Science and Technology

NAVIGATING AI- DRIVEN LAYOFFS: INDIA'S POLICY & WORKFORCE RESPOSE

AI is rapidly transforming India’s workforce, automating routine tasks and creating both job displacement and new opportunities. Key challenges include skill mismatches, vulnerability of informal workers, and potential social inequality. The Indian government is addressing these through labour protections, reskilling programs like Future Skills PRIME, job-creation incentives, and policy taskforces. A forward-looking approach emphasizes responsible AI adoption, workforce upskilling, inclusive governance, and investment in emerging sectors. Balancing innovation with human welfare is essential to ensure AI drives growth without leaving workers behind.

AI IN EDUCATION: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

AI can transform Indian education through personalized learning, aligning with the National Education Policy. However, its successful and fair integration requires addressing challenges like the digital divide, data privacy, and algorithmic bias. This will necessitate investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and ethical regulations.

RASHTRIYA VIGYAN PURASKAR: A NEW ERA OF SCIENTIFIC RECOGNITION IN INDIA

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), instituted by the Government of India in 2023, is a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding contributions in science and technology. It has four categories—Vigyan Ratna (lifetime achievement), Vigyan Shri (recent distinguished work), Vigyan Yuva (for scientists under 45), and Vigyan Team Award (for collaborative innovation). The awards include a medal and citation but no cash prize, aligning with the spirit of the Padma Awards. The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) chairs the selection committee, which recommends awardees to the Minister of Science & Technology. RVP aims to promote scientific excellence, streamline recognition, and enhance the national stature of India’s science awards, though transparency and merit-based selection remain key for its credibility.

REAL TIME DECEPTION OF AIR & NOISE POLLUTION

India’s air and noise pollution monitoring systems face challenges like poorly placed sensors, data inaccuracies, and limited real-time noise data. While air quality monitoring has improved with real-time stations and the National Clean Air Programme, noise pollution lacks a strong national policy and effective enforcement. To protect public health and meet global standards, India must expand monitoring coverage, ensure data transparency through independent audits, align regulations with WHO guidelines, and integrate advanced technologies for better forecasting and action.

INDIA ELECTED CO-CHAIR OF UN GLOBAL GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT FOR ASIA & THE PACIFIC (UN-GGIM-AP)

India, represented by the Surveyor General, has been elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP (2025–2028), marking its rising geospatial leadership. It will align regional strategies with the UN framework, promote data-driven governance, and advance initiatives like PM GatiShakti for sustainable digital transformation across Asia-Pacific.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN INDIA: GROWING FAST, EXPANDING SLOW

The Biotech sector in India is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by innovation, government initiatives, and international demand. However, challenges such as funding shortages, fragmented infrastructure, and outdated regulations impede its full potential. To become a global leader, India must streamline biotech clusters, attract late-stage investment, update regulations, and develop skilled talent for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.

NITI AAYOG RELEASES A ROADMAP FOR JOB CREATION IN THE AI ECONOMY

NITI Aayog’s AI roadmap promotes human-centric growth by driving large-scale skilling and reskilling, boosting startups, and ensuring ethical AI use. Targeting sectors like healthcare and agriculture, it aims to create jobs, promote innovation, and position India as a global AI leader for inclusive prosperity.

ANTI - BIOTIC RESISTANCE : MEANING, ISSUES & WAY - FORWARD

MR is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them, Overuse and misuse of antibiotics and Self-medication and incomplete treatment are the causes.

By strengthening public awareness and education and regulating antibiotic drug sales we can help in controlling.

PHYSICS NOBEL PRIZE : QUANTUM TUNNELLING

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for experimentally demonstrating quantum tunnelling in macroscopic electrical circuits—something previously believed to occur only at the atomic scale.

STRENGTHENING INDIA’S RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM: CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

India aims to transform its R&D landscape into a global innovation hub. Despite rising publications, challenges persist—low Gross Expenditure on R&D (0.7% of GDP), weak industry-academia ties, and ethical issues. Initiatives like Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and India Research Tour boost inclusivity, ethics, and funding, driving 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE 2025 AWARDED FOR BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY IN IMMUNE REGULATION

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for discovering regulatory T cells, immune cells that maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmune diseases. These cells balance immune responses but can sometimes hinder anti-cancer activity.

AUSTRALIA APPROVED VACCINE TO COMBAT CHLAMYDIA IN KOALAS

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal, herbivorous marsupial native to eastern and southeastern Australia. Solitary and eucalyptus-dependent, it sleeps 18–20 hours, breeds via pouches, inhabits woodlands and shrublands, and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.