Subject: Science & Technology / Defence & Security (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Indigenous Defence Systems, Maritime Surveillance, Defence Manufacturing)
Why in News?
The Indian Navy’s Drishti-10 Starliner UAV was in the news after it crashed near Porbandar airfield, Gujarat, during a routine training sortie. The Navy confirmed that there was no loss of life or property and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about indigenous defence platforms and UAV classifications. Revise the differences between MALE, HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance), and tactical UAVs, along with India’s other drone platforms such as Tapas-BH (Rustom-II), Archer-NG, Heron, Sea Guardian, and Predator MQ-9B. Also prepare the roles of UAVs in maritime security, border management, and network-centric warfare.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Technology / Health (Neonatal Health, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Clinical Trials, Public Health)
Why in News?
India has launched the NeoSep1, a multi-centric international clinical trial to identify safe and effective antibiotic regimens for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) neonatal sepsis. The trial enrolled its first infant at JIPMER, Puducherry, and is part of a global effort coordinated by the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP).
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently links AMR with public health and biotechnology. Revise the distinction between EOS and LOS, the neonatal period (first 28 days of life), causes of hospital-acquired infections, and India’s initiatives against antimicrobial resistance. The GARDP and NeoSep1 Trial are important current affairs additions for prelims.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Technology (Scientific Research Institutions, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Higher Education & Research)
Why in News?
The Vice President of India addressed the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, emphasizing the importance of scientific research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about scientific institutions and their parent ministries/departments. Distinguish NISER (under DAE) from IISERs (under the Ministry of Education). Revise other DAE institutions such as BARC, IGCAR, RRCAT, VECC, and HBNI, along with the role of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in India’s nuclear programme. Questions may also test the admission process (NEST) and the institute’s focus on fundamental scientific research.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2282959®=48&lang=1
Subject: Environment & Ecology (Protected Species, Freshwater Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, Pesticide Pollution)
Why in News?
The Mugger Crocodile was in the news after an investigation into the deaths of several crocodiles in the Chandraloi River, Kota (Rajasthan) detected the presence of the banned organochlorine pesticide Aldrin in the river. The case has highlighted concerns over toxic pollution, wildlife conservation, and environmental governance.
Key Facts
Conservation Status
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about scientific names, IUCN status, CITES Appendices, and habitat preferences of species in news. Differentiate the Mugger Crocodile (freshwater, broad snout) from the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). Also revise persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like Aldrin, their bioaccumulation, and their ecological impacts on aquatic food chains.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Environment & Ecology (Wildlife Conservation Institutions, MoEFCC, Biodiversity Research, Protected Area Management)
Why in News?
The 28th Meeting of the reconstituted Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society was held at the Central Academy for State Forest Service (CaSFOS), Coimbatore, under the chairmanship of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The meeting emphasized aligning WII’s research, training, and policy-support framework with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, focusing on human–wildlife conflict mitigation, technology-driven wildlife management, and capacity building.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about environmental institutions and their parent ministries. Distinguish WII from bodies such as the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and Forest Survey of India (FSI). Also revise WII’s role in wildlife censuses, protected area management, species recovery programmes, wildlife forensics, and ecological impact assessments, as these are recurring prelims themes.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2283051®=48&lang=1
Subject: Science & Technology / Defence & Security (Indigenous Missile Systems, DRDO, Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), Precision-Guided Weapons)
Why in News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The test validated the rocket’s accuracy, precision strike capability, and performance at a user-defined minimum range of 60 km, marking another milestone in India’s indigenous artillery modernization programme.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about indigenous missile and artillery systems. Distinguish Pinaka (rocket artillery) from Pralay (ballistic missile), BrahMos (cruise missile), Akash (surface-to-air missile), and Astra (air-to-air missile). Also revise the difference between rocket artillery and conventional tube artillery, along with the roles of DRDO, ARDE, and ITR Chandipur in India’s defence research ecosystem.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2282572®=48&lang=1
Subject: Environment & Ecology / Biodiversity (Species in News, Plant Taxonomy, Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, Endemic Flora)
Why in News?
Researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, Mumbai, discovered a new species of flowering tree, Mitrephora rashmiae, in the remote forests of Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery adds to the floral diversity of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot and underscores the need for further botanical exploration and conservation.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about newly discovered species, biodiversity hotspots, IUCN categories, and scientific names. Revise the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, the Annonaceae (custard apple) family, and the significance of the Data Deficient category. The discovery also highlights the rich but underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India, a recurring UPSC theme.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Polity & Governance / Social Justice (Adult Education, Ministry of Education Schemes, NEP 2020, Literacy Initiatives)
Why in News?
The ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Programme was in the news after Uttarakhand became India’s sixth fully literate state, having achieved the prescribed adult literacy benchmark under the programme. The milestone reflects the success of India’s renewed focus on adult education and lifelong learning under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about government flagship schemes, implementing ministries, target beneficiaries, and digital governance initiatives. Revise the distinction between school literacy initiatives (e.g., NIPUN Bharat) and adult literacy programmes (ULLAS). Also remember the 95% literacy benchmark, the five components of ULLAS, and its linkage with NEP 2020 and the goal of achieving universal lifelong learning.
Source/Reference:
Subject: International Relations / Science & Technology (India–Australia Relations, Cyber Security, Critical Technologies, Supply Chain Resilience, Indo-Pacific)
Why in News?
India and Australia launched the Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS) during the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit held in Melbourne. The new framework replaces the Australia–India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) launched in 2020 and expands cooperation to include resilient supply chains alongside cyber and emerging technologies.
Key Facts
UPSC Prelims Perspective
UPSC frequently asks about bilateral technology initiatives, critical and emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships. Revise India–Australia relations, the Quad, Critical Minerals, semiconductor initiatives, and distinguish PACTS from other technology frameworks such as the India–US TRUST (formerly iCET). The partnership is also important for understanding India’s strategy to strengthen economic security, cyber resilience, and trusted global supply chains.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2282692®=3&lang=1
GS II – Governance / GS III – Science & Technology
Social Media Regulation, Child Safety, and Digital Governance
Introduction
The debate on regulating teen social media has intensified, with PM Modi supporting Australia’s 2024 ban for under-16s. However, experts argue that while social media can harm mental health, there is little evidence that age-based bans improve outcomes. Instead, they advocate regulating platform design through stronger duty of care, digital literacy, safer algorithms, privacy safeguards, content moderation, and parental controls.
The Problem: Social Media and Teen Mental Health
Evidence of Association
Complexity of Harm
The Australian Ban: A Flawed Precedent
Criticism from Experts
The “Tobacco Analogy” Flaw
Alternative Solutions: Regulating Platforms, Not Users
Stronger Duty of Care
Digital Literacy in Education
Restrict Addictive User Interfaces
Content Moderation and Privacy
Effective Parental Controls
Challenges
Way Forward
India’s Path
Policy Recommendations
Conclusion
The social media–teen mental health debate requires an evidence-based approach. Rather than age-based bans, India should regulate how platforms operate through stronger duty of care, digital literacy, safer algorithms, content moderation, privacy safeguards, and parental controls. The priority should be to make platforms safer, not simply restrict access.
Practice Question
GS II – Governance / GS III – Science & Technology
Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, and State Capacity
Introduction
Integrating AI with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can significantly enhance state capacity. Leveraging vast datasets from Aadhaar, UPI, GST, and FASTag, AI can improve service delivery, multilingual access, interoperability, and data-driven governance. This positions India to become a global leader in population-scale AI applications and digital governance.
India’s Data Revolution: From Data Poor to Data Rich
The Three Bold Acts (2016)
India as the World’s Largest Natural Data Laboratory
Significance
AI + DPI: Reimagining the Indian State
Historical Context: Weak State Capacity
DPI’s Achievements and Limitations
AI’s Transformative Potential
Jan Vishwas and Citizen Interface
AI Deployment: The Use-Case Capital of the World
AI Generation vs. AI Deployment
Enterprise DPI Under Implementation
Expected Benefits
Global Context
Way Forward
Policy and Institutional
Technology Integration
Economic and Social Impact
Conclusion
India’s vast Digital Public Infrastructure provides a strong foundation for AI-driven governance. Integrating AI with DPI can improve service delivery, multilingual access, interoperability, and state capacity. By scaling AI on public digital infrastructure, India can strengthen governance, accelerate economic formalisation, and drive inclusive growth.
Practice Question
