India's AI Transition & Governance 2026: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy
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The Big Picture
India is pivoting from 'Digital Access' (connecting the unconnected) to 'Sovereign Digital Intelligence' (empowering the connected with AI). This transition is marked by the 'IndiaAI Mission', which aims to build an indigenous computational backbone (HPC) and a 'Sovereign AI Stack'. Unlike the Western 'Market-led' or Chinese 'State-controlled' models, India is championing a 'Public-Good AI' model, where AI functions as an 'Intelligent Layer' atop existing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like Aadhaar and UPI.
Cross-Theme Insight
The threads reveal a 'Dual-Track' governance strategy: while the Central Government focuses on standards (ISO/IEC 42001) and large-scale compute missions, State Governments (UP, Telangana) are acting as 'Implementation Labs' for sector-specific AI hubs. This competitive federalism, combined with private sector 'Vernacular AI' (e.g., Jio's Bharat GPT), ensures that AI adoption is not just high-tech but 'high-reach', moving beyond English-speaking elites to rural Bharat.
Textbook vs Reality Gap
Standard textbooks (e.g., Nitin Singhania, p. 332) describe AI as an experimental tool in 'Krishi Megh' for livestock disease identification. However, the 2025-26 reality has escalated to 'GenAI-driven' real-time agricultural advisory and multi-modal pest control. While Vivek Singh (p. 447) notes the 'Make AI in India' budget vision, current developments show this has matured into a 'Techno-Legal' framework where AI is being institutionalized into the judiciary and energy grids, moving beyond 'Centres of Excellence' to 'Centres of Operation'.
How This Theme Is Evolving
The trajectory has shifted from 'Strategy' (NITI Aayog, 2018) to 'Infrastructure' (IndiaAI Mission, 2024) to 'Codification' (ISO 42001 and PSA White Paper, 2025-26). The focus has migrated from high-level 'Social Good' themes to granular 'Sectoral Oversight', where nodal agencies in Finance, Defense, and Labor are establishing their own AI safety and integration protocols.
UPSC Exam Intelligence
Previous Year Question Pattern
UPSC has transitioned from testing 'Identity' of tech (e.g., 2004 IAS nid:4339 on 'Param Padma') to 'Functional Breadth' (e.g., 2020 IAS nid:5909 on AI capabilities like disease diagnosis and text-to-speech). Recent trends (CAPF 2025, nid:9770) show a focus on 'Application logic' (NLP). Expect future questions to target 'Ethical & Regulatory Jurisprudence', specifically comparing India's Techno-Legal approach with the EU AI Act.
Probable Prelims Angles
- ISO/IEC 42001: The first global standard for AI Management Systems (MS) and India's role in its adoption.
- MSTrIPES 2.0: AI-integrated geospatial software for tiger habitat and poacher monitoring.
- Bhashini: The AI-led language translation platform for vernacular inclusivity in governance.
- IndiaAI Mission Pillars: Specific focus on 'AI Compute Capacity', 'Datasets Programs', and 'Safe AI'.
- Techno-Legal Framework: The shift from 'Ethical Guidelines' to 'Legally Enforceable Standards' for AI safety.
Preparation Strategy
Key Connections
Sub-Themes and News Coverage (16 themes, 75 news items)
AI Integration in Indian Public Administration
Focus: A collection of specific initiatives by Central and State governments (UP, Telangana) and the Judiciary to integrate Artificial Intelligence into public sectors like healthcare, law, and skill development.
UPSC Value: These items collectively illustrate the 'Application of AI in Governance' (GS-2) and 'Indigenization of Technology' (GS-3), highlighting both adoption strategies and regulatory concerns.
12 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-21 [Science & Technology] — Jitendra Singh Emphasizes AI's Role in Eliminating Subjectivity in Medical Diagnosis
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that AI-developed tools will eliminate subjectivity in medical diagnosis, ensuring more precise treatment. He highlighted the development of India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, and ongoing large-scale genome sequencing initiatives targeting one million individuals under the Department of Biotechnology. Sectors like space, nuclear medicine, and advanced health research have been opened to greater private participation to foster innovation.More details
UPSC Angle: AI will eliminate subjectivity in medical diagnosis: Jitendra Singh.
Key Facts:
- AI-developed tools are set to eliminate subjectivity in medical diagnosis.
- India is entering a new era of genomics and gene therapy.
- India developed its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin.
- Large-scale genome sequencing initiatives are underway with an initial target of sequencing one million individuals.
- 2026-02-20 [Science & Technology] — AI in Healthcare: A Rights-Based Approach
Consultations on people-led AI in health in Delhi highlight that AI must be evaluated through a rights-based public health approach, ensuring AI tools are transparent, accountable, and regularly audited. AI should be designed in regional languages to ensure accessibility, and public investment should focus on strengthening primary healthcare. AI must be used only as a support tool while keeping doctors and health workers at the centre of care.More details
UPSC Angle: AI in healthcare must be rights-based, transparent, and accountable.
Key Facts:
- India must adopt a rights-based framework for AI in healthcare.
- 2026-02-18 [Science & Technology] — France Inaugurates Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS New Delhi
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the centre during the high-level Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) meetings held on February 18-19, 2026, at AIIMS. The IF-CAIH stems from a Joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute, with academic collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and leading French institutions. The centre promotes interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, brain health and global healthcare systems.More details
UPSC Angle: France Inaugurates Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS.
Key Facts:
- The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) was inaugurated on February 18, 2026.
- The IF-CAIH is located at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
- The launch coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) meetings held on February 18-19, 2026.
- The IF-CAIH stems from a Joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute.
- The initiative also draws academic collaboration from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and leading French institutions.
- The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was inaugurated on February 18, 2026.
- The inauguration was done by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J P Nadda, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- The high-level academic and scientific meetings - Rencontres Universitaires Et Scientifiques De Haut Niveau (RUSH) - are being held on February 18-19, 2026, at AIIMS, New Delhi.
- The IF-CAIH has been established pursuant to a Joint Memorandum of Understanding signed between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute.
- President Macron held a 30-minute conversation titled “RUSH – Conversation on Artificial Intelligence” with young Indian innovators Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri.
- 2026-02-17 [Schemes & Programs] — Health Ministry to Launch SAHI and BODH at India AI Summit
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will launch the Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI) and the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH) at the India AI Summit. SAHI provides a framework for ethical AI adoption in healthcare, while BODH, developed by IIT Kanpur, allows evaluation of AI models using real-world health data.More details
UPSC Angle: Health Ministry to launch SAHI and BODH at India AI Summit.
Key Facts:
- Jagat Prakash Nadda
- Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India (SAHI)
- Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH)
- India AI Summit
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- IIT Kanpur - BODH developer
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
- 2026-02-17 [Science & Technology] — AI poses public health threat
All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists has written to PM Modi, flagging what it called a "grave threat to public health" arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to generate fake medical prescriptions and procure restricted medicines.More details
UPSC Angle: AI misuse impacting public health; potential regulatory concerns.
Key Facts:
- All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists has written to PM Modi
- AI platforms can be used to create fabricated prescriptions to buy antibiotics, psychotropic drugs and other restricted medicines with minimal checks.
- AI-generated prescriptions, often carrying fabricated hospital names and details, are being used to bypass safeguards.
- The organsiation urged the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to immediately withdraw GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), shut down illegal and unregulated e-pharmacy platforms by blocking their websites and digital payment gateways, prohibit the use of AI or any digital tool for generating medical prescriptions, and declare AI-generated prescriptions illegal and invalid nationwide.
- 2026-02-17 [Schemes & Programs] — SAHI and BODH AI Initiatives for Healthcare
The Union Health Minister launched SAHI and BODH at the India AI Summit 2026 to strengthen responsible AI adoption in India's healthcare system. SAHI is a national guidance framework designed to enable safe, ethical, evidence-based and inclusive adoption of Artificial Intelligence across India's healthcare ecosystem. BODH is a privacy-preserving benchmarking platform developed by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the National Health Authority to evaluate Health AI models.More details
UPSC Angle: SAHI and BODH AI initiatives launched for healthcare.
Key Facts:
- SAHI: National guidance framework for safe, ethical, evidence-based and inclusive AI adoption in healthcare
- BODH: Privacy-preserving benchmarking platform developed by IIT Kanpur and the National Health Authority to evaluate Health AI models
- 2026-01-22 [Polity & Governance] — UP Government Signs MoU with NASSCOM to Enhance Technology Skills
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to enhance new-age technology skills among youth. The programme will be executed through FutureSkills Prime, a national digital skilling platform supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). The partnership supports UP's ambition to transform Lucknow into India's first 'AI City'.More details
UPSC Angle: UP govt and NASSCOM MoU to enhance technology skills.
- 2026-01-14 [Polity & Governance] — UP Government to Use AI for Public Services
Uttar Pradesh aims to enhance public service delivery, digital governance, and inclusive economic growth through AI adoption, positioning itself as a leader in AI in India.More details
UPSC Angle: UP government to use AI for public services.
- 2025-12-12 [Science & Technology] — India to use AI for Drug Discovery
Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India will utilize generative AI to accelerate drug discovery and clinical research. He addressed concerns that AI would replace scientists, asserting that it will enhance decision-making processes.More details
UPSC Angle: India to use generative AI for drug discovery and clinical research.
Key Facts:
- Minister of State for Science and Technology: Jitendra Singh
- 7th CII Pharma and Lifesciences Summit 2025 location: New Delhi
- AI used for: Clinical trial protocol development, clinical trial execution, quality assurance, and regulatory submissions
- 2025-08-23 [Polity & Governance] — AI Integration in Indian Courtrooms: Need for Guardrails
The Hindu editorial emphasizes the need for establishing frameworks for the safe, ethical, and responsible application of Artificial Intelligence in courtrooms, as AI adoption grows. It highlights the necessity of AI literacy training for judges and lawyers and ensuring transparency for litigants regarding AI use in legal processes.More details
UPSC Angle: AI in courtrooms: Need for guardrails.
Key Facts:
- AI literacy training is needed via judicial academies.
- Partnerships with AI governance experts are recommended.
- Litigants must be informed of AI use and allowed to opt-out from AI-driven processes.
- 2025-04-11 [Science & Technology] — Telangana Government Launches 'AI Rising Grand Challenge'
The Telangana government has launched the 'AI Rising Grand Challenge' to resolve public sector issues.More details
UPSC Angle: Telangana Government Launches 'AI Rising Grand Challenge'.
Key Facts:
- Challenge: AI Rising Grand Challenge
- Government: Telangana
- Objective: Resolve public sector issues
- 2025-03-22 [Schemes & Programs] — AI in Healthcare: Centers of Excellence
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched AI initiatives to improve healthcare, designating AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh as Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence. These centers aim to develop and adopt AI-based healthcare solutions.More details
UPSC Angle: AIIMS Delhi, Chandigarh, Rishikesh are Centres of Excellence for AI in healthcare.
Key Facts:
- AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh designated as Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.
- These institutions will foster development and adoption of AI-based healthcare solutions.
Evolution of India's Domestic AI Governance Framework
Focus: Iterative development of India's broad AI policy architecture, moving from initial advisories to comprehensive guidelines and techno-legal white papers.
UPSC Value: Illustrates the multi-agency approach (MeitY, PSA, DPIIT) in shaping India's regulatory landscape for AI beyond just penal laws.
7 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-19 [Polity & Governance] — India's Copyright Law and AI Training Reform
An editorial highlights that India's copyright law is outdated, creating legal uncertainty for AI training data collection, as India lacks 'text and data mining' exceptions unlike the EU, Japan, and Singapore, making AI training technically illegal. The article calls for flexible copyright exceptions to foster innovation and balance creator rights with innovation, accessibility, and public interest. A balanced approach is necessary to safeguard genuine creativity while enabling data-driven technological development through clear legal exceptions and institutional foresight.More details
UPSC Angle: India's copyright law and AI training reform.
Key Facts:
- India's copyright law creates legal uncertainty for AI development.
- EU, Japan, and Singapore have 'text and data mining' exceptions, while India doesn't.
- India's copyright regime effectively makes AI training and web search engines technically illegal in most scenarios.
- India needs modern exceptions for AI training, research use, and data mining.
- Old copyright laws conflict with AI, data mining, and digital access to knowledge.
- India's copyright framework is at a policy crossroads.
- A balanced approach is needed to safeguard creativity and enable data-driven technological development.
- 2026-02-15 [Science & Technology] — India's Stance on AI Regulation
Union Minister Jitin Prasada stated that India has the highest level of AI skill penetration and has adopted a policy of avoiding over-regulation to ensure innovation thrives. He highlighted the government's agile approach and India's potential to offer trajectory, speed, and scale to the world in the AI space.More details
UPSC Angle: India avoids over-regulation of AI to ensure innovation.
Key Facts:
- India has the highest level of AI skill penetration
- Policy of avoiding over-regulation to ensure innovation
- Union Minister Jitin Prasada
- AI Impact Summit
- 2026-02-10 [Science & Technology] — Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework
The Ministry of Electronics and IT released draft guidelines for responsible AI deployment across sectors.More details
UPSC Angle: Draft guidelines for responsible AI deployment released.
Key Facts:
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT released draft guidelines for responsible AI deployment across sectors.
- 2026-01-27 [Polity & Governance] — Office of PSA Releases White Paper on AI Governance
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the GOI released a White Paper titled “Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-Legal Framework”, outlining India's approach to building an accountable, and innovation-aligned artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. The techno-legal approach integrates legal instruments, regulatory oversight, and technical enforcement mechanisms directly into the design and operation of AI systems.More details
UPSC Angle: OPSA releases White Paper on AI Governance.
Key Facts:
- White Paper titled “Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-Legal Framework” released
- Released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the GOI
- Outlines India's approach to AI governance
- Integrates legal instruments, regulatory oversight, and technical enforcement mechanisms into AI systems
- The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the GOI has released a White Paper titled “Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-Legal Framework”.
- The techno-legal approach integrates legal instruments, regulatory oversight, and technical enforcement mechanisms directly into the design and operation of AI systems.
- 2025-12-10 [Science & Technology] — DPIIT Recommends Hybrid Model for AI Copyright
A DPIIT-led committee has released a working paper titled 'One Nation, One License, One Payment: Balancing AI Innovation and Copyright', recommending a hybrid compensation model for the use of copyrighted content in AI training. If implemented, India would become the only country to prescribe a statutory licensing regime for AI developers, with royalty rates prescribed by a government-appointed committee.More details
UPSC Angle: DPIIT recommends hybrid model for AI copyright.
Key Facts:
- DPIIT-led committee
- One Nation, One License, One Payment: Balancing AI Innovation and Copyright
- Hybrid model
- Statutory licensing regime for AI developers
- 2025-11-08 [Polity & Governance] — India AI Governance Guidelines Released
MeitY has released the India AI Governance Guidelines, a pro-innovation framework to enable safe and trusted AI adoption across sectors, balancing rapid AI adoption with safety, trust, and accountability. The guidelines aim to build a responsible, innovation-led AI ecosystem rooted in trust and inclusion, combining flexible governance with sectoral accountability.More details
UPSC Angle: MeitY releases India AI Governance Guidelines.
Key Facts:
- India AI Governance Guidelines released by MeitY
- Pro-innovation framework
- Enables safe and trusted AI adoption
- Balances rapid AI adoption with safety, trust, and accountability
- Aims for a human-centric, ethical, and empowering AI ecosystem
- Released by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Purpose: To ensure safe, inclusive, and responsible AI development and deployment
- Addressed Risks: deepfakes, misinformation, algorithmic bias
- Prepared by: A high-level committee chaired by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran (IIT Madras)
- Framework Structure: Structured around four core components and seven guiding principles
- 2025-03-10 [Science & Technology] — Government Considers Rollback of AI Advisory Amid Industry Concerns
The government is considering reversing its advisory on seeking approval for AI services, potentially influenced by industry pushback. This suggests ongoing negotiation and policy adjustments in the regulation of artificial intelligence in India.More details
UPSC Angle: Government considers rollback of AI advisory amid industry concerns.
Key Facts:
- AI advisory
- Industry pushback
High-Performance and AI Computing Infrastructure
Focus: State-sponsored expansion of India's computational capacity through the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) and IndiaAI Mission.
UPSC Value: Tracks the parallel growth of traditional supercomputing (NSM) and modern AI compute grids as critical digital infrastructure.
7 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-17 [Schemes & Programs] — SAHI and BODH Initiative Launch
The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched two key national initiatives namely SAHI and BODH at the India AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam to strengthen responsible AI adoption in India's healthcare system. SAHI (Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India) is a national guidance framework designed to enable safe, ethical, evidence-based and inclusive adoption of AI across India's healthcare ecosystem. BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI) is designed to evaluate AI models on diverse, real-world health data without sharing patient information.More details
UPSC Angle: SAHI and BODH initiatives launched to strengthen responsible AI adoption in healthcare.
Key Facts:
- SAHI and BODH launched at India AI Summit 2026
- SAHI: National guidance framework for safe and ethical AI adoption in healthcare
- BODH: To evaluate AI models on diverse health data without sharing patient information
- SAHI (Secure AI for Health Initiative)
- BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI)
- Launched by: Union Health Minister J P Nadda
- Event: India AI Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi
- 2026-02-17 [International Relations] — India Aims for AI Consensus
India aims to drive consensus among global leaders on the ethical use of AI for the benefit of humanity while containing harms from its improper use, according to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The government will also launch AI Mission 2.0 focusing on R&D, innovation, and AI diffusion.More details
UPSC Angle: India aims for global consensus on ethical AI use.
Key Facts:
- Objective: Global consensus on ethical AI use
- Focus: Benefit of humanity, containing harms
- AI Mission 2.0: R&D, innovation, AI diffusion
- Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
- 2025-12-15 [Science & Technology] — India's AI Compute Mission Approved
The Government has approved a national mission to create large-scale artificial intelligence compute capacity to support advanced artificial intelligence research and development in India. This mission aims to rapidly expand the country's artificial intelligence compute capacity.More details
UPSC Angle: Government approves national mission to create large-scale AI compute capacity.
Key Facts:
- National mission approved
- To create large-scale artificial intelligence compute capacity
- To support advanced artificial intelligence research
- Aims to rapidly expand the country's artificial intelligence compute capacity
- 2025-11-16 [Science & Technology] — IndiaAI Mission and Inclusive AI
India, through the IndiaAI Mission (2024), is attempting to bridge the digital divide by treating AI as a public good and building a democratic, inclusive, and sovereign AI ecosystem. Over 38,000 GPUs are being deployed to form India's national AI compute grid, reducing dependence on global tech giants and lowering entry barriers for innovators.More details
UPSC Angle: IndiaAI Mission aims to build a democratic, inclusive AI ecosystem.
Key Facts:
- IndiaAI Mission (2024) aims to bridge the digital divide by treating AI as a public good.
- Over 38,000 GPUs are being deployed to form India's national AI compute grid.
- 2025-04-29 [Science & Technology] — National Supercomputing Mission Update
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has deployed 34 supercomputers with a combined capacity of 35 Petaflops. The mission is jointly steered by DST and MeitY and implemented by C-DAC and IISc.More details
UPSC Angle: National Supercomputing Mission deploys 34 supercomputers.
Key Facts:
- 34 supercomputers deployed with combined capacity of 35 Petaflops
- Over 85% utilization, with many systems exceeding 95% usage
- Supported 10,000+ researchers, including 1,700+ PhD scholars from 200+ institutions
- Enabled completion of 1 crore+ compute jobs and 1,500+ publications in leading journals
- 22,000+ individuals trained in HPC and AI
- Start-ups and MSMEs using HPC for innovation and development
- Three-phase mission structure focusing on: Phase I: Basic supercomputing infrastructure, mostly imported components, domestic assembly. Phase II: Indigenous software stack and increased Indian value addition (up to 40%). Phase III: Complete indigenization – design, development, manufacturing within India.
- Jointly steered by DST and MeitY
- Implemented by C-DAC and IISc
- 2025-04-28 [Schemes & Programs] — National AI Mission Launched
On April 28, 2025, the Indian government launched the "National AI Mission" to boost the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, education, and agriculture. The mission aims to leverage AI for societal benefits and economic growth.More details
UPSC Angle: India launched the National AI Mission to boost AI use.
Key Facts:
- National AI Mission
- Launched: April 28, 2025
- Sectors: Healthcare, Education, Agriculture
- 2025-03-01 [Science & Technology] — India's Science and Technology Advancements
India's Advancements in Science and Technology in 2024 includes the National Quantum Mission (NQM) aiming to position India as a leader in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has deployed 33 supercomputers with a combined computing capacity of 32 petaflops, with plans to increase capacity to 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.More details
UPSC Angle: National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to lead in quantum technologies.
Key Facts:
- National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)
- 33 supercomputers deployed under NSM
- Combined capacity of 32 petaflops
- Plan to increase to 77 PetaFlops
Central Government AI-Driven Advisory Initiatives
Focus: Specific Union Ministry interventions deploying AI for direct farmer advisory services, particularly in weather forecasting and pest control.
UPSC Value: Highlights the administrative implementation of AI at the central level for disaster mitigation and crop planning.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-20 [Environment & Ecology] — AI–Physics Fusion Critical to Tackle Climate Extremes
M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), advocated the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional physics-based models to address the growing unpredictability of climate extremes. He was speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He proposed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) should open up its extensive 150-year data archive to young researchers and multidisciplinary experts to accelerate innovation in climate analytics.More details
UPSC Angle: AI–Physics fusion critical to tackle climate extremes.
Key Facts:
- M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), advocated the strategic integration of AI with traditional physics-based models to address the growing unpredictability of climate extremes.
- The event was held at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
- He proposed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) should open up its extensive 150-year data archive to young researchers and multidisciplinary experts.
- 2026-02-17 [Agriculture] — BharatVistaar AI Platform Launched for Farmers
The Indian government launched BharatVistaar, a multilingual AI-based platform, on February 17, 2026, to provide farmers with real-time advisory support on crop planning, soil health, pest management, and weather forecasts. The platform integrates agricultural databases and institutions, offering a unified digital ecosystem to bridge information gaps and improve access to government schemes and financial services for farmers across the country.More details
UPSC Angle: BharatVistaar AI platform launched for farmers.
Key Facts:
- BharatVistaar is a multilingual AI-based conversational advisory platform for farmers.
- Launched on February 17, 2026.
- Aims to provide guidance on crop planning, soil health, pest management, and weather forecasts.
- Integrates AgriStack and research-backed advisories from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Includes weather inputs from the India Meteorological Department and mandi price updates.
- Supports access to government schemes, institutional credit, and crop insurance products.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 150 crore for Bharat-VISTAAR for the next financial year (2026-27).
- Will be available in Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and Kannada within the next three months.
- Will be available in 11 languages (English, Hindi, and 9 regional languages) within the next six months.
- All Central schemes will be integrated for eligibility, applications, benefit status, and grievance redressal by May 2026.
- Farmers in Maharashtra will be able to access BharatVistaar through Vasudha (Marathi), farmers in Gujarat through Sarlaben of AmulAI (Gujarati), and farmers in Bihar through Bihar Krishi App in Hindi
- 2025-12-09 [Agriculture] — AI Transforming Indian Agriculture: Minister's Statement
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, stated that the Indian government is increasingly adopting AI to address agricultural challenges, improve crop productivity, and increase farmers' income. AI is being used to enhance farmers' decision-making and agricultural practices. AI-based monsoon forecasts were prepared for 13 states and shared with 3.88 million farmers via the M-Kisan platform for Kharif 2025.More details
UPSC Angle: Government increasingly adopting AI to address agricultural challenges.
Key Facts:
- AI used to improve crop productivity and farmer income
- National Pest Monitoring System uses AI to detect 432 types of pests across 66 crop varieties
- AI-based monsoon forecasts prepared for 13 states for Kharif 2025
- 3.88 million farmers received AI-based monsoon forecasts through M-Kisan
- 2025-09-13 [Schemes & Programs] — AI-Powered Monsoon Forecasting for Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW) launched an AI-powered monsoon forecasting initiative, sending SMS alerts to 3.8 crore farmers across 13 states for Kharif planning. This initiative aims to enable farmers to plan sowing and irrigation ahead of monsoon onset and minimize losses from extreme weather.More details
UPSC Angle: AI monsoon forecasting aids Kharif planning for 3.8 crore farmers.
Key Facts:
- AI-powered monsoon forecasting
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (MoAFW)
- 3.8 crore farmers
- 13 states
- Kharif crop planning
- SMS (m-Kisan)
- Google Neural GCM (Global Climate Model)
- ECMWF's Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS)
- 4-week advance forecasts
- 2025-09-04 [Economy] — PIB Highlights: Technology in Agriculture & GST Council Recommendations
PIB reported on September 4, 2025, about the role of technology in empowering farmers (Annadatas) and the recommendations from the 56th GST Council meeting in New Delhi. Technology is being used to modernize agriculture from 'Beej se Bazaar Tak' (seed to market), with AI, IoT, and space technology playing key roles. The GST Council made recommendations related to trade facilitation, simplified GST registration, and amendments for intermediary services.More details
UPSC Angle: PIB highlights technology in agriculture and GST Council recommendations.
Key Facts:
- 45%+ of India's workforce is engaged in agriculture, contributing ~18% to GDP (2024-25).
- Kisan e-Mitra: AI chatbot in 11 languages solved 95 lakh+ queries.
- NPSS (2024): Covered 61 crops & 400 pests, issuing 10,154 pest advisories by March 2025.
- Drones surveyed 3.23 lakh villages (till July 2025) under the SVAMITVA scheme.
- 90% risk-based provisional refunds for exports (zero-rated supplies).
- 90% refunds for inverted duty claims from Nov 2025.
- Low-risk businesses with <₹2.5 lakh monthly liability → auto registration in 3 days.
Sector-Specific AI Integration and Oversight
Focus: Official initiatives by distinct nodal agencies to integrate AI into critical sectors (Energy, Finance, Defense, Health, Labor).
UPSC Value: Demonstrates the decentralized implementation of AI policy where sectoral regulators (RBI, Army, Health Ministry) create domain-specific roadmaps.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-02 [Polity & Governance] — Government Panel to Assess AI Impact on Jobs
A high-level 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee will be formed to recommend measures that focus on the services sector. The committee will assess the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements.More details
UPSC Angle: Government Panel to Assess AI Impact on Jobs.
Key Facts:
- High-level 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee to be formed
- To assess the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements
- 2025-12-05 [Science & Technology] — Steps taken to include AI-based Diagnostic Tools in Healthcare
The government is aligning the use and deployment of AI tools with relevant policies and standards to ensure high operational reliability in healthcare. As of November 30, 2025, AI-based tools have screened more than 1.62 lakh individuals for pulmonary TB, achieving an additional case yield of 12–16% over conventional screening methods.More details
UPSC Angle: Government aligning AI tools with policies for high reliability in healthcare.
Key Facts:
- AI Governance Guidelines by MeitY
- Ethical Guidelines for Application of AI in Biomedical Research and Healthcare by ICMR
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Healthcare Information Security Policy by the Ministry
- Cough Against TB (CATB) tool screened more than 1.62 lakh individuals till 30 November 2025
- Additional case yield of 12–16% over conventional screening methods
- 2025-09-19 [Science & Technology] — India to Embed AI in National Electricity Grid
India is set to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its national electricity grid for predictive reliability, cyber-resilience, and market transparency. The AI integration aims to enhance grid management, improve energy security, and promote sustainable development.More details
UPSC Angle: India to embed AI in national electricity grid.
Key Facts:
- AI will be deployed for predictive reliability, cyber-resilience, and market transparency.
- The grid operates at a steady frequency of about 50 Hz nationwide.
- Managed by Grid-India through National, Regional, and State Load Despatch Centres under the statutory framework of the Electricity Act, 2003.
- 2025-08-16 [Economy] — RBI's Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) Committee Report, calling for 7 guiding sutras to promote responsible AI use in the financial sector while balancing innovation and risk mitigation. The RBI has introduced MuleHunter AI, developed by RBI Innovation Hub to help banks quickly detect mule accounts and curb digital frauds. The report calls for Trust, People First, Innovation, Fairness and Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, Safety, Resilience, and Sustainability.More details
UPSC Angle: RBI's FREE-AI Committee Report: 7 guiding sutras for responsible AI.
Key Facts:
- RBI released FREE-AI Committee Report
- Calls for 7 guiding sutras to promote responsible AI use in the financial sector
- RBI introduced MuleHunter AI to detect mule accounts and curb digital frauds
- Framework calls for Trust, People First, Innovation, Fairness and Equity, Accountability, Understandable by Design, Safety, Resilience, and Sustainability
- 2025-07-21 [Defense & Security] — Indian Army AI Roadmap
The Indian Army has created a roadmap to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics by 2026–27. Key areas of focus include drone swarming, real-time battlefield surveillance, combat simulations, information warfare, and data-driven decision-making. An AI Task Force under the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS) will oversee technology implementation, training, data sharing, maintenance, R&D, and AI integration in procurement.More details
UPSC Angle: Indian Army AI roadmap to integrate AI by 2026–27.
Key Facts:
- Target year for AI integration: 2026–27.
- AI Task Force under the Directorate General of Information Systems (DGIS).
Competitive Federalism in AI Infrastructure
Focus: State-level strategies and investments (Andhra Pradesh vs Rajasthan) to establish regional AI hubs and attract infrastructure projects.
UPSC Value: Illustrates the dynamic of competitive federalism where states vie for high-tech investments to drive regional development.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-22 [Polity & Governance] — Uttar Pradesh to Develop Data Infrastructure and Allied Clusters
Uttar Pradesh is set to develop data infrastructure and allied clusters to strengthen digital governance by facilitating secure storage, real-time data access, and predictive analytics. This move complements state initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital startups, strengthening the overall digital economy framework of Uttar Pradesh. The development is projected to generate new job opportunities and attract investment in technology sectors across the state.More details
UPSC Angle: Uttar Pradesh to develop data infrastructure for digital governance.
Key Facts:
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Objective: To strengthen digital governance
- Focus areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital startups
- Expected outcomes: New job opportunities and attraction of investment in technology sectors
- 2026-01-01 [Science & Technology] — Rajasthan AI Scheme
Rajasthan promotes AI cloud services, secure data repositories, testing platforms, and high-performance computing facilities to boost e-governance and data-driven decision-making. This aims to position Rajasthan as a regional hub for ethical and responsible AI innovation aligning with the national vision of “AI for All”.More details
UPSC Angle: Rajasthan promotes AI cloud services for e-governance.
Key Facts:
- Promotion of AI education and skill development in schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges, and training of government officials in Rajasthan
- Incentives for startups, MSMEs, industries, and research institutions aligned with state industrial and startup policies
- 2025-11-13 [Polity & Governance] — Competitive Federalism in India
The establishment of Google's largest Artificial Intelligence data center in Andhra Pradesh highlights the emergence of competitive federalism in India. States now compete for investments through performance, efficiency, and policy innovation, moving away from reliance on central patronage. This competition involves offering policy predictability, efficient administration, and a skilled workforce to attract investors.More details
UPSC Angle: Google's data center highlights competitive federalism among Indian states.
Key Facts:
- Google's AI data center in Andhra Pradesh
- States compete for global technology projects
- Competition based on policy predictability and efficient administration
- 2025-10-14 [Economy] — Google to Invest $15 Billion in AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam
Google announced a $15 billion investment to set up a world-class AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative, part of India's Digital India and AI Mission Bharat vision, will create about 188,000 jobs and strengthen India's position as a global digital innovation hub.More details
UPSC Angle: Google to Invest $15 Billion in AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam.
Key Facts:
- Google to invest $15 billion in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- To set up a world-class AI Data Centre.
- Part of India's Digital India and AI Mission Bharat vision.
- Will create about 188,000 jobs.
- Project rolling out between 2025–2030
Digital Inclusion and AI Literacy for Human Capital Development
Focus: Government initiatives combining hardware distribution (tablets) with AI-focused educational content and platforms to bridge the digital divide for students and citizens.
UPSC Value: This thread illustrates the evolution of the Digital India mission from providing basic infrastructure to deploying advanced AI-driven personalized learning and mass literacy programs.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-17 [Schemes & Programs] — Government Plans AI Resources for Medical Students in Smaller Towns
The Union Health Ministry is developing plans to provide medical students, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, with structured access to e-books and AI resources. The first phase includes 57 government medical colleges, with the National Medical Library securing e-books and digital clinical material for these institutions.More details
UPSC Angle: Government plans AI resources for medical students in smaller towns.
Key Facts:
- The Union Health Ministry is drawing up plans to give medical students structured access to e-books and artificial intelligence resources.
- The first phase already covers about 57 government medical colleges.
- The National Medical Library has started securing e-books and digital clinical material for this network of colleges.
- 2026-01-31 [Schemes & Programs] — Expansion of PM eVIDYA Platform
The Ministry announced the expansion of the PM eVIDYA platform with AI-powered personalized learning modules for students in rural areas. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education access.More details
UPSC Angle: Expansion of PM eVIDYA platform with AI-powered personalized learning modules.
Key Facts:
- PM eVIDYA platform to be expanded with AI-powered personalized learning modules.
- Focus on students in rural areas.
- 2025-11-19 [Schemes & Programs] — YUVA AI for ALL Initiative
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched a free national AI course called 'YUVA AI for ALL' under the IndiaAI Mission. The aim is to make Artificial Intelligence easy to understand and accessible for all citizens of India, especially the youth. The course is a 4.5-hour, self-paced online course designed to build foundational knowledge of AI.More details
UPSC Angle: MeitY launches 'YUVA AI for ALL' free national AI course.
Key Facts:
- Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Free national AI course called 'YUVA AI for ALL' under the IndiaAI Mission
- 4. 5-hour, self-paced online course
- 2025-11-19 [Schemes & Programs] — AI Skilling Initiative for Citizens
An initiative under MeitY and IndiaAI Mission is providing a 4.5-hour course with 6 modules and free certification, aiming to create 1 crore AI-literate citizens. The course is available on FutureSkills Prime and iGOT Karmayogi platforms, focusing on ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI.More details
UPSC Angle: AI skilling initiative aims to create 1 crore AI-literate citizens.
Key Facts:
- Initiative under MeitY and IndiaAI Mission
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- 6 modules
- Free certification
- Target: 1 crore AI-literate citizens
- Platforms: FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi
- Focus: ethical, responsible, inclusive AI
- 2025-04-09 [Schemes & Programs] — Ministry of Education Launches Free Tablets for Rural Students
The Ministry of Education launched a nationwide initiative to provide free tablets to students in rural areas. The program seeks to bridge the digital divide.More details
UPSC Angle: Ministry of Education launches free tablets for rural students.
Key Facts:
- Ministry of Education launched a nationwide initiative to provide free tablets.
AI Integration and Public Literacy in India
Focus: The contrast between AI's transformative application in Indian professional sectors (education and business) and the low level of general public awareness regarding the technology.
UPSC Value: Crucial for analyzing the digital divide and the challenges of technological governance in India for GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology).
4 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-14 [Science & Technology] — Indian AI Models Outperforming Global Counterparts
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Indian AI models are performing better than those from companies like OpenAI and Google on many parameters. He highlighted that these homegrown platforms reinforce confidence in India's ability to develop models using limited resources, with some models even beating world models.More details
UPSC Angle: Indian AI models outperforming global counterparts on many parameters.
Key Facts:
- IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Indian AI models
- Outperforming OpenAI, Google, Deepseek
- AI Impact Summit
- Sarvam's Saaras V3 model beat Deepgram Nova-3, ElevenLabs Scribe v2, Gemini 3 Pro and GPT-4o Transcribe across the 10 most spoken Indian languages on the IndicVoices benchmark while maintaining low latency in real time.
- Sarvam Vision also posted 84.3% accuracy on the English subset of olmOCR-Bench surpassing Gemini 3 Pro and DeepSeek OCR 2.
- 2025-10-30 [Science & Technology] — Indians' Awareness of Artificial Intelligence
A global survey by the Pew Research Center finds that India ranks lowest among 25 countries in public awareness about Artificial Intelligence (AI).More details
UPSC Angle: India ranks lowest in AI awareness among 25 countries (Pew Research).
Key Facts:
- India ranks lowest in public awareness about Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Global survey by the Pew Research Center covering 25 countries
- 2025-08-16 [Science & Technology] — AI Transforming Education in India
AI in education is shifting from being a shortcut for quick answers to promoting critical thinking and deeper learning. A new paradigm, Socratic AI, encourages inquiry by asking questions and prompting students to think deeper, rather than providing readymade solutions.More details
UPSC Angle: AI transforming education in India; Socratic AI.
Key Facts:
- Socratic AI encourages inquiry-driven dialogue and adaptive questioning.
- Socratic AI can guide thinking in subjects like economics, medicine, law, and sciences.
- 2025-05-19 [Economy] — AI Impact on Indian Businesses
AI is transforming Indian businesses by automating tasks and changing organizational structures. According to McKinsey, AI could add trillions of dollars to the global economy, potentially enhancing productivity by up to 25% in firms that effectively adopt it.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- AI transforming how Indian businesses operate
- McKinsey predicts up to 25% productivity gains from AI adoption
- AI creating new professions like AI engineers and data ethicists
Institutionalization of AI Governance and Standards in India
Focus: Initiatives and milestones focused on establishing formal frameworks, certifications, and strategic publications for Artificial Intelligence governance and adoption within the Indian ecosystem.
UPSC Value: Understanding the multi-stakeholder approach to AI regulation, including international collaboration, government-led education, and industry-standard certifications.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-17 [Science & Technology] — FSS receives ISO IEC 42001 certification for AI governance
FSS has become the first payments company across India, the Middle East, APAC, and South Africa to be awarded the ISO IEC 42001 certification for its AI governance framework.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- FSS receives ISO IEC 42001 certification for AI governance
- 2025-11-22 [Schemes & Programs] — AI for Viksit Bharat Course
A new course, 'AI for Viksit Bharat,' offers real-world AI use cases from India, practical applications of generative AI tools, and information on new opportunities. An official Government of India certificate is awarded upon completion.More details
UPSC Angle: 'AI for Viksit Bharat' course offers AI use cases.
Key Facts:
- AI for Viksit Bharat
- Government of India certificate
- 2025-10-29 [International Relations] — Primus Partners Hosts Roundtable on Safe and Trusted AI in New York
On October 29, 2025, Primus Partners Private Limited hosted “From Traction to Transaction: Bridging the Gap,” a roundtable in New York, gathering leaders from government, industry, and academia across India and the U.S.. Participants explored practical mechanisms for bilateral innovation, investment, and digital standards leadership, with a focus on Safe and Trusted AI to position India–U.S. leadership in the field.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- October 29, 2025
- Primus Partners Private Limited
- From Traction to Transaction: Bridging the Gap
- Consulate General of India in New York
- Mission 500 trade goals
- Education mobility
- AI governance
- Safe and Trusted AI
- 2025-10-24 [Science & Technology] — AI for India 2030 Initiative
PSA Ajay Kumar Sood released three publications under the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for India 2030 initiative led by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, World Economic Forum (WEF).More details
UPSC Angle: AI for India 2030 initiative led by C4IR India, WEF.
Key Facts:
- PSA Ajay Kumar Sood released three publications under the AI for India 2030 initiative
- Led by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, World Economic Forum (WEF)
Global Institutional and Regulatory Responses to AI Risks
Focus: A 2025 cluster of international, regional, and national institutional actions—including UN warnings, UK safety reports, EU regulatory consultations, and policy analysis—focused on mitigating AI's impact on human rights, labor equity, and safety.
UPSC Value: This thread is essential for analyzing the evolving global governance of emerging technologies and the multi-dimensional legal frameworks being developed to address digital ethics, labor displacement, and safety.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2025-11-24 [International Relations] — UN Warns of Risks from AI and Corporate Power
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker TĂĽrk, warned that powerful companies and new technologies are driving fresh human rights risks, including for workers and vulnerable communities. Opening the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, he said corporate influence can shape entire societies and AI could undermine basic rights.More details
UPSC Angle: UN warns of risks from AI and corporate power.
Key Facts:
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Volker TĂĽrk
- 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights
- Geneva
- 2025-09-29 [Economy] — AI and the 'Engels' Pause'
An op-ed in The Hindu discusses the potential for AI-driven growth to disproportionately benefit capital over labor, creating a modern 'Engels' Pause' where welfare gains for the majority are delayed. It notes vulnerabilities for younger workers and potential job displacement in IT, healthcare, education, and government. The article highlights the need for ethical governance of AI, addressing equity, privacy (referencing India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023), transparency, and democratic deficits.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Concept: Modern 'Engels' Pause' due to AI
- Vulnerable workers: Younger workers
- Sectors at risk: IT, healthcare, education, government
- Ethical considerations: Equity, privacy, transparency, democratic governance
- Related legislation: India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- 2025-09-26 [Science & Technology] — EU Initiates Public Consultation on AI Act Guidance
On September 26, 2025, the European Commission started a public consultation regarding draft guidance and a draft reporting template pertaining to serious AI incidents, as mandated by the EU AI Act.More details
UPSC Angle: EU initiates public consultation on AI Act guidance.
Key Facts:
- September 26, 2025
- European Commission
- EU AI Act
- AI incidents
- 2025-04-03 [Society & Culture] — Digital Child Abuse and AI Exploitation
Cybercrimes targeting children are on the rise, with a government portal documenting 1.94 lakh incidents of online child exploitation by April 2024. The British Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in collaboration with the AI Security Institute, released the International AI Safety Report 2025, raising concerns about the misuse of AI in generating harmful content involving children.More details
UPSC Angle: Cybercrimes targeting children are rising; 1.94 lakh incidents documented.
Key Facts:
- 1.94 lakh incidents of online child exploitation were documented by April 2024.
- The International AI Safety Report 2025 raises concerns about AI misuse in generating harmful content involving children.
Strategic Expansion of AI Access in India (2025-2026)
Focus: Major strategic initiatives by key tech players (Reliance, Google, OpenAI) to democratize AI access and establish infrastructure in India between late 2025 and early 2026.
UPSC Value: Useful for tracking the private sector's role in India's digital public infrastructure and the specific push towards vernacular and mass-market AI adoption.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-14 [Science & Technology] — Jio to Launch People-First AI Platform
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced that Jio will launch a people-first AI platform in India designed to make AI accessible to every Indian, empowering citizens with AI tools in their own languages and devices, starting from Gujarat.More details
UPSC Angle: Jio to launch people-first AI platform in India.
Key Facts:
- Reliance Industries
- Mukesh Ambani
- Jio
- AI platform
- Gujarat
- 2025-11-01 [Science & Technology] — Reliance and Google Partnership for AI
Reliance Intelligence Limited (RIL) and Google announced a partnership to promote the adoption of AI in India, featuring the Jio Google Gemini Offer to expand access to advanced AI hardware accelerators (TPUs) and Gemini Enterprise. Eligible Jio users aged 18 to 25 years will get free access to the Google Gemini 2.5 Pro model for 18 months, with a total value of Rs 35,100 per user.More details
UPSC Angle: Reliance and Google partner to promote AI adoption in India.
Key Facts:
- Eligible: Jio users aged 18 to 25 years.
- Key Benefit: Free Access to Google Gemini 2.5 Pro model.
- Time Period: 18 months.
- Total Value of Offer Plan: Rs 35,100 per user.
- 2025-08-26 [Science & Technology] — OpenAI to Open Office in India
OpenAI will open its first office in India by the end of 2025 in Delhi to support the India AI mission. India is the second-largest user base for OpenAI after the USA. Weekly active users have grown fourfold in the past year, with students being the largest contributor.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- OpenAI will open its first office in India by the end of 2025.
- Office location: Delhi.
- India is the second-largest user base for OpenAI after the USA.
- Weekly active users have grown fourfold.
Technology-Enabled Sectoral Surveillance Systems
Focus: Government initiatives deploying software, AI, and geospatial technologies (GIS, Satellite) to monitor compliance and ecological status across diverse sectors (Agriculture, Mining, Wildlife).
UPSC Value: Illustrates the growing application of e-Governance and emerging technologies in administrative oversight and resource management.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-11 [Environment & Ecology] — MSTrIPES Monitoring System for Tigers
MSTrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a software-based monitoring system created to assist in patrolling and protecting tiger habitats. It was launched in 2010 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) along with the Wildlife Institute of India.More details
UPSC Angle: MSTrIPES: Monitoring System for Tigers, aids in tiger habitat protection.
Key Facts:
- MSTrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers: Intensive Protection and Ecological Status
- Software-based monitoring system
- Assists in patrolling and protecting tiger habitats
- Launched in 2010
- By: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India
- 2025-04-04 [Polity & Governance] — Mining Surveillance System (MSS) for Illegal Mining Prevention
The government is using geo-spatial technologies such as the Mining Surveillance System (MSS), Geographic Information System (GIS) and Satellite imagery to prevent illegal mining. The MSS was launched in 2016 and developed by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG).More details
UPSC Angle: MSS used to prevent illegal mining.
Key Facts:
- Mining Surveillance System (MSS) is used to prevent illegal mining.
- 2025-03-17 [Agriculture] — Kisan e-Mitra and National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered chatbot, answers farmers' queries in 11 Indian languages and has responded to over 95 lakh inquiries. The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), launched on August 15, 2024, uses AI and ML to detect pest attacks and crop diseases early. As of March 2025, it has issued 10,154 pest management advisories.More details
UPSC Angle: Kisan e-Mitra and National Pest Surveillance System aid farmers.
Key Facts:
- Kisan e-Mitra
- AI-powered voice-based chatbot
- Responded to over 95 lakh farmer inquiries
- National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
- Launched: August 15, 2024
- Issued 10,154 pest management advisories as of March 2025
AI Integration in Indian Public Institutions
Focus: The adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools by diverse Indian constitutional and statutory bodies to modernize administrative efficiency, auditing, and law enforcement.
UPSC Value: This thread highlights the practical application of e-governance and AI in public administration, demonstrating how technology is leveraged to solve institutional challenges across different sectors.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-12-19 [Polity & Governance] — Artificial Intelligence in Judiciary
The Government informed Parliament that Artificial Intelligence (AI)–based tools are being integrated into e-Courts software applications to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice. Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary refers to the use of AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and speech recognition to support judicial administration, legal research, case management and citizen services.More details
UPSC Angle: AI in e-Courts aims to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice.
Key Facts:
- AI technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and speech recognition are being integrated into e-Courts software applications
- 2025-11-22 [Science & Technology] — India Deploys AI Tools to Combat Online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has started using artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to combat online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This aims to proactively identify and remove CSAM content, safeguarding child rights and aligning with governance and cybersecurity objectives.More details
UPSC Angle: NCPCR using AI to combat online CSAM.
Key Facts:
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
- Deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools
- Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
- 2025-09-18 [Polity & Governance] — CAG to Launch AI-Powered LLM
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is set to launch an AI-powered Large Language Model (LLM) to improve efficiency and consistency in public auditing. This is crucial due to the growing volume and complexity of government transactions, making traditional audits time-consuming and less scalable.More details
UPSC Angle: CAG to launch AI-powered LLM for public auditing.
Key Facts:
- Developed by: Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)
- Technology: AI-powered Large Language Model (LLM)
- Objective: Improve efficiency and consistency in public auditing
- Reason: Growing volume/complexity of government transactions
India's 2025 Strategic Technology Pivot
Focus: The simultaneous push for neurotechnology leadership and the widespread adoption of AI across India's healthcare and IT sectors, reflecting a national shift toward high-tech integration.
UPSC Value: Highlights the intersection of Science & Tech policy with economic outcomes and workforce evolution in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in India.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-12-18 [Economy] — Job Losses in India's IT Sector Due to Automation and AI
India's technology sector experienced a turbulent year with significant job cuts due to skill mismatch, cost-cutting, and the integration of artificial intelligence and automation. Nearly 64% of Indian IT companies integrated generative AI tools in 2025, leading to layoffs affecting mid and senior-level talents.More details
UPSC Angle: Job losses in India's IT sector due to automation and AI.
Key Facts:
- Thousands of job losses in India's IT sector in 2025
- Reasons: skill mismatch, cost-cutting, AI and automation
- 64% of Indian IT companies integrated generative AI tools
- TCS announced downsizing 2% of workforce in mid-2025
- 2025-12-09 [Science & Technology] — Brain–Computer Interface (BCI)
India is exploring neurotechnology and Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) as strategic tools for healthcare, economic growth, and technological leadership amid global advances. BCIs interpret brain signals and convert them into digital commands to control external devices. BCIs form a two-way communication channel between the brain and machines, aiding restoration of lost functions or enabling new capabilities.More details
UPSC Angle: India exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for healthcare and economic growth.
Key Facts:
- India exploring neurotechnology and Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
- BCIs interpret brain signals and convert them into digital commands to control external devices
- BCIs form a two-way communication channel between the brain and machines, aiding restoration of lost functions or enabling new capabilities
- India exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
- BCIs interpret brain signals and convert them into digital commands
- BCIs facilitate communication between the brain and machines
- 2025-10-02 [Science & Technology] — AI Adoption in Indian Healthcare Rises
AI adoption among Indian clinicians has seen a threefold increase in one year, positioning India as a global leader in digital healthcare, according to Elsevier's Clinician of the Future 2025 report.More details
UPSC Angle: AI adoption in Indian healthcare rises.
Key Facts:
- AI adoption increase: threefold in one year
- Report: Elsevier's Clinician of the Future 2025 report
Private Sector & Institutional Analysis of Ag-AI
Focus: Non-governmental entities (Google, World Bank) providing tools, APIs, and economic impact reports on AI in Indian agriculture.
UPSC Value: Demonstrates the role of the private sector and international organizations in providing the technological backbone and market intelligence for agricultural modernization.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-11-26 [Agriculture] — Artificial Intelligence for Agricultural Transformation
A World Bank report highlights how AI can be responsibly used across agrifood systems in low and middle-income countries, noting current trends in AI for agriculture including the shift to GenAI and multimodal AI, system-level adoption, and rapid growth in investments. The AI-in-agriculture market is projected to reach about US$10.2 billion by 2032.More details
UPSC Angle: AI can transform agrifood systems in low and middle-income countries.
Key Facts:
- Report by: World Bank
- AI-in-agriculture market size in 2023: ~US$1.5 bn
- AI-in-agriculture market projection by 2032: ~US$10.2 bn
- 2025-07-11 [Science & Technology] — Google's AI-Powered AMED API for Agriculture
Google will be sharing the AMED API for agriculture startups to find more innovative solutions to improve the agriculture ecosystem. The AMED API uses satellite imagery and AI to map field boundaries and land use across India. It provides field-level crop data, helping in monitoring crops and detecting agricultural events at individual fields across India.More details
UPSC Angle: Google's AMED API uses AI and satellite imagery for agriculture.
Key Facts:
- AMED API
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- open-source application programming interface (API)
- field-level crop data
- monitoring crops
- detecting agricultural events
- type of crop
- crop season
- field's size
- historical information about the agricultural activity for the last three years
- 2025-04-30 [Economy] — AI's Potential for Economic Growth in India
A Google report projects that AI adoption could generate Rs 33.8 lakh crore in economic value by 2030 and AI will be crucial in achieving India's USD 1 trillion digital economy target by 2028, contributing 20% to the nation's GDP. With 70% of rural households dependent on agriculture, AI can optimize farming through satellite imagery and machine learning, predicting crop diseases and enhancing yields. Project Farm Vibes leverages AI to empower farmers with data-driven insights for sustainable farming.More details
UPSC Angle: AI could generate Rs 33.8 lakh crore by 2030 in India.
Key Facts:
- AI adoption could generate Rs 33.8 lakh crore in economic value by 2030
- AI will contribute 20% to India's GDP
- Project Farm Vibes leverages AI to empower farmers
Projected Impacts of AI on Global Economy and Society
Focus: Reports and expert projections analyzing the structural impact of Artificial Intelligence on global trade, labor markets, and social sectors.
UPSC Value: Highlights the multi-sectoral transformative potential of AI, from boosting global trade volumes to reshaping labor markets and healthcare.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-11-04 [Science & Technology] — AI for Economic Growth & Social Good Working Group Discussion
On November 4, 2025, a discussion within the AI for Economic Growth & Social Good Working Group focused on advancing healthcare systems, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening biomedical research, highlighting the role of digital talent and AI-driven innovation in global health.More details
UPSC Angle: AI for Economic Growth & Social Good Working Group discussion.
Key Facts:
- A discussion within the AI for Economic Growth & Social Good Working Group took place on November 4, 2025.
- 2025-09-19 [Economy] — World Trade Report 2025: AI Impact on Global Trade
The World Trade Organization (WTO) released its World Trade Report 2025, highlighting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could raise global trade by 34–37% and GDP by 12–13% by 2040 if digital divides are bridged and inclusive policies are adopted. The report explores AI's impact on global trade and inclusive growth.More details
UPSC Angle: WTO report: AI could raise global trade by 34-37% by 2040.
Key Facts:
- AI could raise global trade by 34–37% and GDP by 12–13% by 2040 if digital divides are bridged and inclusive policies are adopted.
- Published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to analyze trade trends, policies, and the multilateral trading system's future.
- 2025 Theme: “Making Trade and AI Work Together to the Benefit of All” – explores AI's impact on global trade and inclusive growth.
- 2025-05-19 [Economy] — AI and the Hourglass Organization
According to McKinsey, AI could add trillions of dollars to the global economy, potentially enhancing productivity by up to 25% in firms that effectively adopt it. Gartner forecasts that by 2026, 20% of firms in the West will cut over half their middle managers using AI.More details
UPSC Angle: AI's potential impact on global economy and productivity.
Key Facts:
- AI
- McKinsey
- Productivity enhancement: up to 25%
- Gartner
- 20% of firms in the West will cut over half their middle managers using AI by 2026
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