NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

India’s Push Towards Deep Technology

• Context: The Union Government has taken several steps, including policy support, to encourage the growth of deep technology in India.

Deep Technology

• Deep technology refers to innovations that are based on advanced scientific discoveries and cutting-edge technological research.

Importance of India’s Deep-Tech Goals

• • It helps India emerge as a reliable global hub for research and development by using its large pool of STEM talent to lead in advanced technologies.
  • It reduces dependence on foreign countries for critical sectors like defense, space, and national security, protecting India from global supply disruptions.

• Deep tech enables solutions tailored to India’s needs, such as using AI for rural healthcare, advanced farming methods for food security, and green hydrogen for clean energy.

• A strong deep-tech sector helps India move from low-cost services and basic manufacturing to high-value activities like innovation, design, and intellectual property creation.
  Current Facts
  • Divya Singh (28), a teacher from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has set a record as the first Indian woman and the second woman globally to reach the Everest Base Camp by bicycle.
  • Nammazhvar wrote four works: Thiruvirutham, Thiruvasiriyam, Peria Thiruvandadi and Thiruvaimozhi. His four works give us the essence of the four Vedas.
  • Government Initiatives
    • • The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) has been designed to boost innovation, economic development, and social progress through research-driven technologies, while improving India’s global competitiveness. 
      • The government is supporting the development of India’s own AI systems, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and other AI solutions suited to Indian conditions.
      • The Indian Space Policy, 2023 clearly defines the roles of ISRO, IN-SPACe, and private players, encouraging private sector participation in the space industry.
      • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules in the space sector have been relaxed, allowing up to 100% FDI in satellite manufacturing and higher limits in other areas to attract global investment and technology.
      • The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), set up under the ANRF Act, 2023, aims to provide funding, strategic guidance, and collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
    • The National Quantum Mission (2023–2031) focuses on advancing quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies.
    • The Bio-E3 Policy promotes biotechnology startups, biomanufacturing, and innovation in bio-based technologies.
    • AI Centers of Excellence are being set up across India to support AI research and startups.
    • The Semicon India Program launched in 2021 aims to develop the domestic semiconductor industry through incentives and partnerships.
    • At the Global Investors Summit 2025, it was announced that India’s first domestically developed semiconductor chip is expected to be ready for production by 2025.

    Piprahwa Relics: Preserving India’s Buddhist Heritage and Cultural Diplomacy

    • Context: The Piprahwa relics are set to be brought to Leh as part of the exhibition “The Light & the Lotus”, marking an important milestone in showcasing India’s Buddhist heritage.

    About Piprahwa Relics

    • • The relics consist of bone remains of Gautama Buddha, along with crystal and steatite containers, gold ornaments, and precious stones. A Brahmi inscription confirmed that these relics belong to Buddha of the Shakya lineage.
    • These relics were unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu.
    • • A portion of the relics was gifted by Lord Elgin to King Rama V, while another portion remained with the Peppé family.
      • In 2025, the Ministry of Culture ensured their return by preventing an auction in Hong Kong and acquiring the collection held by the Peppé family.
    • This exhibition enhances India’s Buddhist diplomacy by reinforcing its role as the birthplace of Dhamma and a major spiritual hub.

    Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)

    • Context: The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has introduced the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).

    About ASISSE

    • • It is the first yearly survey that focuses on incorporated service sector companies across all States and Union Territories, using 2024–25 as the reference year.
    • The survey includes service enterprises registered under the Companies Act 1956, Companies Act 2013, and Limited Liability Partnership Act 2008.
    • • It spans multiple sectors such as trade, transportation, information technology, healthcare, education, and hospitality.
    • The main goal is to create a dependable database to support policymaking and economic research.
    • The survey relies on data from the Goods and Services Tax Network and covers around 1.21 lakh enterprises.
    • It works alongside the Annual Survey of Industries and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises to provide a complete picture of the non-agricultural economy.

    Government e-Marketplace

    • Context: The Government e-Marketplace has reached a major milestone by achieving a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹18.4 lakh crore, including crossing ₹5 lakh crore in FY 2025–26.
    • This reflects the platform’s rapid growth and its increasing importance as a transparent, technology-driven public procurement system in India.

    About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

    • • The Government e-Marketplace is India’s official online platform for public procurement, introduced in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in government purchasing.
    • The portal is used by Central and State Government ministries, departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and other government bodies to procure goods and services.
    • GeM is a completely digital and cashless platform that provides an end-to-end procurement solution for both buyers and sellers.
    • It incorporates AI-based tools and a multilingual Learning Management System (LMS) to make the platform more accessible and user-friendly.
    • Additional features include voice-assisted navigation and region-specific training modules, which help sellers—especially those from remote and underserved regions—participate easily in government procurement.