What’s in Today’s Article?

• India Deep Tech Funding Latest News
• Deep Tech
• Evolution of India’s Deep Tech Ecosystem
• Parliamentary Panel Flags Concerns Over ₹20,000 Cr Deep Tech Fund
• India Deep Tech Funding FAQs

India Deep Tech Funding Latest News

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised concerns over the Government’s plan to allocate ₹20,000 crore as a 50-year interest-free loan to deep tech sectors. 
• While acknowledging the initiative’s potential to boost research, the committee warned of possible fund misallocation, national security risks, and a low return on investment.

Deep Tech

• Deep Tech refers to advanced and disruptive technologies that rely on significant scientific and engineering breakthroughs. 
• These innovations often require long-term research and development and have the potential to create transformative changes across industries such as healthcare, defense, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

Examples

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning – Self-learning algorithms, autonomous systems.
• Quantum Computing – High-speed computation beyond classical computing limits.
• Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering – CRISPR gene editing, personalized medicine.
• Semiconductors & Advanced Materials – Nanotechnology, graphene-based materials.
• Aerospace & Defense Technologies – Hypersonic vehicles, advanced missile systems.
• Renewable Energy & Battery Technologies – Solid-state batteries, hydrogen fuel cells.

Key Features

• High Research & Development Intensity – Requires deep scientific knowledge and long-term investment.
• Disruptive Innovation – Capable of significantly transforming industries.
• High-Risk, High-Reward – Often uncertain in early stages but can yield substantial economic and strategic benefits.
• Interdisciplinary Approach – Combines multiple fields such as AI, biotech, and quantum physics.

Evolution of India’s Deep Tech Ecosystem

• India’s DeepTech ecosystem is growing rapidly, though still in its early stages compared to global markets. 
• According to NASSCOM’s report "India’s DeepTech Dawn: Forging Ahead", the country had over 3,600 DeepTech startups, with 480 launched in 2023—double the number from 2022. 
• While India ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, its DeepTech sector stands at the 6th position.

Government Policies and Investments Driving Growth

• The Indian government is actively promoting DeepTech through key initiatives, including:
  • Draft National DeepTech Start-up Policy – Aimed at fostering innovation.
  • ₹1 Lakh Crore Corpus (Interim Budget 2024) – To boost research and development.
  • ₹1,000 Crore Venture Capital Fund for the Space Sector – Supporting space-tech startups.
  • National Quantum Mission (2023) – Investment in quantum computing and communications.
  • India AI Mission – Strengthening AI research, innovation, and startups.
  • Othe Initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog’s programs, and Start-up India are providing support through accelerators and incubators.

Union Budget 2025-26 and Deep Tech

• Research, Development and Innovation - ₹20,000 crore to be allocated to implement private sector driven Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced in the July Budget.
• Deep Tech Fund of Funds - Deep Tech Fund of Funds to be explored to catalyze the next generation startups.
• It also unveils key initiatives for the tech sector, such as enhanced India AI mission funding, an AI Centre of Excellence for Education etc.

Parliamentary Panel Flags Concerns Over ₹20,000 Cr Deep Tech Fund

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised concerns over the Government’s ₹20,000 crore interest-free loan scheme for deep tech sectors, warning that private entities could benefit disproportionately at the government’s expense.
• It also questioned the ability of fund managers to select impactful projects and suggested that directing funds to government institutions could have yielded better outcomes.

Underutilisation of Funds in Scientific Research

• The committee noted that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research had not fully utilised its budget.
  • Over half of the allocated funds remaining unused as the financial year nears its end. 
• It supported an additional allocation of ₹363.9 crore but flagged that 62% of the department’s budget was spent on salaries and pensions, leaving only 31% for research, which limits infrastructure development and innovation.

Concerns Over Biotechnology PSUs

• The committee expressed concern over the poor state of two public sector undertakings under the Department of Biotechnology—BIBCOL and IVCOL. 
• It stressed the importance of reviving these PSUs to ensure affordable vaccine availability and strengthen India's position in the global vaccine market. 
• The committee recommended securing revival packages to enable these PSUs to support vaccine exports and enhance self-reliance in vaccine production.

Recommendations for Policy Framework

• The panel urged the government to address these concerns while formulating guidelines for the deep tech fund, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective allocation to maximize national benefits.

India Deep Tech Funding FAQs

Q1. What is India’s ₹20,000 Cr deep tech initiative?

Ans. A government-backed scheme offering interest-free loans to boost deep tech research and innovation in emerging technologies.

Q2. Why is there concern over the deep tech fund’s allocation?

Ans. Experts fear private firms may benefit disproportionately, while fund mismanagement could limit real research impact.

Q3. How is deep tech crucial for India’s growth?

Ans. Advanced tech like AI, quantum computing, and biotech can drive innovation in defense, healthcare, and energy sectors.

Q4. What are the panel’s recommendations for fund management?

Ans. Strengthen transparency, direct funds to public research institutions, and ensure better selection of impactful projects.

Q5. How does underutilization of research funds affect innovation?

Ans. Budget inefficiencies limit infrastructure, slowing down scientific progress and reducing India’s global competitiveness in deep tech.

Source: IE | ET | PIB

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Freebies in Politics Latest News
• Background
• About Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• News Summary
• Significance of the Amendment Bill
• Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 FAQs

Freebies in Politics Latest News

• The Rajya Sabha passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by a voice vote.

Background

• In recent years, the practice of offering freebies, free electricity, cash transfers, consumer goods, or subsidies, has become common in Indian politics. 
• Political parties often announce such schemes before elections to attract voters. While some of these are legitimate welfare measures, others are considered unsustainable and can strain state finances.
• Critics argue that freebies divert public funds from essential services like health, education, and disaster relief. 
• The Supreme Court, former RBI Governors, and even government officials have raised concerns about the long-term economic effects of this culture. 
• The latest development in this debate is the passage of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to prevent states from using disaster funds to compensate for populist spending.

About Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. 
• It aims to bring clarity to the use of funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
• Speaking in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made it clear that these funds must be used strictly according to Finance Commission guidelines—for genuine disaster relief only.
• He strongly criticised states that send inflated fund requests, citing demands for ₹50,000 crore when guidelines allow only ₹5,000 crore. 
• He stressed that states cannot use these funds to compensate for freebies already given by them.
• He also clarified that if states are unclear about the fund usage norms, Chief Ministers should contact him directly, and he will ensure they receive the necessary documentation.

News Summary

• The Rajya Sabha passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on March 25.
• Home Minister Amit Shah said freebies distributed by states cannot be covered using disaster relief funds. The Finance Commission has fixed norms for SDRF and NDRF fund allocation.
• He urged states to send realistic proposals that comply with these norms.
• He criticised the State government in Tamil Nadu, alleging corruption and misuse of funds.
• Shah defended the PM-CARES fund, calling it transparent and well-managed, in contrast to the earlier PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund), which he claimed was controlled by one political family.
• Opposition leaders criticised the bill, calling it incomplete and demanding that it be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
• Some MPs also pointed out that the bill doesn’t include manmade disasters, like stampedes or law-and-order failures, in its relief framework.

Significance of the Amendment Bill

• The new law aims to bring accountability and transparency in how disaster relief funds are used. 
• It also signals the Centre’s intent to stop the misuse of public money meant for emergencies.
• At the same time, it brings back the larger debate over the freebie culture in Indian politics. 
• While welfare schemes are essential for public support, their funding must come from planned budgets, not from emergency reserves meant for floods, cyclones, or earthquakes.
• The challenge going forward will be ensuring that genuine relief efforts are not hampered, while still putting an end to financial misuse disguised as disaster aid.

Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 FAQs

Q1. What is the main goal of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024?

Ans. To ensure that disaster relief funds are used only for genuine disasters and not for compensating freebies.

Q2. Can states use SDRF or NDRF funds for welfare schemes?

Ans. No, the bill clearly prohibits using disaster relief funds to cover welfare or freebie costs.

Q3. Who sets the norms for disaster fund usage?

Ans. The norms are set by the Finance Commission, and states must follow them strictly.

Q4. What did Amit Shah say about the PM-CARES fund?

Ans. He defended it as transparent and well-managed, unlike the earlier PMNRF.

Q5. Why did some MPs oppose the bill?

Ans. They felt it ignored manmade disasters and lacked adequate accountability measures.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Glacier Melting and Climate Change Latest News
• Key Highlights of the Report
• Significance of this Study
• Heat Action Plans in India FAQs

Glacier Melting and Climate Change Latest News

• A new UNESCO report, The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025 – Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers, highlights the alarming impact of rising temperatures on the world's mountain ranges. 
• It reveals that higher elevations are warming faster than lower ones, leading to accelerated glacier melt, increased permafrost thawing, and a decline in snow cover. Snowfall patterns have also become more erratic, further affecting water availability. 
• Released on March 21 to mark the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, the report underscores the urgent need for climate action to address these critical issues.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Glacier Melting at an Unprecedented Rate
  • Glaciers worldwide are disappearing faster than ever, with the past three years witnessing the largest glacial mass loss on record. 
  • Since 1975, glaciers (excluding the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets) have lost over 9,000 billion tonnes of mass, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters. 
  • In 2024 alone, glaciers lost 450 gigatons of mass, with Scandinavia, Svalbard, and North Asia experiencing the largest annual losses.
• Causes of Accelerated Glacier Melting
  • While rising temperatures remain a primary factor, wildfires and dust storms are also contributing to glacier melt. 
  • The deposition of black carbon and particulate matter on glacier surfaces darkens the ice, increasing solar radiation absorption. 
  • This accelerates melting, particularly in areas and periods of high sunlight exposure.
• Urgent Need for Climate Action
  • With five of the last six years recording extreme glacier loss, the UNESCO report underscores the critical need for global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental pollutants to slow down glacier retreat.
• Accelerating Permafrost Thaw
  • Permafrost, which remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, is rapidly melting due to rising temperatures. 
  • This is concerning as mountain permafrost stores approximately 4.5% of global soil organic carbon. 
  • When thawed, this carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. 
  • Additionally, permafrost plays a crucial role in stabilizing rock slopes, moraines, and debris-covered areas. 
  • As it melts, these landscapes become more prone to erosion, landslides, and other geological hazards.
• Decline in Snow Cover
  • Snow cover across nearly all mountain regions has been steadily declining, particularly in spring and summer. 
  • This trend is expected to worsen in the coming decades. 
  • A 2024 study published in Nature revealed a 7.79% global decrease in persistent snow cover between 1979 and 2022, highlighting the widespread impact of warming temperatures on mountain ecosystems.
• Erratic Snowfall Patterns
  • Atmospheric warming is shifting the altitude at which rainfall transitions to snowfall, leading to reduced snow depth and duration at lower elevations. 
  • In some mountain ranges, more precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, causing earlier snowmelt and shrinking snow-covered areas. 
  • These changes disrupt water availability, ecosystems, and local communities reliant on snow-fed rivers.

Significance of this Study

• Mountains: A Vital Source of Freshwater
  • Mountains cover 33 million sq km of the Earth’s surface and play a crucial role in sustaining life. 
  • Nearly 2 billion people depend on freshwater from melting glaciers. 
  • However, rapid glacier melting due to climate change threatens water availability, making flows more erratic, uncertain, and variable. 
  • This will disrupt the timing, quantity, and quality of water resources downstream, impacting agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydropower.
• Rising Threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
  • Glacier melting and permafrost thawing are increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)—sudden, catastrophic floods caused by the failure of natural glacial dams.
• Glacier Melting and Rising Sea Levels
  • Melted glacier ice accounts for 25-30% of the rise in global sea levels. 
  • Between 2006 and 2016, the world lost 335 billion tonnes of glacier ice annually, leading to an almost 1 mm increase in sea levels per year. 
  • Every millimeter of sea level rise puts up to 300,000 people at risk of annual flooding, increasing the urgency for climate action.

Heat Action Plans in India FAQs

Q1. Why are glaciers melting at an unprecedented rate?

Ans. Rising temperatures, black carbon deposition, and dust storms accelerate glacier melt, disrupting ecosystems and water supply.

Q2. How does permafrost thawing impact the environment?

Ans. Thawing releases stored carbon, worsening climate change, and destabilizes slopes, increasing landslides and geological hazards.

Q3. What is the effect of declining snow cover on water availability?

Ans. Reduced snow cover affects river flows, leading to erratic water supply for agriculture, drinking, and hydropower.

Q4. How do glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose a threat?

Ans. GLOFs cause sudden floods, damaging homes, infrastructure, and displacing thousands, especially in mountain regions.

Q5. Why is climate action urgent for mountain ecosystems?

Ans. Continued glacier loss contributes to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and water crises, affecting billions globally.

Source: IE | UNESCO