Mains Articles for 7-March-2025

by Vajiram & Ravi

India’s AI Revolution: Advancing Innovation with AI Kosha & GPU Expansion Blog Image

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • India’s AI Revolution Latest News
  • Introduction
  • AI Compute and GPU Expansion
  • AI Kosha: A Data Platform for AI Development
  • Indigenous AI Models and Language Technologies
  • India’s AI Talent & Workforce Development
  • AI’s Role in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
  • Conclusion
  • India AI Revolution FAQs

India’s AI Revolution Latest News

  • The Union government recently launched AI Kosha, a platform with datasets which will assist with developing Artificial Intelligence models and tools.

Introduction

  • India is rapidly transforming into a global AI powerhouse under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • The government’s strategic initiatives, including the IndiaAI Mission and the launch of AI Kosha, aim to democratize access to AI resources.
  • The emphasis is on scaling computing infrastructure, enhancing data availability, and supporting indigenous AI model development.
  • With ₹10,370 crore allocated to the IndiaAI Mission, the government is making AI computing accessible to startups, students, and researchers through a high-performance GPU infrastructure and an extensive dataset repository.
  • These initiatives mark a crucial step towards achieving India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where AI plays a central role in economic growth and governance.

AI Compute and GPU Expansion

  • One of the key challenges for AI development is the availability of high-performance computing power.
  • Addressing this, the Indian government has made a massive investment in GPU capacity:
    • 14,000 GPUs commissioned for shared access, up from 10,000 announced earlier in 2024.
    • A pooled GPU marketplace to provide affordable access to AI computing for startups, researchers, and academic institutions.
    • GPUs supplied by 10 selected companies, ensuring a robust and diversified AI compute ecosystem.
    • Plans to develop indigenous GPUs within 3-5 years, reducing dependency on imports and strengthening India’s self-reliance in AI technology.
    • A high-performance computing facility that allows access to GPUs at a subsidized rate of ₹100 per hour, compared to global costs of $2.5-$3 per hour.
  • This infrastructure expansion is critical for training and deploying large AI models, particularly in Indian languages and contexts, enabling self-sufficiency in AI research and innovation.

AI Kosha: A Data Platform for AI Development

  • A major bottleneck in AI model development is the availability of high-quality datasets.
  • To tackle this, the AI Kosha platform was launched on March 6, 2025, as a repository of non-personal datasets.
  • Key Features of AI Kosha:
    • 316 datasets at launch, focusing on AI model validation and language translation tools for Indian languages.
    • Data sourced from government initiatives, including Telangana’s open data platform, health records, 2011 Census data, satellite imagery, and pollution data.
    • Part of the IndiaAI Dataset Platform, which is one of the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.
    • Aimed at reducing biases and improving AI model accuracy across various domains such as healthcare, agriculture, and traffic management.
  • By aggregating government and publicly available data, AI Kosha aims to catalyse innovation and empower startups to develop AI solutions with locally sourced, high-quality datasets.

Indigenous AI Models and Language Technologies

  • India is making significant strides in building its own foundational AI models, ensuring that AI solutions are tailored to Indian languages and socio-economic needs. Key initiatives include:
    • Sarvam-1 AI Model – A Large Language Model (LLM) optimized for Indian languages, with 2 billion parameters, supporting text summarization, translation, and content generation.
    • BharatGen – The world’s first government-funded multimodal LLM, designed to enhance public service delivery and citizen engagement through AI-driven solutions.
    • Digital India BHASHINI – A language translation AI system that ensures voice-based access to digital services in multiple Indian languages.
    • Hanooman’s Everest 1.0 – A multilingual AI system supporting 35 Indian languages, with plans to expand to 90 languages.
    • Chitralekha – An open-source video transcreation platform, developed by AI4Bharat, enabling automatic audio transcription and translation in Indic languages.
  • These homegrown AI models will reduce dependency on foreign AI technology while ensuring widespread accessibility for Indian users.

India’s AI Talent & Workforce Development

  • The success of India’s AI revolution hinges on developing a skilled AI workforce. The government is investing in AI education through:
    • IndiaAI Future Skills Initiative – Integrating AI, 5G, and semiconductor design into university curricula under NEP 2020.
    • AI Labs in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities – Expanding access to AI education beyond metro cities.
    • Fellowships for AI PhD scholars – Supporting full-time AI researchers in the top 50 NIRF-ranked institutes.
    • India ranks #1 in AI skill penetration globally, ahead of the US and Germany (Stanford AI Index 2024).
  • With AI adoption rapidly growing, India’s AI industry is projected to reach $28.8 billion by 2025, generating over 1 million AI-related jobs.

AI’s Role in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

  • India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, is being enhanced with AI to improve governance and service delivery.
    • One notable application was Mahakumbh 2025, where AI-driven DPI solutions:
  • Optimized real-time crowd management using AI-powered railway movement tracking.
  • Deployed Bhashini-powered multilingual chatbots for lost-and-found services.
  • Integrated AI solutions with Indian Railways & UP Police, ensuring seamless communication and swift issue resolution.
  • By leveraging AI with DPI, India is setting a global benchmark for AI-driven governance and event management.

Conclusion

  • India’s AI revolution, backed by government-led initiatives such as AI Kosha, expanded GPU infrastructure, and indigenous AI models, is paving the way for technological self-reliance.
  • The country is rapidly building an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, innovation-driven, and globally competitive.
  • With a clear vision and robust policies, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in AI innovation, shaping the future of AI for both national development and global applications.

India AI Revolution FAQs

Q1. What is AI Kosha, and why is it significant?

Ans. AI Kosha is India’s first government-backed AI dataset platform, providing non-personal data to help develop AI models.

Q2. How is the Indian government expanding AI computing infrastructure?

Ans. The government has commissioned 14,000 GPUs for shared access and plans to develop indigenous GPUs within 3-5 years.

Q3. What are India’s key homegrown AI models?

Ans. Key models include Sarvam-1, BharatGen, Digital India BHASHINI, and Hanooman’s Everest 1.0, supporting multiple Indian languages.

Q4. How is AI being integrated into India’s governance and public services?

Ans. AI is enhancing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enabling efficient governance, crowd management, and multilingual public service chatbots.

Q5. What are India’s efforts in AI education and skill development?

Ans. India is integrating AI into university curricula, expanding AI research fellowships, and establishing AI labs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Source: TH | PIB


Pashu Aushadhi Kendras: Affordable Veterinary Medicines Under LHDCP Blog Image

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Pashu Aushadhi Kendras Latest News
  • Pashu Aushadhi Initiative Based on Janaushadhi Kendras
  • Pashu Aushadhi to Improve Livestock Health
  • Significance of Pashu Aushadhi
  • Pashu Aushadhi Kendras to Offer Traditional Medicines
  • Pashu Aushadhi Kendras FAQs

Pashu Aushadhi Kendras Latest News

  • The government will launch "Pashu Aushadhi" stores nationwide to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines. This initiative is part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), approved by the Union Cabinet headed by PM Modi.
  • The Pashu Aushadhi stores will be managed by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will soon release operational guidelines for these stores.

Pashu Aushadhi Initiative Based on Janaushadhi Kendras

  • The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is modeled after the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), which offer affordable generic medicines to reduce healthcare costs for citizens.

Existing Janaushadhi Kendras

  • Currently, over 10,300 PMBJKs operate across India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. 
  • The country will observe Janaushadhi Diwas on March 7.

Generic Medicines for Animals

  • While PMBJKs provide generic medicines for humans, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will offer non-branded, cost-effective veterinary medicines for animal healthcare.

Pashu Aushadhi to Improve Livestock Health

  • Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) to enhance animal healthcare and disease prevention.
    • The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is a key part of the revised LHDCP.

Components of LHDCP

  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focuses on controlling major livestock diseases.
  • Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC) – Has three sub-components: 
    • Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP) – Targets severe animal diseases.
    • Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries - Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU) – Provides mobile veterinary services for doorstep healthcare.
    • Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) – Supports states in tackling livestock diseases.
  • Pashu Aushadhi (New Component) – Aims to improve access to affordable generic veterinary medicines through PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and Cooperative Societies.

Financial Allocation for LHDCP

  • The LHDCP has a total outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26. 
  • Out of this, ₹75 crore has been allocated for providing quality and affordable generic veterinary medicines and incentives for their sale under the Pashu Aushadhi component.

Objectives and Benefits of LHDCP

  • Disease Prevention – Controls Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, PPR, Classical Swine Fever, Lumpy Skin Disease, etc., through vaccination and immunization.
  • Livestock Healthcare – Enhances disease surveillance and strengthens veterinary infrastructure.
  • Economic and Social Impact – Boosts livestock productivity, prevents economic losses for farmers, generates rural employment, and promotes entrepreneurship in the veterinary sector.

Significance of Pashu Aushadhi

  • As per the 20th Livestock Census (2019), India’s livestock population stands at 535.78 million, including 302.79 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak).

Impact of Livestock Diseases

  • Various diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease significantly reduce livestock productivity. 
  • While vaccination drives have been implemented, farmers still face high out-of-pocket expenses on medicines for their animals.

Role of LHDCP in Disease Prevention

  • The Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) aims to reduce economic losses by preventing livestock diseases through immunization and improving access to affordable veterinary medicines.

Pashu Aushadhi Kendras to Offer Traditional Medicines

  • Apart from generic veterinary medicines, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will also sell ethnoveterinary medicines, which are based on traditional beliefs and indigenous knowledge to treat animal diseases.

Ethnoveterinary Formulations for Livestock Health

  • The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has compiled traditional remedies for treating various ailments in bovines.
  • This includes Mastitis; Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) – mouth and foot lesions; Fever; Diarrhoea etc.

Ingredients in Traditional Animal Medicines

  • Ethnoveterinary formulations use natural ingredients such as coriander, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, cumin, turmeric, chirata, betel, tulsi, neem, sweet basil, jaggery, and onions for treating conditions like fever in animals.

Pashu Aushadhi Kendras FAQs

Q1. What are Pashu Aushadhi Kendras?

Ans. Pashu Aushadhi Kendras are stores offering affordable generic veterinary medicines under the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

Q2. Who will manage Pashu Aushadhi Kendras?

Ans. These stores will be managed by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK).

Q3. How does LHDCP support livestock health?

Ans. LHDCP funds vaccinations, veterinary services, and affordable medicines to prevent major livestock diseases like FMD, Brucellosis, and PPR.

Q4. Will traditional medicines be available at Pashu Aushadhi Kendras?

Ans. Yes, these stores will offer ethnoveterinary medicines using natural ingredients like neem, turmeric, and tulsi for animal treatment.

Q5. What is the financial allocation for Pashu Aushadhi Kendras?

Ans. ₹75 crore has been allocated under LHDCP to provide quality veterinary medicines and sales incentives.

Source: IE | PIB


USAID Funding Cuts in India: Impact on Health, 5G, and Development Initiatives Blog Image

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • USAID Funding Cuts in India Latest News
  • Current Status of Trade Between India and USA
  • Uncertainty for India Amid US Tariff Plans
  • Farm Sector Vulnerability Amid US Tariff Plans
  • Auto and Pharma Sectors Face Tariff Risks
  • US Challenges WTO’s Relevance and Policies
  • USAID Funding Cuts in India FAQs

USAID Funding Cuts in India Latest News

  • US President Donald Trump announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on trade partners starting April 2, regardless of their economic status. 
  • In his Joint Address to Congress, he criticized both friendly and unfriendly nations, including India, China, and the European Union, for imposing higher tariffs on US products. 
  • Trump highlighted India’s over 100% auto tariffs and claimed that countries like China and South Korea impose significantly higher duties compared to the US. He argued that these disparities have persisted for decades, despite US military and economic support to some of these nations.

Current Status of Trade Between India and USA

  • As per U.S. estimates, the U.S. total goods trade with India was an estimated $129.2 billion in 2024.
  • The U.S. goods exports to India in 2024 were $41.8 billion, up 3.4% ($1.4 billion) from 2023. 
  • U.S. goods imports from India totalled $87.4 billion in 2024, up 4.5% ($3.7 billion) from 2023. 
  • The U.S. goods trade deficit with India was $45.7 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase ($2.4 billion) over 2023.

Uncertainty for India Amid US Tariff Plans

  • US President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of India’s high tariffs, particularly in the auto sector, where duties exceed 100%. 
  • His remarks signal that ongoing trade negotiations may not secure concessions for India, especially on reciprocal tariffs set to take effect from April 2.

Bilateral Trade Agreement at Risk

  • India and the US are working on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with Indian officials seeking relief from tariffs, including the 25% duty on steel and aluminum. 
  • Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in the US to discuss the issue with United States Trade Representative (USTR) who is overseeing Trump’s tariff policies.

Concerns Over US Commitment to Trade Deals

  • Trade experts warn that Trump’s tariff decisions, such as the 25% duties on Canada and Mexico, indicate a disregard for WTO norms and existing trade agreements. 
  • The imposition of these tariffs raises doubts about America’s adherence to future trade deals, including one with India.
    • The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the trade deal between the US, Canada, and Mexico, had been in place since January 1994. 
    • However, Trump was dissatisfied with its terms and, during his first term, replaced it with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2018-19. 
    • Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico violate USMCA and highlight his disregard for negotiated trade agreements.

Farm Sector Vulnerability Amid US Tariff Plans

  • India's agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to US reciprocal tariffs due to significant differences in tariff rates between the two countries. 
  • Farmers’ unions continue to push for a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP), adding to the sector’s sensitivity.

High Tariff Disparity Between India and the US

  • According to an ICRIER report, India imposes an average tariff of 17% compared to 3.3% by the US. 
  • The gap is even wider in agriculture, where India’s simple average tariff is 39% and the trade-weighted rate is 65%, while the US maintains much lower rates of 5% and 4%, respectively.

Auto and Pharma Sectors Face Tariff Risks

  • India’s automobile and pharmaceutical sectors, among its most successful industries, face potential setbacks due to US reciprocal tariffs. 
  • With countries demanding greater access to India’s protected markets, these industries may see higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the US.

Strategies for Indian Industries

  • A GTRI report suggests that Indian firms should explore alternative export markets such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where tariff barriers are lower. 
  • Additionally, forming joint ventures with American firms or setting up assembly units in the US could help mitigate the impact of tariffs.

US Challenges WTO’s Relevance and Policies

  • The US 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, released on March 3, claims that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is losing its relevance and has deviated from its original purpose of promoting open, market-oriented trade.
  • The document criticizes the WTO’s Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) provisions, which allow developing countries like India to access benefits such as extended transition periods, higher tariff bindings, and subsidies. 
    • It argues that nations can claim SDT status by self-declaring as ‘developing,’ without objective criteria.
  • The policy highlights China’s shift away from market-oriented reforms since its 2001 WTO accession. 
  • It accuses the WTO of failing to address China’s state-led economic practices, which the US sees as incompatible with the organization's founding principles.

USAID Funding Cuts in India FAQs

Q1. How much USAID funding has India received since 2001?

Ans. India has received $2.8 billion in Official Development Assistance from USAID since 2001.

Q2. Which sectors in India were most affected by USAID cuts?

Ans. Health, sanitation, clean air, water, 5G development, and Indo-Pacific strategy initiatives faced severe setbacks.

Q3. Why did the Trump administration halt USAID funding?

Ans. The decision aimed to curb U.S. economic losses and reduce foreign aid spending worldwide.

Q4. What impact do USAID cuts have on India’s healthcare sector?

Ans. TB awareness, HIV/AIDS prevention, and maternal health programs are at risk due to discontinued funding.

Q5. Did legal action challenge the USAID funding cuts?

Ans. A U.S. Federal Court stayed the order, but the Supreme Court later upheld the cuts in a 5-4 verdict.

Source: IE | FP