mitigation via methane and emission reduction Sustainable agriculture and resource efficiency Green jobs, rural circular economy Carbon markets and climate finance potential B. Conceptual / Theoretical Base Circular economy in agriculture aims to keep biomass, nutrients, and water in productive cycles through Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, Recover, and Repair (6Rs). Focuses on closing nutrient loops, minimising raw-material extraction, and converting farm and food waste into energy, organic manure, and bio-based products, reducing ecological footprint. Aligns with natural ecosystem principles, where waste of one process becomes input for another, promoting regenerative and resource-efficient agricultural systems. C. Key Dimensions Environmental Stubble burning causes severe air pollution, soil nutrient loss, and GHG emissions, especially in north India, undermining climate commitments and public health outcomes. Organic waste decomposition in landfills emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change and groundwater contamination. Economic Circular agriculture can unlock a projected $2 trillion market value and 10 million jobs by 2050, linking sustainability with green growth and rural entrepreneurship. Bioenergy, composting, and biomass supply chains create additional farmer income streams and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers. Social Waste-to-wealth models support farmer incomes, FPO enterprises, and rural employment, strengthening inclusive growth and reducing agrarian distress. Improved waste management reduces health burdens from pollution, benefiting vulnerable rural and peri-urban populations. Governance / Policy Crop Residue Management (CRM) received ₹3,926 crore (2018–19 to 2025–26), promoting in-situ and ex-situ residue management alternatives to burning. Over 42,000 Custom Hiring Centres and 3.24 lakh machines deployed enable access to residue-management technologies for small and marginal farmers. SDG Linkages Supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving soil health, reducing waste, and lowering emissions. Addresses global food waste of 1.05 billion tonnes (2022), of which 60% originates from households, highlighting consumption-side inefficiencies. D. Major Government Initiatives GOBARdhan Converts dung, crop residues, and food waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG) and organic manure, integrating sanitation, energy, and agriculture objectives. As of Jan 2026: 979 biogas plants across 51.4% districts, supported by Unified GOBARdhan Portal for transparency and coordination. Inclusion of CBG in carbon markets, tax relief, and FCO reforms improved viability and private investment in biogas sector. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Provides medium–long term credit for post-harvest and value-chain infrastructure, supporting storage, grading, and processing. ₹66,310 crore sanctioned across 1.13 lakh projects, mobilising ₹1.07 lakh crore investment, reducing post-harvest losses and promoting value addition. AHIDF — Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund ₹15,000 crore corpus to strengthen livestock value chains, including feed, processing, and waste-to-wealth systems. Promotes organic manure, biogas, and scientific carcass disposal, embedding circularity in animal husbandry. Jal Shakti-linked Initiatives Promote treated wastewater reuse for irrigation and landscaping, improving water-use efficiency and reducing groundwater stress. JJM ensures 55 LPCD potable water, indirectly enabling better allocation of freshwater for productive uses. E. Critical Analysis Subsidy-driven models risk fiscal dependence and uneven adoption unless supported by viable biomass markets and private-sector participation. Logistics and aggregation challenges limit biomass supply-chain efficiency, especially for smallholders. Awareness gaps and behavioural resistance hinder large-scale adoption of composting and residue incorporation. Lack of integrated policy across agriculture, energy, and waste sectors reduces systemic circularity gains. F. Way Forward Develop National Biomass Grid and aggregation systems linking farmers with bioenergy plants and compost markets. Incentivise carbon credits and green finance for circular agriculture enterprises. Strengthen extension services and FPO-led models for technology adoption. Promote R&D in biochar, bio-CNG, and nutrient recycling technologies. Integrate circularity metrics into agricultural and climate policies. G. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers  18,000+ MW bioenergy potential from residues. 350 million tonnes agricultural waste annually in India. 42,000+ CHCs and 3.24 lakh machines for residue management. GOBARdhan: 979 plants, 51.4% districts. Biochar = carbon-rich product from pyrolysed biomass. 6Rs principle under circular economy. Food waste 1.05 billion tonnes (2022), 60% households. SDG indicator 2.4.1 relates to sustainable agriculture. Practice Question (250 Words) “Circular economy in agriculture offers a pathway to simultaneously address pollution, climate change, and farmer incomes.” Discuss the potential, challenges, and policy measures needed to scale circular agriculture in India. (15 Marks)  

Content The new world disorder, from rules to might Front and centre The new world disorder, from rules to might A. Issue in Brief The post-1945 rules-based international order (RBIO) built on UN system, international law, collective security, and free trade is weakening amid great-power rivalry, unilateralism, and norm erosion. Increasing use of sanctions, trade wars, selective treaty compliance, and military coercion reflects shift from rules to power-centric geopolitics, challenging stability of global governance. Rise of multipolarity (US–China rivalry, resurgent middle powers, Global South assertion) is reshaping institutions, norms, and agenda-setting in global politics. Relevance GS II – International Relations Crisis of rules-based order directly linked to themes of multilateralism, global governance, UNSC reform, and India’s foreign policy strategy. Helps answer questions on multipolarity, decline of liberal order, rise of minilateralism, and strategic autonomy. Useful for analysing India’s positioning in Quad, BRICS, G20, SCO, and Global South diplomacy. B. Historical / Conceptual Background UN Charter (1945) institutionalised sovereign equality, peaceful dispute settlement, and collective security, aiming to prevent another world war. Rules-Based Order rests on pillars: international law, multilateral institutions, open trade, human rights norms, and security alliances. Cold War bipolarity paradoxically maintained stability via deterrence and predictable spheres of influence; post-Cold War era saw US-led liberal order. C. Key Dimensions 1. Geopolitical Dimension US retrenchment and selective multilateralism weaken institutional leadership; examples include treaty withdrawals and preference for bilateral deals. China’s institutional activism (BRICS, SCO, BRI, AIIB) signals norm-shaping ambitions and parallel governance structures. Middle powers (India, Brazil, Türkiye, South Africa) pursue strategic autonomy, not bloc politics. 2. Institutional Dimension UNSC paralysis visible in Ukraine and Gaza crises; P5 veto politics undermine collective security credibility. WTO dispute settlement crisis (Appellate Body dysfunction since 2019) weakens rule-based trade governance. Bretton Woods institutions face legitimacy deficit due to under-representation of Global South. 3. Security Dimension Rise in inter-state conflicts and grey-zone warfare (cyber attacks, proxy wars, maritime coercion). Arms control architecture erosion (INF Treaty collapse, New START uncertainty) increases strategic instability. Expansion of minilateral security groupings (Quad, AUKUS) reflects shift from universalism to selective coalitions. 4. Economic Dimension Shift from hyper-globalisation to geo-economic fragmentation, friend-shoring, and supply-chain securitisation. IMF notes rising trade restrictions and industrial subsidies, distorting multilateral trade norms. Weaponisation of energy, technology, and finance (sanctions regimes, SWIFT access) shows economic statecraft dominance. 5. Normative / Ethical Dimension Declining consensus on human rights, democracy promotion, and humanitarian intervention. Sovereignty increasingly invoked to resist external scrutiny, weakening universal norms. “Might is right” narrative challenges rule-of-law-based global ethics. D. Data & Evidence UN reports highest number of state-based conflicts since 1945 in recent years. Global military expenditure crossed $2.4 trillion (SIPRI), indicating security competition. WTO records rise in trade-restrictive measures annually since late 2010s. Proliferation of regional and minilateral groupings over universal treaties signals institutional bypassing. E. Critical Analysis Crisis is not collapse but transition from unipolar liberal order to contested multipolar order. RBIO always reflected power realities; norms survived when backed by major powers. Present erosion stems from power diffusion, domestic nationalism, and techno-strategic competition. However, interdependence (climate, trade, health) still necessitates cooperation. F. India’s Perspective India supports reformed multilateralism, not status-quo multilateralism. Advocates Global South voice, UNSC reform, climate justice, and development equity. Balances between strategic autonomy and issue-based partnerships. Leadership in G20, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure reflects constructive multilateralism. G. Way Forward Reform global institutions: UNSC expansion, WTO dispute restoration, IMF quota reforms. Promote inclusive multilateralism reflecting Global South priorities. Strengthen issue-based coalitions on climate, health, digital governance. Develop norms for cyber, AI, and space governance. Rebuild trust via predictable rule adherence by major powers. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers UN Charter signed in 1945; core principle = sovereign equality. UNSC P5 veto power often causes paralysis. WTO Appellate Body non-functional since 2019. SIPRI tracks global military expenditure. AIIB and NDB (BRICS Bank) are alternatives to Bretton Woods institutions. Quad = India, US, Japan, Australia (not a military alliance). AUKUS = Australia, UK, US security pact. New START = US-Russia nuclear arms treaty. Global South ≠ geographic south; refers to developing world. Minilateralism = small-group, issue-specific cooperation. Practice Question (GS II – IR) “The rules-based international order is under strain but not obsolete.” Examine the causes of its erosion and discuss how India should navigate the emerging multipolar world. (15 Marks) Front and centre  A. Issue in Brief The Supreme Court of India has pushed mandatory Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, linking consumer information with the right to health under Article 21. Judicial concern arises from rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and regulatory delay, with the Court seeking time-bound action from FSSAI to adopt effective, globally aligned warning labels. Debate centres on adopting clear warning labels vs. industry-friendly rating systems, balancing public health priorities against processed-food industry concerns and market interests. Relevance GS II – Governance / Social Justice Links to Right to Health (Article 21), Article 47 DPSP, and consumer rights. Example of judicial activism in public health regulation. Shows regulatory role of FSSAI and evidence-based policymaking. GS III – Health / Human Capital Relevant for NCD burden, preventive healthcare, nutrition policy, and food regulation. Connects with SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-being). B. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Article 21 (Right to Life) judicially expanded to include right to health, nutrition, and safe food, legitimising state action on food regulation and disclosure norms. Directive Principles (Art. 47) obligate the State to improve public health and nutrition, providing constitutional backing for stricter food-labelling rules. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 empowers FSSAI to regulate labelling, standards, and consumer information for packaged foods. C. Governance / Administrative Dimension FSSAI’s regulatory delay and preference for an Indian Nutrition Rating model shows tension between evidence-based health regulation and stakeholder accommodation. Effective FOPL requires standardised symbols, enforcement capacity, and monitoring, not merely voluntary compliance. Inter-sectoral coordination needed between health, education, consumer affairs, and information ministries for behavioural change. D. Social / Ethical Dimension FOPL strengthens consumer autonomy and informed choice, reducing information asymmetry between corporations and citizens. Ethical principle: citizens must not be unknowingly exposed to health risks due to opaque labelling. Protects vulnerable groups like children and low-literacy consumers, who are highly influenced by packaging and advertising. E. Public Health Dimension High intake of HFSS (High Fat, Sugar, Salt) foods strongly linked to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. ICMR-INDIAB (2023): 101 million diabetics (11.4%), 136 million prediabetics, hypertension 35.5%, abdominal obesity 39.5%, high cholesterol 24% — indicating NCD crisis. Prevention via dietary awareness reduces long-term healthcare burden and productivity loss. F. Economic Dimension NCDs impose large healthcare and productivity costs, straining families and public health systems. While industry fears reduced sales, global evidence shows reformulation and healthier product innovation often follow FOPL adoption. G. Global Best Practices Countries like Chile, Mexico, and Israel use interpretive warning labels (stop signs/black boxes) showing measurable reduction in HFSS consumption. WHO endorses simple, interpretive FOPL over complex nutrient scoring models. H. Key Challenges Industry lobbying and regulatory capture risks. Consumer awareness gaps despite labels. Need for periodic scientific threshold revision for sugar/salt/fat limits. I. Way Forward Adopt simple, colour-coded or symbol-based warning labels aligned with WHO guidance. Integrate FOPL with school nutrition campaigns and media literacy. Encourage product reformulation incentives for industry. Establish independent nutritional science panels for threshold-setting. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers FSSAI is statutory body under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) targets HFSS foods. Article 47 relates to public health duty of State. ICMR-INDIAB study tracks diabetes prevalence. WHO supports interpretive warning labels. HFSS = High Fat, Sugar, Salt foods. NCDs are leading causes of mortality in India. Practice Question (GS II/III) “Front-of-package labelling is a low-cost but high-impact public health intervention.” Examine its significance in tackling India’s NCD burden and discuss regulatory challenges. (15 Marks)

Content The 1946 Royal Navy revolt: solidarity amid sharpening polarisation India, France renew defence cooperation for 10 years, call to boost military partnership Two digital initiatives to boost health AI ecosystem launched Iran briefly closes Strait of Hormuz amid U.S.–Iran nuclear talks Black Boxes & Air Crash Investigation Framework to Regulate AI in Healthcare AI Glasses for Visually Impaired: “Seeing Through Sound” The 1946 Royal Navy revolt: solidarity amid sharpening polarisation Source : The Hindu A. Issue in Brief 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Royal Indian Navy Revolt (Feb 18–23, 1946), a major anti-colonial uprising by Indian naval ratings against British authority. Revolt began as a hunger strike over food, pay, and racial discrimination, but quickly evolved into a political challenge to colonial rule with mass civilian support. At its peak, it involved ~20,000 ratings, 78 ships, and 20 shore establishments, making it one of the largest uniformed uprisings in late colonial India. The episode stands out for Hindu–Muslim–Left unity during a period otherwise marked by rising communal tensions. Relevance GS I (Modern Indian History) Freedom struggle beyond elite politics Role of armed forces, workers, and youth Late-colonial nationalism & decolonisation dynamics B. Static Background  Took place in February 1946, just one year before Independence and Partition. Started at HMIS Talwar (Bombay) and spread to Karachi, Madras, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, Cochin, and Andamans. Occurred alongside INA trials, labour unrest, and post-WWII economic distress. Ratings raised flags of Congress, Muslim League, and Communist Party, signalling broad nationalist sentiment. Associated with inspiration from Subhas Chandra Bose and demands for release of INA prisoners. C. Key Dimensions 1. Freedom Struggle Dimension  Showed that anti-colonial nationalism had entered the armed forces, shaking British confidence in military loyalty. Along with INA trials and Quit India aftermath, it convinced Britain that governing India by force was becoming untenable. 2. Political Dimension Not centrally led by Congress or Muslim League, reflecting spontaneous grassroots nationalism. National leadership’s cautious stance limited escalation, preferring negotiated transfer of power. 3. Social / Communal Dimension   Display of Hindu–Muslim unity, with joint hartals, processions, and barricades in Bombay. Muslim localities and Hindu mill districts both became centres of resistance. Contrasts sharply with communal violence that followed later in 1946–47. 4. Labour / Class Dimension Strong participation from workers, students, and urban poor, especially Bombay textile workers. Linked military protest with working-class anti-colonial mobilisation. 5. Security / Military Dimension Ratings manned ship guns and exchanged fire with British troops. British deployed army battalions, armoured vehicles, and machine guns. Around 200 civilians killed; hundreds injured. Revealed British fear of a wider armed forces rebellion. D. Data & Evidence Duration: 5 days (Feb 18–23, 1946). Spread to multiple coasts and naval bases. Participation: ~20,000 naval ratings. Assets: 78 ships + 20 establishments. Casualties: ~200 civilian deaths. E. Critical Analysis Though militarily suppressed, it was a psychological turning point for British rule. Demonstrated fragility of colonial control over Indian armed forces. Overshadowed by Cabinet Mission failure and Partition violence. Represents a missed alternative trajectory of secular, class-based unity. F. Contemporary Significance Expands understanding of freedom struggle beyond elite negotiations. Shows role of soldiers, workers, and youth in independence. Offers historical lesson on unity during polarised times. G. Way Forward  Integrate RIN revolt more strongly into textbooks and public memory. Encourage research on military–labour linkages in decolonisation. Use as example of plural solidarity in divided societies. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers  Year: 1946. Started at HMIS Talwar (Bombay). Lasted 5 days. Involved 20,000 ratings. Spread to Karachi–Madras–Kolkata–Cochin. Linked to INA issue. Not officially led by INC or Muslim League. Occurred before Cabinet Mission Plan (1946). Seen as sign of declining colonial control. Practice Question “The Royal Indian Navy Revolt of 1946 was more than a mutiny; it was a political signal of collapsing colonial authority.” Discuss its causes, nature, and historical significance. (15 marks) India, France renew defence cooperation for 10 years, call to boost military partnership Source : The Hindu A. Issue in Brief India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement for 10 years (2026–2036) at the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue (Bengaluru), signalling long-term strategic alignment in Indo-Pacific security. India sought up to 50% indigenous content in Rafale fighter jet and expansion of MRO facilities in India, aiming to localise lifecycle support and boost defence manufacturing. A JV MoU between Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense to manufacture HAMMER precision-guided munitions in India marks shift from imports to co-production. Relevance GS II (International Relations) Strategic partnerships Indo-Pacific geopolitics India–EU relations Multipolarity & strategic autonomy B. Static Background India–France Strategic Partnership (1998) covers defence, nuclear, space, and counter-terrorism — France was the first P5 country to back India’s strategic autonomy post-Pokhran-II. France is a resident Indo-Pacific power with ~7,000 troops and territories like Reunion Island and New Caledonia, aligning with India’s IOR priorities. Defence cooperation institutionalised via Annual Defence Dialogue, logistics agreements, and regular tri-services exercises. C. Data & Facts Snapshot Arms Transfers: As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2018–2022 data: Russia: 45% of India’s imports France: ~29% (2nd largest supplier) US: ~11% Rafale Deal (2016): 36 aircraft Contract value ~€7.87 billion Deliveries completed by 2022 Scorpene Submarine Deal (2005): 6 submarines built at Mazagon Dock Project cost ~₹23,562 crore Significant transfer of shipbuilding know-how Joint Exercises: Exercise Varuna (Navy) — started 2001, now advanced maritime drill Exercise Garuda (Air Force) Exercise Shakti (Army) D. Key Dimensions 1. Strategic / Geopolitical France supports multipolar world order and India’s strategic autonomy, unlike alliance-centric partners. Shared interest in rules-based maritime order, anti-piracy, and IOR stability amid China’s growing presence. France backed India in NSG, UNSC reform, and counter-terror positions. 2. Defence Industrial  Indigenous content push aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and target of ₹35,000 crore defence exports by 2025–26. Local MRO reduces 30–40% lifecycle costs typically spent abroad. Missile JV indicates deeper integration into global supply chains. 3. Technology Dimension Collaboration in avionics, radar, jet engines, EW systems. Safran already partners in helicopter engines (Shakti engines with HAL). 4. Security Dimension Cooperation in counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing. Supports India’s role as net security provider in IOR (HADR, EEZ surveillance, training). E. Critical Analysis High-value deals still face limited ToT depth due to IP/export controls. Indigenous absorption depends on MSME ecosystem and R&D capacity. Costly Western platforms risk budgetary pressure if localisation targets fail. F. Way Forward Move from platform purchase → joint design & R&D. Integrate French firms in Tamil Nadu & UP defence corridors. Expand to AI warfare, drones, cyber, space defence. Use partnership as bridge to wider India–EU defence cooperation. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers India–France Strategic Partnership: 1998. Rafale manufacturer: Dassault Aviation. France share in India’s arms imports (2018–22 SIPRI): ~29%. Varuna = naval exercise; Garuda = air; Shakti = army. Scorpene submarines built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. HAMMER = Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range. France = resident Indo-Pacific power. Practice Question “India–France defence cooperation reflects India’s shift from buyer–seller relations to capability partnerships.” Analyse its strategic, technological, and industrial significance. (15 Marks) Two digital initiatives to boost health AI ecosystem launched Source : The Hindu A. Issue in Brief Union Health Ministry launched SAHI (Secure AI for Health Initiative) and BODH (Benchmarking Open Data for Health AI) at the India AI Impact Summit, signalling structured push for ethical and evidence-based AI in healthcare. SAHI acts as a governance framework and policy roadmap for responsible AI use in health, while BODH creates a testing and validation platform before large-scale deployment. Move aligns with India’s shift toward data-driven, interoperable, and AI-enabled digital health ecosystem under national digital public infrastructure. Relevance GS II (Governance & Health) Digital health governance Regulatory frameworks Public health policy GS III (Science & Tech) AI governance Digital Public Infrastructure Data protection B. Static Background National Health Policy 2017 envisioned creation of comprehensive digital health ecosystem that is interoperable and scalable. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (2020) created digital health IDs, registries, and data exchange architecture. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model (Aadhaar–UPI–ABDM stack) increasingly used as global template. C. What is SAHI? National framework for ethical, transparent, and accountable AI in healthcare. Ensures data privacy, consent-based usage, algorithmic accountability, and bias mitigation. Functions as policy compass + governance architecture for Health-AI adoption. D. What is BODH? Platform to benchmark, test, and validate AI models using structured datasets before deployment. Focus on performance, reliability, and real-world readiness. Promotes collaboration between government, academia, and innovators. E. Key Dimensions 1. Governance / Regulatory Introduces pre-deployment validation norms, reducing risk of unsafe or untested AI tools in healthcare. Supports evidence-based policymaking and regulatory oversight. Aligns with principles of responsible AI governance. 2. Health System  AI enables early diagnosis, predictive analytics, telemedicine, and resource optimisation. Helps address doctor–patient ratio gaps (India ~1:834 vs WHO norm 1:1000 — but uneven distribution). Supports universal health coverage goals. 3. Technology   Promotes indigenous AI models and data sovereignty. Encourages use of high-quality anonymised health datasets. Boosts India’s competitiveness in global Health-AI market. 4. Ethical / Social Addresses risks of data misuse, bias, opacity, and exclusion. Protects patient rights via consent-based frameworks. Builds public trust in digital health. F. Data & Evidence India’s digital health ecosystem covers billions of health records under ABDM architecture. Global AI-in-healthcare market projected to exceed $180 billion by 2030 (industry estimates). WHO highlights AI’s role in diagnostics, outbreak prediction, and health system efficiency. G. Critical Analysis Success depends on data quality, interoperability, and cybersecurity safeguards. Regulatory capacity must keep pace with rapid AI innovation. Risk of algorithmic bias if datasets not representative. Rural digital divide may limit equitable benefits. H. Way Forward Create independent Health-AI regulatory and audit bodies. Strengthen data protection compliance under DPDP Act. Invest in AI literacy for doctors and health workers. Promote public–private–academic partnerships. Ensure inclusion of rural and marginalised populations in datasets. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers SAHI = Secure AI for Health Initiative. BODH = Benchmarking Open Data for Health AI. ABDM launched in 2020. National Health Policy year = 2017. Health is a State subject (Entry 6, State List) but Centre frames policies. AI governance linked to data protection and consent. Practice Question “Responsible AI governance is essential for digital health transformation.” Discuss the significance of SAHI and BODH in building a trustworthy AI-enabled health ecosystem in India. (15 Marks) Iran Briefly Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Source : The Indian Express A. Issue in Brief Iran briefly announced closure/threatened restriction of the Strait of Hormuz during sensitive nuclear negotiations with the United States, signalling use of chokepoint geopolitics as leverage. Strait handles ~20% of global oil trade and ~25–30% of LNG flows, making any disruption a major global energy-security risk. Episode underscores how West Asian tensions directly impact global markets, shipping insurance, and inflation, including for energy-import dependent countries like India. Relevance GS II (International Relations) West Asia geopolitics US–Iran relations Maritime security B. Static Background Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime chokepoint (~33 km wide at narrowest) connecting Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea. Bordered by Iran (north) and Oman/UAE (south). Key exporters using the route: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar. Historically used as pressure point during Iran–US tensions (1980s Tanker War, 2019 tanker incidents). C. Key Dimensions 1. Geopolitical Dimension Iran uses Hormuz as strategic deterrence tool against sanctions and military pressure. Reflects broader US–Iran rivalry, nuclear deal tensions, and regional proxy conflicts. Raises stakes for Gulf security architecture and great-power naval presence. 2. Energy Security Dimension EIA estimates ~17–20 million barrels/day of oil pass through Hormuz. Even temporary disruption spikes global crude prices and freight costs. LNG supplies from Qatar (world’s top LNG exporter) heavily depend on this route. 3. Economic Dimension Disruptions raise oil prices → imported inflation → CAD pressures for oil-importing economies. Impacts shipping insurance premiums and global supply chains. Financial markets react sharply to Hormuz tensions. 4. Security / Maritime Dimension Presence of US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain ensures freedom of navigation. Region sees frequent naval patrols, surveillance, and escort missions. Risk of miscalculation leading to escalation. 5. Legal / International Law Dimension Under UNCLOS, straits used for international navigation allow transit passage, limiting unilateral closure legitimacy. However, enforcement depends on power realities, not just law. D. Data & Evidence ~20% of global petroleum liquids consumption passes via Hormuz. ~80% of Asia-bound oil shipments from Gulf transit this route. India imports ~85% of its crude needs, large share from Gulf. Past crises (2019 tanker attacks) caused oil price spikes of 10–15%. E. Critical Analysis Iran rarely fully closes Hormuz due to self-damage risk (its own oil exports rely on it). More often used as signalling and bargaining tool. Demonstrates fragility of global energy system dependent on narrow chokepoints. Highlights limits of rules-based maritime order under geopolitical stress. F. India’s Perspective India has strong stakes in energy security and diaspora safety in Gulf. Maintains balanced ties with Iran, US, and Gulf monarchies. Invested in Chabahar Port to diversify connectivity and bypass Pakistan. Strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) help cushion short-term shocks. G. Way Forward Diversify energy imports and accelerate renewables transition. Strengthen Indian Navy’s mission-based deployments in IOR. Expand strategic petroleum reserves. Promote diplomatic de-escalation in West Asia. Support multilateral maritime-security frameworks. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers Strait of Hormuz connects Persian Gulf–Gulf of Oman. Handles ~1/5th global oil trade. Bordered by Iran & Oman/UAE. US Fifth Fleet operates from Bahrain. Qatar LNG exports depend heavily on Hormuz. Transit passage concept under UNCLOS. Chabahar Port gives India access to Afghanistan/Central Asia. Practice Question “Maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz are geopolitical pressure valves in global politics.” Discuss their strategic importance and implications for India’s energy security. (15 Marks) Black Boxes & Air Crash Investigation Source : The Indian Express A. Issue in Brief After the recent air crash involving a senior political leader’s aircraft in Maharashtra, both black boxes (DFDR + CVR) were recovered and sent for technical analysis. Despite severe damage and fire exposure, recorders are designed to survive high-impact crashes, making them the most reliable evidence source. Investigation now hinges on decoding these devices to reconstruct flight parameters, pilot inputs, and cockpit communication. Relevance GS III (Science & Tech) Aviation technology Safety engineering Forensic technology GS III (Disaster Management) Accident investigation Safety protocols B. Static Background A “black box” is not a single device but two recorders: DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder) CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) Mandated under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) safety norms for commercial aircraft. Painted bright orange for visibility, not black. C. What Each Recorder Captures 1. DFDR Records altitude, airspeed, heading, vertical acceleration, engine performance, autopilot status. Modern units log 1,000+ parameters multiple times per second. Helps reconstruct the aircraft’s technical and performance profile. 2. CVR Captures pilot conversations, radio transmissions, alarms, and background cockpit sounds. Usually stores last 2 hours of audio (older versions stored 30 minutes). Critical for identifying human-factor errors or system warnings. D. Technical Features Built to survive: Impact forces up to ~3,400 g Temperatures ~1,100°C for 30–60 minutes Deep-sea pressure at 6,000 m depth Equipped with Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) emitting signals for ~30 days. E. Investigation Process Data decoded at certified labs such as AAIB facilities. Investigators synchronise DFDR + CVR + ATC logs + radar data. Computer simulations recreate final flight moments. Focus areas: Mechanical failure Weather conditions Human error ATC instructions F. Governance & Regulatory Dimension In India, probes handled by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). AAIB works under MoCA and follows ICAO Annex 13 protocols. Aim is safety improvement, not criminal liability. G. Data & Evidence Globally, 90%+ crash causes identified through recorder data. Human factors contribute to ~70–80% of aviation accidents (global aviation safety studies). Aviation remains one of the safest transport modes, with accident rates steadily declining over decades. H. Critical Issues Fire or fragmentation can damage memory modules. Delays in data retrieval slow investigations. Privacy concerns over cockpit recordings. Smaller/private aircraft may have limited recording requirements. I. Way Forward Adopt real-time data streaming/“virtual black boxes”. Strengthen indigenous crash investigation labs. Improve pilot training using recorder-based simulations. Periodic upgrades of recorder technology. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers Black box colour = orange. Two parts: DFDR + CVR. Mandated by ICAO. ULB works ~30 days underwater. CVR now stores ~2 hours audio. AAIB is India’s crash investigation body. Purpose = safety, not punishment. Practice Question “Flight recorders are the backbone of modern aviation safety architecture.” Discuss their role in accident investigation and future improvements needed. (10–15 marks) Framework to Regulate AI in Healthcare Source : The Indian Express A. Issue in Brief India has unveiled a national framework to regulate AI in healthcare, shifting focus from pilot projects to full lifecycle governance — data collection to real-world deployment. Framework aims to ensure safe, ethical, and evidence-based AI adoption while preventing risks from unvalidated or biased algorithms in clinical settings. Announced under the leadership of the Union Health Ministry as part of India’s push toward digital public infrastructure-led health innovation. Relevance GS II (Governance & Social Sector) Health policy Regulation of emerging tech Digital governance B. Static Background National Health Policy 2017 envisioned a comprehensive digital health ecosystem. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM, 2020) created: Health IDs Digital registries Health Information Exchange India’s DPI model (Aadhaar–UPI–ABDM) increasingly cited globally. C. What the Framework Covers ? Full AI lifecycle regulation: Data sourcing Model training Validation Deployment Post-deployment monitoring Encourages real-world performance testing before scale-up. Emphasises patient safety and accountability. D. First-Big-Step Significance India among early movers in Global South to build structured Health-AI governance. Aims to become global hub for affordable, scalable digital health solutions. Integrates AI within public health delivery, not just private innovation. E. Key Dimensions 1. Governance / Regulatory Moves from voluntary ethics → institutional oversight. Standardises evaluation protocols. Reduces regulatory grey zones in medical AI. 2. Health System AI assists in: Diagnostics Triage Telemedicine Resource allocation Addresses doctor shortage & rural access gaps. 3. Technology Promotes indigenous AI and data sovereignty. Builds on ABDM’s interoperable datasets. Supports scalable AI innovation ecosystem. 4. Ethical / Social Focus on consent, privacy, bias mitigation, explainability. Prevents algorithmic discrimination. Builds public trust. F. Data & Evidence India’s ABDM aims to cover 1.4+ billion population records. Global AI-health market projected $180B+ by 2030. WHO identifies AI as critical for diagnostics and outbreak prediction. G. Challenges Data quality variability. Cybersecurity threats to health data. Low AI literacy among healthcare workers. Risk of over-reliance on algorithms. H. Way Forward Independent AI-health audit authorities. Strong DPDP Act compliance. Capacity building for doctors. Public-private-academic collaboration. Continuous dataset updating. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers ABDM launched 2020. National Health Policy year 2017. AI governance involves consent & data protection. ABDM uses Health IDs & registries. AI in health requires validation before deployment. Practice Question “AI in healthcare requires governance as much as innovation.” Discuss the need and features of India’s AI-health regulatory framework. (15 marks) AI Glasses for Visually Impaired: “Seeing Through Sound” Source : TOI A. Issue in Brief AIIMS and partners are deploying AI-powered smart glasses that convert visual inputs into spoken feedback, enabling visually impaired persons to interpret surroundings through sound. Device uses real-time object recognition + text-to-speech, helping users read labels, identify currency, detect obstacles, and navigate independently. Initiative advances assistive AI for disability inclusion, moving from medical rehabilitation to tech-enabled autonomy. Relevance GS II (Social Justice) Disability inclusion Assistive technology Rights-based welfare GS III (Science & Tech) AI for social good Wearable technology B. Static Background Disability inclusion backed by Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which mandates accessibility, assistive devices, and equal participation. India is signatory to UNCRPD (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). Assistive technology recognised by WHO as key for functional independence and quality of life. C. How the Technology Works ? Camera-equipped glasses capture surroundings. AI model processes images to: Identify objects, faces, currency, text Detect obstacles Provide navigation cues Output delivered via audio prompts in real time. D. Key Features Reads medicine labels, documents, signboards. Recognises daily-use objects and currency notes. Assists in indoor and outdoor navigation. Designed for hands-free usage. E. Data & Evidence India has ~11 million people with blindness/severe visual impairment (various national estimates). Major causes: Cataract Diabetic retinopathy Glaucoma Age-related macular degeneration Device cost ~₹35,000/unit, with subsidised/free distribution under initiatives like Project Drishti. F. Dimensions of Analysis 1. Social Justice / Inclusion  Enhances dignity, independence, and mobility. Reduces caregiver dependency. Supports inclusive society goals under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). 2. Health Governance  Complements rehabilitation services. Bridges gap where surgical correction not possible. Encourages tech-enabled public health solutions. 3. Science & Technology Uses computer vision, NLP, and edge AI. Demonstrates dual-use AI for social good. Promotes indigenous innovation ecosystem. 4. Economic Dimension Improves employability and productivity of visually impaired persons. Reduces long-term care costs. G. Challenges Affordability for mass adoption. Need for multilingual and local-context training data. Battery life and hardware durability. Privacy concerns with camera-based systems. H. Way Forward Integrate under Ayushman Bharat assistive device coverage. Promote domestic manufacturing for cost reduction. AI training on Indian languages and environments. Public-private partnerships for scale. Strong data-privacy safeguards. Exam Orientation Prelims Pointers  RPwD Act enacted in 2016. Assistive AI uses computer vision + text-to-speech. Cataract = leading cause of blindness in India. UNCRPD relates to disability rights. Assistive devices fall under inclusion policies. Practice Question “Assistive AI can transform disability inclusion from welfare to empowerment.” Discuss with reference to AI-based tools for the visually impaired. (10–15 marks)