Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, Quantum, Robotics, IoT

Emerging technologies are reshaping economy, governance, and security. AI (generative, LLMs, computer vision), Blockchain (DLT, smart contracts, CBDC), Quantum (computing, communication, cryptography), Robotics (industrial, service, defense), IoT (smart cities, Industry 4.0, agriculture). India's missions: National AI Mission, National Quantum Mission (Rs 6,003 cr), National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Blockchain strategy. Global governance: GPAI, QUAD tech, Bletchley Declaration.[TOPIC CLASSIFICATION]

• Topic type: Science & Technology - Emerging Tech
• PYQ frequency: High
• Exam stage: Prelims + Mains
• Primary GS paper: GS 3

[EXAMINER REASONING]

1. Trap: Confusing quantum computing with quantum communication. Computing = qubits, superposition, entanglement for algorithms (Shor, Grover). Communication = QKD (quantum key distribution) for unbreakable encryption. Many aspirants conflate them.
2. Most confused: AI regulation: India's approach (voluntary Responsible AI framework, MeitY) vs EU AI Act (risk-based, binding). Many aspirants assume India has a comprehensive AI law. Also blockchain vs crypto: blockchain = DLT, crypto = asset; India bans private crypto but explores CBDC.
3. Key anchor: India's missions: National AI Mission (MeitY), National Quantum Mission (Rs 6,003 cr, 2023-31), NM-ICPS (Cyber-Physical Systems, Rs 3,660 cr), Blockchain strategy (MeitY, 2021). Global: GPAI (founding member), QUAD Critical Emerging Tech, Bletchley Declaration (AI safety).
4. Current affairs hook: IndiaAI Mission (2024, Rs 10,372 cr) for compute, datasets, models. National Quantum Mission (Rs 6,003 cr, 2023-31). Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit (2023), Seoul Summit (2024). EU AI Act (2024) risk-based. India's CBDC pilots (2022-24). GPAI chair 2024 (India).
5. Mains hinge: Evaluate: Should India regulate AI now or wait for global consensus? The innovation vs regulation tension, sovereign AI vs global models, and the digital divide in AI access are the Mains tensions.

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Core Concept

AI: Generative AI (LLMs: GPT, BERT, PaLM, Llama; Indian: BharatGPT, OpenHathi, Krutrim), computer vision, NLP. India: IndiaAI Mission (2024, Rs 10,372 cr) for compute (10,000+ GPUs), datasets, models, applications. Responsible AI framework (MeitY, voluntary). National AI Portal.

Blockchain: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), smart contracts, consensus (PoW, PoS). India: MeitY Blockchain Strategy (2021), CBDC pilots (wholesale Nov 2022, retail Dec 2022), no private crypto (RBI, 2022). Use cases: land records, supply chain, certificates, voting.

Quantum: National Quantum Mission (2023-31, Rs 6,003 cr): quantum computing (50-1000 qubits), quantum communication (QKD, 2000 km), quantum sensing, quantum materials. Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs). QKD for secure communication (DRDO, ISRO). Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) for migration.