Why in the News?

• Chinese start-up Moonshot AI has launched Kimi K3, an advanced AI model that is being compared with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude, intensifying the global AI race between China and the United States.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• AI Models (Closed & Open Weight Models, About Kimi K3, Significance of Kimi K3, US-China Technology Rivalry, Concerns & Challenges, etc.)

Artificial Intelligence Models: Closed vs Open-Weight

• Modern Large Language Models (LLMs) can broadly be classified into closed (proprietary) models and open-weight models based on how much of their underlying technology is made publicly available.
• Closed (Proprietary) Models:
  • Closed models are developed and controlled by private companies. Their model parameters, source code, and training methods are not publicly released.
  • Key characteristics include:
    • Access is usually provided through APIs or subscription services
    • Model parameters remain confidential
    • Companies retain full commercial control
    • Generally considered easier to secure and monetise
  • Examples include:
    • OpenAI's GPT models
    • Anthropic's Claude
    • Google's Gemini
• Open-Weight Models
  • An open-weight model allows developers to download and use the model's trained parameters (weights) while the company may still retain parts of the training code or datasets.
  • Unlike fully open-source software, open-weight models do not necessarily disclose every component used to build the model.
  • Advantages include:
    • Greater customisation by developers
    • Faster innovation through community contributions
    • Wider adoption across industries
    • Lower deployment costs
  • However, they also raise concerns regarding:
    • Misuse by malicious actors
    • Security risks
    • Intellectual property protection
    • Commercial monetisation
• Many Chinese AI companies have increasingly adopted the open-weight approach to rapidly expand their developer ecosystem.

About Kimi K3

• Kimi K3 is the latest AI model developed by Moonshot AI, a Chinese start-up founded in 2023 by Yang Zhilin, a graduate of Tsinghua University and Carnegie Mellon University.
• According to the company, Kimi K3 is among the world's largest open-weight AI models, containing ~2.8 trillion parameters.
• In AI systems, parameters are the numerical values learned during training that determine how the model processes information and generates responses.
• A larger number of parameters generally reflects greater computational investment, although model performance also depends on factors such as data quality, architecture, and training techniques.
• Kimi K3 offers capabilities across multiple domains, including:

• Coding assistance
• Financial consulting
• Deep research
• Video editing
• General conversational AI

• Following its launch, demand reportedly surged to such an extent that Moonshot AI temporarily paused new user registrations.

Significance of Kimi K3

• Narrowing the Technological Gap
  • Earlier, the release of DeepSeek R1 in January 2025 challenged the perception that the United States held an unassailable lead in frontier AI models.
  • The launch of Kimi K3 further reinforces the view that Chinese AI companies are rapidly closing the performance gap with leading American models such as ChatGPT and Claude.
  • Experts note that Chinese AI models are no longer isolated successes but are becoming increasingly competitive across multiple application areas.
• Strengthening China's AI Ecosystem
  • Unlike many American companies that rely on proprietary models, several Chinese AI firms have adopted open-weight models as a strategic choice.
  • According to analysts, this approach helps Chinese companies:

• Reach developers more quickly
• Build larger software ecosystems
• Encourage third-party innovation
• Expand adoption despite limited access to global cloud infrastructure

• The strategy aligns with China's broader objective of accelerating AI adoption across manufacturing, public administration, and smaller enterprises.

The Open-Weight Strategy

• Distribution Strategy
  • Experts argue that open-weight models function primarily as a distribution strategy.
  • Since leading US firms already possess strong cloud infrastructure and enterprise customer bases, Chinese firms use open-weight releases to attract developers and encourage widespread adoption of their platforms.
• Response to Technology Restrictions
  • Chinese AI developers continue to face restrictions on access to advanced semiconductor chips because of US export controls, particularly on high-end AI chips produced by companies such as NVIDIA.
  • These restrictions have encouraged Chinese firms to pursue alternative strategies centred on efficient models and broader developer participation.
• Commercial Monetisation
  • Kimi K3 follows a custom licensing model.
  • While most developers can access the model's weights, large commercial users are required to enter into licensing agreements with Moonshot AI.
  • This hybrid approach seeks to balance openness with commercial sustainability.

AI and the US-China Technology Rivalry

• The emergence of Kimi K3 reflects the broader technological competition between China and the United States.
• Alongside competition over advanced semiconductor chips and AI infrastructure, both countries are increasingly seeking leadership in AI governance and innovation.
• China recently supported the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, with President Xi Jinping advocating international cooperation in AI development rather than dominance by a single country.
• At the same time, debates within the United States have intensified regarding whether American firms should move towards more open AI models.
• A recent open letter supported by industry leaders, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella, NVIDIA's Jensen Huang, and OpenAI, argued that open-weight AI could strengthen innovation and maintain American technological leadership.
• However, experts caution that a genuine shift would require major US companies to consistently release competitive open-weight models rather than relying primarily on proprietary systems.

Concerns and Challenges

• Despite its technological progress, Kimi K3 has also become the centre of controversy.
• Anthropic has accused Moonshot AI of unlawfully extracting capabilities from its Claude model.
• A US government official described such practices as unfair competition.
• In response, China's Commerce Ministry accused the United States of pursuing "AI hegemonism."
• These developments highlight the growing intersection of artificial intelligence, intellectual property rights, trade policy, and national security.

Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme (NOES), titled ‘Samudra Manthan’, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation until FY 2030-31.
• The scheme seeks to accelerate offshore oil and natural gas exploration, particularly in deepwater and ultra-deepwater basins, reduce import dependence, and enhance India's long-term energy security.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Need for the NOES
• Key Components of Samudra Manthan
• Major Objectives
• Focus Areas for Exploration and Need for Government Support
• Expected Benefits
• Challenges and Reforms
• Conclusion

Need for the NOES:

• India is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil and a major consumer of natural gas. However,
  • Over 88% of crude oil requirements are met through imports.
  • Around 50% of natural gas demand is import-dependent.
  • Domestic production has stagnated, while existing oil and gas fields witness a 6–7% annual natural decline in output.
  • Geopolitical disruptions, such as the West Asia crisis, expose India to supply and price volatility.
• The scheme addresses these challenges by promoting domestic hydrocarbon exploration in offshore regions.

Key Components of Samudra Manthan:

• Deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling (₹43,200 crore):
  • Financial support for drilling 60 exploration wells, with a government assistance of up to 50% of eligible drilling cost or ₹675 crore per well, whichever is lower.
  • Intended to reduce investment risks associated with expensive and uncertain offshore exploration.
• Offshore data acquisition (₹28,534 crore):
  • Large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data.
  • Scientific drilling in frontier basins to reduce geological uncertainty and improve exploration success.
• Common offshore infrastructure (₹10,000 crore): Development of shared offshore production and evacuation infrastructure to facilitate commercial production from discovered hydrocarbon reserves.
• Oil and gas manufacturing and services zones (₹2,000 crore): Establishment of integrated manufacturing and service hubs to promote domestic manufacturing, localisation of critical equipment, and development of indigenous capabilities.

Major Objectives:

• The scheme aims to catalyse over 600 Million Metric Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MMTOE) in additional reserves.
• Increase domestic hydrocarbon production from around 62 MTOE to nearly 80 MTOE annually, subject to successful exploration.
• Expand India's hydrocarbon resource base from 1,600 MTOE to 2,200 MTOE.
• Reduce annual crude oil imports by nearly ₹1 lakh crore.
• Attract substantial investments across the exploration and production (E&P) value chain.
• Promote technological innovation and employment in the upstream petroleum sector.

Focus Areas for Exploration and Need for Government Support:

• Focus areas:
  • The scheme prioritises exploration in frontier offshore basins, including -
    • Krishna-Godavari Basin
    • Cauvery Basin
    • Mahanadi Basin
    • Andaman Offshore Region
  • These regions are believed to possess significant untapped hydrocarbon potential but require advanced technology and large capital investments.
• Government support:
  • Deepwater exploration is characterised by -
    • Extremely high drilling costs (US$100–250 million per well).
    • Long gestation period of 5–10 years before commercial production.
    • High geological and commercial risks, as discoveries may not occur or may not be economically viable.
  • By adopting a risk-sharing approach, the government seeks to encourage greater participation by public and private upstream companies.

Expected Benefits:

• Energy security: Lower dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas. Greater resilience against global supply disruptions and price shocks.
• Economic benefits:
  • Potential annual savings of nearly ₹1 lakh crore in import expenditure.
  • Increased investment across the hydrocarbon value chain.
  • Employment generation in exploration, engineering, manufacturing and offshore services.
• Industrial development: Development of indigenous manufacturing ecosystem for offshore equipment. Enhanced localisation and reduced reliance on imported technologies.
• Technology and capacity building:
  • Adoption of advanced seismic imaging, digital programme management and offshore drilling technologies.
  • Strengthening India's technical capabilities in deepwater exploration.

Challenges and Reforms:

• Challenges:
  • High geological uncertainty and exploration failure risks.
  • Capital-intensive nature of offshore drilling.
  • Requirement of sophisticated technology and specialised expertise.
  • Environmental concerns related to offshore drilling and marine ecosystems.
  • Commercial viability of discovered reserves remains uncertain.
• Expert views:
  • Extensive seismic surveys and exploratory drilling will reduce geological uncertainty and encourage greater private investment.
  • The scheme could improve exploration in previously underexplored offshore areas and modestly reduce import dependence by 3–5% through incremental production.
• Government reforms supporting the scheme:
  • Samudra Manthan builds upon recent upstream sector reforms, including -
    • Opening nearly the entire offshore acreage for exploration.
    • Modernisation of the legislative and contractual framework.
    • Strengthening of the National Data Repository (NDR).
    • Promotion of advanced technologies and digital programme management.
  • The scheme was first envisioned by the Prime Minister during his last year Independence Day address, calling for a modern "Samudra Manthan" to unlock India's offshore energy potential.

Conclusion:

• The Samudra Manthan scheme represents a strategic shift towards unlocking India's offshore hydrocarbon resources through public investment, risk-sharing, advanced technology and infrastructure development.
• While exploration outcomes remain uncertain, successful implementation can significantly strengthen energy security, reduce import dependence, promote domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Context

• The Western Ghats, one of the world's eight major biodiversity hotspots, extend across six Indian States and host 39 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich endemic flora and fauna, and vital watersheds.
• Recognising its ecological significance, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) recommended declaring the region an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• However, concerns over livelihoods, development, and local participation have delayed its implementation, highlighting the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with inclusive development.

Ecological Significance of the Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats perform indispensable ecological functions:
  • A global biodiversity hotspot with numerous endemic species.
  • Source of major peninsular rivers, ensuring water security.
  • Regulates climate, rainfall, and carbon sequestration.
  • Supports agriculture, forestry, and livelihoods for millions.
• Houses protected areas including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Evolution of the ESA Proposal

• The journey of the ESA proposal reflects the difficulty of reconciling conservation with development.
• WGEEP (Madhav Gadgil Committee, 2011) recommended classifying almost the entire Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) with varying levels of regulation.
• Due to widespread resistance, the Kasturirangan Committee (2012) reduced the ESA coverage to around 37% of the Western Ghats, limiting restrictions mainly to natural landscapes.
• Between 2014 and 2026, several draft notifications were issued, but disagreements among States prevented finalisation.
• In 2022, an expert committee headed by Sanjay Kumar was formed to address State concerns, with discussions continuing through a phased implementation

Major Concerns of Stakeholders

• Livelihood and Development Issues
  • States, particularly Karnataka, fear that ESA notification may adversely affect:
    • Agriculture and plantations.
    • Mining and quarrying.
    • Infrastructure and tourism projects.
    • Rural employment and economic opportunities.
  • With nearly one-fourth of Karnataka's population residing in the Western Ghats region, livelihood concerns remain politically significant.
• Implementation Challenges
  • Local communities have expressed several concerns:
    • Dependence on satellite imagery, which may incorrectly classify plantations as forests.
    • Lack of ground verification and consultation.
    • Fear of eviction and expansion of buffer zones.
    • Restrictions on minor forest produce, agriculture, and forest rights.
  • These issues have generated distrust despite conservation objectives.

Need for Ecological Conservation

• Despite opposition, conservation remains imperative because:
  • The Western Ghats face threats from deforestation, quarrying, unplanned tourism, and habitat fragmentation.
  • Ecological degradation increases risks of landslides, floods, and biodiversity loss.
  • Healthy ecosystems strengthen climate resilience and water security.
  • Delayed action may irreversibly damage fragile ecosystems that extend beyond State boundaries.

Role of Indigenous Communities

• An effective ESA framework must recognise the contribution of indigenous communities.
• Traditional forest-dwelling communities have historically practised sustainable resource management, protected sacred groves, and preserved bio cultural diversity.
• Their knowledge systems complement scientific conservation and should be integrated into decision-making rather than treating them as obstacles.

Way Forward

• A balanced approach should focus on:
  • Participatory governance involving local communities and Gram Sabhas.
  • Ground-based ecological surveys alongside satellite mapping.
  • Clear communication to eliminate misconceptions regarding eviction and land rights.
  • Strict regulation of environmentally destructive activities such as illegal mining, stone quarrying, and unplanned tourism, while permitting sustainable livelihoods.
  • Protection of Forest Rights Act entitlements.
  • Promotion of eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and community-based conservation.
  • Adoption of a phased and State-specific implementation strategy with periodic review.

Conclusion

• The debate over the Western Ghats ESA is not a choice between development and conservation, but an opportunity to achieve both through sustainable governance.
• Protecting this globally significant ecosystem requires scientific planning, cooperative federalism, community participation, and respect for the rights of indigenous and local populations.
• A well-designed ESA framework can ensure that ecological security and livelihood security reinforce rather than undermine each other.

About Urban Challenge Fund (UCF):

• It is a new centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• It supports transformative and bankable urban projects through competitive "challenge-mode".
• Financial Outlay: Total Central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore.
• Tenure: It will be operational from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, with an extendable implementation period up to FY 2033–34.
• Under UCF, cities will be supported to do projects under three verticals,
  • Creative development of cities
  • Cities as growth hubs
  • Water and sanitation
• Cities will be expected to undertake reforms in urban governance, urban finance, and urban planning.
• Features:
  • Centre’s assistance under the scheme is capped at 25 percent of the cost of bankable projects.
    • This will lead to a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore in the urban sector in the next five years.
  • At least 50 percent of the project cost has to be mobilised through market-based sources such as municipal bonds, bank loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
  • The remaining share may be contributed by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), or other sources.
  • Projects will be selected through a transparent and competitive challenge mode, ensuring support to high-impact and reform-oriented proposals.
  • Private sector participation will be encouraged through structured risk-sharing frameworks and benchmarking of service delivery standards.
  • Credit Repayment Guarantee for Smaller Cities:
    • In order to facilitate first-time access to market finance for all Cities/ULBs in Northeastern & Hilly States and smaller ULBs (<1,00,000 population) in other States/UTs, a Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme of ₹5,000 crore has been approved.
    • The scheme will provide a Central guarantee of up to ₹7 crore or 70 percent of the loan amount (whichever is lower) for first-time loans.
  • The Fund will cover:
    • All cities with a population of 10 lakh or more (2025 estimates);
    • All State and Union Territory capitals not covered above; and
    • Major industrial cities with a population of 1 lakh or more
    • Additionally, all ULBs in hilly states, Northeastern States, and smaller ULBs with a population below 1 lakh will be eligible for support under the Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme.
    • In principle all cities will be covered under UCF.

About Kh-101 Missile:

• The Kh-101 (NATO: AS-23A Kodiak) is a Russian-made advanced stealthy long-range subsonic cruise missile that is launched from a strategic bomber.  
• The missile was developed in the late 1990s by Russia's Tactical Missile Armament Corporation (KTRV).
• It is designed to destroy ground targets such as buildings, bunkers, and military installations.
• The Kh-101 is primarily carried by Russia's strategic bombers, such as the Tu-95MS, Tu-160, and Tu-22M3, as well as the Tu-142 maritime surveillance aircraft.
• Features:
  • The missile has a streamlined airframe, which is optimized for low observability and minimal radar cross-section.
  • It has a length of approximately 7.5 m and a wingspan of about 4.4 m.
  • The missile is powered by a turbofan engine and is capable of flying at a maximum speed of Mach 0.76.
  • It has a range of 2,500 km to 3,000 km.
  • It can carry a variety of conventional warheads, including high explosive, penetrator, and cluster munitions.
  • The Kh-101 features advanced guidance and control systems, including inertial navigation, satellite navigation, and terrain mapping, which enable it to navigate and strike targets with high precision.

Kh-101 Variants:

• Over the years, the Kh-101 has undergone several upgrades and modifications to improve its performance and capabilities.
• For example, a newer version, the Kh-102, was introduced in 2015, which reportedly has a longer range and improved accuracy compared to the Kh-101. It is the nuclear-capable version of Kh-101.

About Moken People:

• Often called sea nomads or sea gypsies, the Moken are seafaring people who have been living off the coast of Thailand and Myanmar on the Andaman Sea.
• Their name, in their own language, means "sea drowned."
• The Moken have lived across the Andaman Sea for centuries, moving between the roughly 800 islands that stretch along the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand.
• They are one of the last sea nomad peoples in the world.
• Traditionally, they travel in wooden vessels called kabang, moving with the seasons and tides.
• Fishing, diving, and gathering shellfish form the backbone of their subsistence lifestyle, and from a very young age, Moken children are immersed in the marine environment.
• Possessing a rich knowledge of the reefs, the Moken have exceptional underwater skills such as free diving and spear hunting.
• They speak an Austronesian language, a language family widely distributed across Southeast Asia and Oceania.
• Most Moken are stateless as a result of their nomadic lifestyle. They have no citizenship in Thailand or Myanmar.
• They came into the international spotlight following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami because they managed to sense warning signs from nature in the form of the sea receding, allowing them to move to higher ground away from dangerous areas.

About Crete Island:

• It is the largest island of Greece.
• It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea.
• It is the fifth-largest Mediterranean Sea island.
• It is bordered by the Sea of Crete in the north, the Libyan Sea in the south, the Myrtoan Sea in the west, and the Karpathian Sea in the east.
• The island is characterized by a diverse landscape, including a mountain chain that runs the length of the island, sandy beaches, and fertile plains.
• Crete’s economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and shipping.
• Capital and Largest City: Heraklion.
• History:
  • The island of Crete has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age by early hominids.
  • The earliest advanced European civilization, the Minoan Civilization, started on the island around 2700-1420 BCE.
  • The Minoan civilization ended after a major earthquake, and thereafter, the island’s rule was taken over by the Mycenaean civilization.
  • The island was then subsequently ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Andalusians, the Venetians, and the Ottomans.
  • After the island’s independence from Ottoman rule, Crete became a part of Greece.
  • During the Second World War, the island was occupied by the Nazi German forces and also served as the battleground of the famous “Battle of Crete.”

About INS NIPUN:

• It is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
• It has been designed and constructed in accordance with Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
  • ‘Nipun’ draws her name from Sanskrit signifying ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’.
• This ship is highly specialised and is capable of undertaking deep sea dive operations and rescue operations at sea.
• Features of INS NIPUN:
  • The ship is installed with state-of-the-art Dive Equipment and has capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving. 
  • It is equipped with advanced dynamic positioning systems, saturation diving equipment, submarine rescue machinery, and deep-sea intervention tools.
  • It would also serve as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to evacuate personnel in case of an emergency in a submarine.
  • It has nearly 75 percent Indigenous Content.

About Alanine aminotransferase:

• Also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), it is an enzyme found predominantly inside liver cells.
• It is also found in other tissues such as the kidneys, heart, and muscle cells.
• It plays a crucial role in metabolism, turning food into energy.
• ALT is one component of the liver function test, which includes other liver enzymes and measures of liver function.
• The ALT test is often part of an initial screening for liver disease.
• What is an ALT test?
  • An ALT test is also known as a serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test or an alanine transaminase test.
  • When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. This causes serum ALT levels to rise.
  • An increase in ALT is often the first sign of a liver problem, and ALT is often elevated before other symptoms appear.
  • ALT testing is performed on a blood sample.