General Studies Paper -2 Context: The government is actively shaping an AI ecosystem where computing power, GPUs, and research opportunities are accessible at an affordable cost. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Artificial intelligence allows machines to model, or even improve upon, the capabilities of the human mind. India’s AI Sector India as AI Hub: India ranks second in public generative AI projects on GitHub and houses 16% of the world’s AI talent. AI Industry Growth: India’s AI industry....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The National Geospatial Policy 2022 positions India as a global leader in geospatial technology, ensuring that location-based intelligence powers the nation’s progress and prosperity. About National Geospatial Policy (NGP) It was announced by the Centre in  2022 and it replaces  the National Map Policy, 2005. It builds on the Department of Science and Technology (DST) guidelines issued in February 2021. These guidelines deregulated the geospatial sector and liberalized the acquisition, production, and access to geospatial data. It outlines a strategic plan to develop geospatial infrastructure, services, and platforms at both national and sub-national levels. It....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The question of whether India should develop its own sovereign, foundational AI model has gained prominence as the world increasingly relies on artificial intelligence for various applications. With global tech giants dominating the AI landscape, the idea of India building its own AI model is both ambitious and strategic. About As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to economic and strategic policymaking, nations are racing to establish their leadership in this transformative technology. The rise of AI foundation models — large-scale AI systems trained on massive datasets — has raised concerns over technological dependence, data security,....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. About GSLV F15 carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite placing it into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS series, and part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC). It is designed to provide accurate positioning services across India. GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and 11th flight with Indigenous Cryo stage. Over these 100 launches ISRO has lifted 548 satellites to orbit. NVS Series....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Indian government has approved ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite mission, named Shukrayaan. Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiting Satellite) Launch Details: Set to launch in March 2028. Estimated cost of the mission is Rs 1,236 crore. LVM-3 launch vehicle has been identified to place the spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO) Objectives: Atmospheric Studies: Analyze the composition of Venus’s thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Study the extreme greenhouse effect and its impact on the planet’s climate. Surface Mapping: Utilize advanced radar technology to map the planet’s surface, revealing hidden geological features. Ionospheric Studies: Explore the upper atmosphere of....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: As the number of satellites goes up, there is an increased concern about the Space Junk. About More than 10,000 active satellites are in orbit around the planet. This number is estimated to shoot up to more than 100,000 by the 2030s. As the number of satellites goes up, so will the space junk pollution. Space Debris Junk from space objects falling to the earth involve relatively small fragments from rockets that survive the friction of the atmosphere. Space junk can vary in size, from tiny bits like paint chips, to larger pieces like old satellites....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can help solve some of the main data collection and coordination problems in the sustainable development and management of Indian cities. About As India continues on its trajectory of economic development, it is expected to add about 270 million citizens to its cities over the next 20 years. Such rapid urbanization will bring challenges, requiring to identify pathways of sustainable development to ensure that the country can realise the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047. The vision for a developed nation in the 100th year of independence – for every....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chairman, S Somanath, shared new timelines for Chandrayaan 4, Gajanana, and a joint moon-landing mission with Japan’s JAXA. About The Gaganyaan mission will likely begin in 2026 and sample return mission Chandrayaan-4 will be carried out in 2028. A joint moon-landing mission named LUPEX, or Lunar Polar Exploration, would be the Chandrayaan-5 mission. India would provide a lander for the mission, while a rover would come from Japan. Space Sector of India India’s space sector has benefitted from decades of consistent investment, with $13 billion invested in the last decade. It....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The recent extreme weather events have put the focus back on the country’s weather prediction capabilities and ways to improve them. Weather Prediction in India India, at present, depends on satellite data and computer models for weather prediction. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the INSAT series of satellites and supercomputers. In India three satellites, INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR and INSAT-3DS are used mainly for meteorological observations. Forecasters use satellite data around cloud motion, cloud top temperature, and water vapor content that help in rainfall estimation, weather forecasting, and tracking cyclones. Initiatives taken to improve the efficiency The....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) to drive a biotech manufacturing revolution, akin to the IT sector’s transformation in the 1990s. Aim: The BioE3 Policy aims to revolutionize biotechnology in India by boosting sustainable bio-manufacturing across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation. It fosters innovation, supports national priorities, and enhances employment through advanced biotechnological processes. Features of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy: It focuses on promoting biotechnology-based manufacturing in India, aiming to catalyze a technological revolution. Here are the important features: High-Performance Biomanufacturing: Focuses....Read More