India’s Youth Dividend in the AI Era

Why in News?

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced with a powerful vision, placing India's youth at the heart of the nation's Artificial Intelligence (AI) journey, far from a futuristic dream, the Summit spotlights AI as a transformative force already reshaping jobs and livelihoods.

What about India-AI Impact Summit 2026?

• About the Summit – It is a five-day global event held in New Delhi.
• As the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, it focuses on transitioning from theoretical dialogue to measurable, real-world impact through the theme Welfare for all, Happiness of all.
• 3 foundational pillars/Sutras -  People, Planet, and Progress.
• 7 Chakras (working groups)
  • Human Capital
  • Inclusion for Social Empowerment
  • Safe & Trusted AI
  • Science
  • Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency
  • Democratising AI Resources
  • AI for Economic Growth & Social Good
• The Summit marks a shift from passive learning to active participation, linking education with industry needs.
• Focus – Boosting employability, enhancing productivity, and bridging classrooms to AI‑driven careers.
• Platforms – Innovation challenges, startup pitches, live demos → connect youth skills with market demand.
• Impact – Catalyst for job creation in Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, projected to generate ~2 million jobs by 2030.
• Big Picture – By blending global insights, youth skilling, and job creation, India is turning its demographic dividend into a future‑ready AI workforce.

Why is AI considered a major opportunity for India’s talent pool in the global economy?

• India’s status – India has the largest youth population in the world, with over 65% of its population under the age of 35, positioning this demographic powerhouse as an engine of economic momentum.
• AI Pathway to job, skill – AI is reshaping jobs, boosting productivity, and driving inclusive growth. For India’s youth, it is a pathway to future-ready skills and employment, combining innovation with nationwide opportunities.
• Rising Demand for AI Skills and Jobs – Between January 2023 and March 2025, AI-related job postings in South Asia increased from 2.9% to 6.5% of all vacancies, with demand for AI skills growing 75% faster than for non-AI roles.
• Labour Market Transformation – India’s labour market is shifting to reward digital fluency, advanced technical skills, and interdisciplinary expertise.
• Policy Push for AI-Ready Youth Skills – Recognising AI as a strategic employment driver, the Union Budget 2026–27 reinforced
  • Focus on Orange Economy (Animation, Gaming, Digital content, Immersive media).
  • Support for IICT, Mumbai, to establish AI Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools & 500 colleges.
  • Projected 20 lakh new jobs in creative & AI‑driven sectors.
  • Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee to assess how AI and related tech affect jobs and skill requirements, aiming to bridge education, work and enterprise demand.
• Democratising Access to AI Infrastructure – India is making AI resources—compute, datasets, and models—available nationwide, ensuring opportunities reach talent beyond metropolitan hubs.
• Plans to expand over 58,000 GPUs reinforce a national commitment to inclusion, responsible innovation, and broad-based participation in the AI economy. Example: IndiaAI Mission.

What about the National Efforts to Build a Skilled AI-Ready Talent Pool?

• Building India’s AI Talent Pipeline – India is creating a multi‑tiered AI talent system across schools, vocational training, higher education, and professional upskilling.
• This structure ensures broad access, regional equity, and industry alignment, empowering youth with foundational to advanced AI skills for ethical innovation and active participation in the AI economy.
• Foundational AI Literacy in Schools
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Prioritises digital and AI literacy, embedding computational thinking and AI concepts across all educational levels.
• AI & Computational Thinking (AI & CT) – Starts from Grade 3, focuses on problem solving, algorithms, and ethical AI.
• YUVAi (Youth for Unnati with AI) – Empowers Classes 8-12 students to design practical AI solutions across thematic sectors.
• YUVA AI for All – Offers a free national AI literacy course in 11 languages, targeting 1 crore citizens for foundational AI proficiency.
• Vocational and Industry-Aligned Training
• Skill India Mission & SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) Initiative – AI integrated into vocational training; 1.34 lakh enrolled with Microsoft, HCL, NASSCOM partnerships.
• FutureSkills Prime Initiative – Upskilling professionals in AI, big data, cloud, etc.; aligned with national standards; 25.3 lakh learners, 3,000+ courses.
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) – Single platform for AI/ML courses, from beginner to advanced, accessible to diverse learners nationwide.
• Advanced AI Talent & Research Ecosystem
• IndiaAI FutureSkills – Fellowships for 500 PhDs, 5,000 postgraduates, 8,000 undergraduates, plus specialised courses to build elite AI expertise.
• IndiaAI Data & AI Labs – 27 labs in Tier 2/3 cities, 174 approved in ITIs/Polytechnics, decentralising resources, enabling hands-on training, and spreading AI capabilities beyond metros.

What are the Global Indicators of India’s Talent-Pool Leadership in AI?

• Innovation Beyond Metros – Over 50% of India’s startups now emerge outside metropolitan cities, proving that innovation is spreading nationwide and is not limited to metros & India, on the path of the vision - Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• High penetration of AI skills – India’s AI skills are 2.5 times higher than the global average (Stanford Global AI Index Report 2025).
• Widespread enterprise adoption – 87% of enterprises in India are actively using AI solutions (NASSCOM AI Adoption Index)
• Demographic advantage – India possesses one of the world’s largest pools of digitally adaptable youth, driving participation in AI learning and innovation.
• Guinness World Record – India set a Guinness World Record with 2.5 lakh AI Responsibility Pledges in 24 hours.
• Led by IndiaAI Mission & Intel India, the campaign mobilised students and citizens.
• Promoted ethical, transparent, and accountable AI use (privacy, misinformation, accountability) & positioned youth as stewards of trustworthy AI.

What lies ahead?

• India’s youth dividend is emerging as a defining strength in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
• Through sustained policy support, large-scale skilling initiatives & democratised digital infrastructure are turning demographic advantage into a globally competitive talent pool.
• The India AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased youth-led innovation, responsible AI adoption, and industry alignment, driving inclusive growth.
• As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, empowering its young population with AI capabilities will remain central to long-term productivity, resilience, and global leadership.

Reference

PIB | India’s Youth Dividend in the AI Era

India’s Drone Ecosystem

Why in News?

Over the past two decades, drone technology has emerged as a transformative tool globally; India is rapidly leveraging its potential across governance and development sectors, that reshaping public service delivery, infrastructure management, agriculture, and national security.

What about India’s Drone Ecosystem & Policy Push?

• Transition to Mainstream – India’s drone ecosystem has moved from pilot projects to a mainstream, innovation‑driven sector, supported by progressive policies and financial incentives.
• Expanding ecosystem – India’s growing drone adoption reflects a well‑developed ecosystem of manufacturers, software and component developers, service providers, training institutions, certified pilots, start‑ups, research organisations, and digital platforms—all operating under a unified regulatory framework.
• Policy support – The Government has played a pivotal role in accelerating this transition through progressive policy reforms, simplified regulations, and robust digital governance mechanisms.
• Inclusive Initiatives – The Government programmes promote women‑led entrepreneurship, rural access, and domestic manufacturing, ensuring broad participation and equitable growth.
• Multi‑Sector Integration – Drones are now embedded in agriculture, land surveys, infrastructure monitoring, disaster assessment, defence, and public services, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and precision in governance.
• Key Enablers – Liberalised Drone Rules, the Digital Sky platform, skill programmes, and manufacturing incentives have
  • Lowered entry barriers
  • Improved compliance
• Enabled drones to be seamlessly integrated into flagship government schemes and everyday public service operations.

How has the Public Service Delivery been transformed through Drone Technologies?

• Drones in Public Service – Drones are now central to flagship schemes like SVAMITVA and PMFBY, improving precision, transparency, and efficiency in governance.
• Agriculture & Farmer Services – Namo Drone Didi Scheme
• Launched in 2023, with an aim to provide drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to support modern farming practices, marks a significant shift from manual and labour-intensive practices to precision agriculture.
• Impact – 1,094 drones distributed; SHGs offering spraying service,s enhancing income and social empowerment.
• Land Mapping – SVAMITVA Scheme
• Launched in 2020, intended for drone-based mapping for the survey of rural abadi areas to settle land dispute cases and to improve access to bank credit.
• Impact – Nearly 3.44 lakh villages are targeted to be covered & completed in 3.28 lakh villages (95% target), 2.76 crore property cards issued across 31 states/UTs.
• Aerial Mapping for Highway Development – NHAI mandates monthly drone-video recordings for all highway projects to ensure accurate progress tracking & accountability.
• Drone data stored in the Data Lake serves as a permanent record, usable as evidence in dispute-resolution before arbitral tribunals and courts.
• Use of Drones in Disaster Management & Emergency Response – The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) has developed, can stay stable in the air for a long time and carry heavy equipment.
• It is used to watch affected areas during floods, landslides, and other disasters.
• It provides live visuals from the sky, which helps rescue teams understand the situation quickly.
• Railway Drone Monitoring – Drones used for track, bridge, and infrastructure inspections.
• The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has adopted drones for security surveillance, real-time tracking, aerial monitoring, supporting crowd management and anti-trespass operations.
• Drones in Defence – Drones help the armed forces to watch borders, gather intelligence, and carry out precise strikes.
• During Operation SINDOOR, Indian drones and loitering munitions destroyed enemy targets safely and accurately.
• Drones work with air defence systems, radar networks, and command centres to protect infrastructure and respond quickly to threats.

How India has accelerated Drone Adoption via Policy, Programs and Reforms?

• Drone Rules, 2021 and Drone (Amendment) Rules 2022 & 2023 – It has liberalised India’s drone ecosystem.
  • Regulatory procedures were simplified, with forms reduced from 25 to 5 and approval requirements lowered from 72 to just 4.
  • Fees were rationalised and delinked from drone size.
  • Civilian drone operations were permitted for weighing up to 500 kg
  • Nearly 90% of Indian airspace was declared a Green Zone for drone operations, allowing flights up to 400 feet.
  • The Remote Pilot Certificate replaced the traditional licence issued by the DGCA.
  • The passport requirement was removed & any government-issued ID is accepted
• Impact – These reforms significantly lowered entry barriers, encouraged rural adoption, and supported Drone-as-a-Service models.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) – PLI scheme aims to promote high-value domestic manufacturing by encouraging local production & supports start‑ups & MSMEs to scale production and strengthen the local ecosystem.
• GST on drones – GST on drones was reduced to 5% (Sep 2025); earlier tax rates of 18% and 28% were removed.
• The NextGen GST reform applies to flight and motion simulators used for drone pilot training.
• This will lower costs for training institutes and further strengthen skill development in the drone ecosystem.
• Digital Governance Platforms
• Digital Sky (2018) & eGCA – Unified system for registration, certification, operational services such as flight plan and airspace map continue to be integrated with the Digital Sky Platform.
• Achievements (Feb 2026) – 38,575 drones registered (UIN issued), 39,890 Remote Pilot Certificates granted, 244 RPTOs approved nationwide supports strengthening institutional capacity for pilot training and skill development.
• Ecosystem Development & Capacity Building
• Flagship events - Bharat Drone Shakti, Mahotsav, and International Expo promote Drone‑as‑a‑Service & indigenous tech, which showcase indigenous technologies and encourage collaboration.
• DGCA-approved Training programmes & RPTOs expanding certified pilot pool.
• SwaYaan Programme – It is a Capacity Building programme, so far, 857+ activities conducted, benefiting 26,000+ participants, with 337 collaborations.
• National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) Innovation Challenge – Promotes autonomous drones for disaster management and precision agriculture, offers a Rs. 40 lakh prize pool and supports start-up incubation.

What lies ahead?

• Looking ahead, India is expanding domestic drone production and strengthening remote pilot training, linking drones with state and central programmes for socio‑economic empowerment, infrastructure oversight, and national security.
• With budget allocations, innovation grants, and strategic deployment, India is building a robust ecosystem that balances commercial growth, technological self‑reliance, and inclusive development, positioning itself as a global leader in unmanned aerial systems.

Reference

PIB | India’s Drone Ecosystem

NIGRANI App

Why in News?

Recently, the NIGRANI App, Hajj Wrist Band, and AI Chatbots were launched during the two-day National ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar.

NIGRANI App

• Aim – To bridge development gaps, improve Centre–State coordination, and advance Viksit Bharat 2047.
• Under – The app was launched under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK).

PMJVK is an area development programme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs implemented in Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs) to create socio-economic infrastructure and provide basic amenities.

• Purpose – To enhance transparency, real-time monitoring, and implementation of infrastructure projects in minority-concentrated areas.

Hajj Wrist Band and AI Chatbots

• To enhance the safety, navigation, and health support of Indian Hajj pilgrims.
• Purpose – Hajj modernisation with wrist bands and AI Chatbots for service delivery.
• These initiatives are meant for Muslims going on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Coverage – All registered Indian pilgrims for Hajj will receive wristbands free of cost.
• Target Group – Special focus on elderly and vulnerable pilgrims.
• Features – Location Tracking – Helps locate pilgrims if lost.
• SOS Alerts – Emergency distress signal feature.
• Prayer Timings – Integrated religious schedule support.
• Health Monitoring – Tracks basic health parameters.

Quick Fact

References

1. PIB | National Chintan Shivir
2. HT | Smart wristbands to Haj pilgrims

Veli–Akkulam Estuary Degradation

Why in News?

Recently, a University of Kerala study revealed severe ecological decline in the Veli–Akkulam estuary due to invasive species and environmental stressors.

• It is a shallow, bar-built, seasonally closed estuary connected periodically to the Lakshadweep Sea.
• Location – Northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, along the southwest coast of India.
• The Arabian Sea lies to the west of the lake system.
• Structure – Separated from the sea by an elongated sandbar.
• Partially divided by an embankment (bund) into –
  • Veli Lake (west, near sea)
  • Akkulam Lake (east, inland)
• Both are connected by a narrow channel.
• Hydrology – Inflow – Precipitation is the main inflow.
• Akkulam receives water from Kannamoola stream, while Veli receives inflow from Kulathur stream and T.S. Canal.
• Outflow and Stagnation – Outflow is episodic due to sandbar closure, with the lake mouth opening only a few times annually, causing prolonged water stagnation.
• Connectivity – Connected to Kadinamkulam and Poonthura estuaries via T.S. Canal.  
• Concern – Sandbar-induced closure and water stagnation promote eutrophication, invasive species proliferation, and deterioration of water quality.
• Key Findings – Ecological Decline – Clear trajectory of ecological degradation over three decades.
• Ecosystem Shift – Transition from a moderately organised to an invasion-dominated ecosystem with invasive Species such as 
  • Exotic species – Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),
  • New exotic species – Amazon suckermouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).
• Earlier invasion by water hyacinth.
• Food Web Alteration – Restructured trophic dynamics with weakened top-down control.
• It leads to a detritus-driven system with low energy transfer efficiency and loss of native species (e.g., Karimeen) with the rise of detritivores.
• Recommendations – Adaptive wetland management includes invasive species control, native species reintroduction, wastewater treatment, ecosystem restoration and long-term monitoring.

Reference

TH | Veli–Akkulam Estuary Degradation Study

SC Reviews ED’s Power to Attach Assets under PMLA

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) stayed a November 2025 Delhi High Court order that upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) attachment of assets allegedly linked to an international online betting operation.

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

• ED is a premier financial investigation agency and economic law enforcement agency of the Government of India. 
• Statutory powers (3 different acts) – 
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) 
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
• Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)
• Functions – Investigates money laundering cases.
• Handles cash and other assets seized or attached during PMLA investigations.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

• Aim – The act was enacted to prevent money laundering and to confiscate the property involved or obtained.
• Money Laundering – Defined under Section 3 of PMLA.
• It is an action through which processes or activities connected to the proceeds of crime are concealed, possessed, acquired, or used and projected as untainted property or claimed to be untainted property.
• Proceeds of Crime – Section 2(1)(u) of the PMLA defines “proceeds of crime” as property derived or obtained, directly or indirectly, from such criminal activity.
• Property Attachment (Section 5) – ED can provisionally attach property if it has reason to believe it is proceeds of crime, even before conviction.

The Supreme Court in P. Chidambaram versus Enforcement Directorate (2019) held that money laundering affects the financial system and also the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

Matter Under Review with SC

• Issue – Constitutional Aspect – The case highlights the tension between ED’s powers under PMLA and individual property rights under Article 300A.
• ED Action – ED attached assets from a non-scheduled offence, such as cricket betting, when they were linked directly or indirectly to a scheduled offence like forgery, cheating, or criminal conspiracy.
• Legal Challenge – Betting and gambling are not listed as scheduled offences under PMLA. Hence, petitioners argued that ED lacked jurisdiction.
• Need – Provides clarity on the scope of ED’s attachment powers, including indirect links to scheduled offences, affecting digital betting, crypto, hawala networks, and shell companies.
• High Court stance – The Delhi High Court had upheld the ED’s attachment of assets from the international online betting operation.
• Ruling that property indirectly linked to scheduled offences could be treated as proceeds of crime.

Reference

IE | SC Reviews ED’s Power to Attach Assets under PMLA

M.A.N.A.V.

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the M.A.N.A.V. AI vision in 2026 at the India AI Impact Summit.

• It is India’s human-centric AI vision.
• Stands for – Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive AI, and Valid and Legitimate Systems.
• Launched in – 2026
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
• M.A.N.A.V. AI vision is implemented through the IndiaAI Mission.
• Objective – Promote ethical, inclusive, accountable, and trustworthy AI that serves societal welfare and national interests
• Framework –

• Significance – Positions India as a global leader in responsible AI.
• Integrates AI innovation with ethics, governance, sovereignty, inclusion, and legality.
• Prepares future-ready citizens via AI literacy under NEP 2020.

Reference

PIB | Human-Centric AI Vision – M.A.N.A.V.

Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

Why in News?

Recently, the Home Minister launched VVP-II, covering 1,954 strategic villages along borders.

• It is a central sector scheme (100% Centre funding).
• Launched in – VVP Phase I in 2023.
• VVP Phase II cleared by the Union Cabinet in April 2025.
• Nodal Ministry – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Implementation – In select strategic villages of States/UTs.
• Objectives – Growth – Holistic development of border villages through improved infrastructure, livelihoods, and social well-being.
• Unity – Integration of border communities with the nation, promoting national cohesion and cultural assimilation.
• Security – Curb trans-border crimes by involving residents as “eyes and ears” of the border guarding forces (BGFs).
• Mechanism – Strengthen infrastructure and livelihood opportunities by leveraging existing government schemes.
• Conduct culturally sensitive outreach to build trust and encourage community participation in security efforts.
• Coverage –
  • VVP Phase I for the China border.
  • VVP Phase II will also cover villages along Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Strategic States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
  • Allocation – It is proposed that Rs. 3 crore will be spent in each village.
• Duration – For financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• Significance – VVP-II, along with VVP-I, is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant.

Reference

TH | Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)