What’s in Today’s Article?

• India's Start-Up Priorities Latest News
• Food Delivery vs. Deep Tech: India-China Start-Up Divide
• China's Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence
• India’s Growth in Domestic E-Commerce
• China’s Dominance in Global Consumer Tech
• Manufacturing: China Leads, India Catches Up
• China’s Lead in Deep Tech Start-Ups
• India’s Strength in the SaaS Sector
• Start-Up Leaders React to the Criticism
• India's Start-Up Priorities FAQs

India's Start-Up Priorities Latest News

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks comparing the focus of Indian and Chinese start-ups have sparked a vital conversation. 
• While Indian start-ups largely concentrate on areas like online delivery and betting apps, Chinese counterparts are advancing in strategic sectors such as electric mobility and AI. 
• His comments underscore a deeper issue: despite being the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, India’s innovation priorities differ significantly from global leaders.

Food Delivery vs. Deep Tech: India-China Start-Up Divide

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal contrasts Indian and Chinese start-up ecosystems.
• Indian start-ups are largely focused on food delivery, instant groceries, influencer culture, and fantasy sports.
• Goyal questioned whether these ventures truly represent India's future potential.

The Chinese Model: Deep Tech and Global Innovation

• Chinese start-ups are focusing on advanced sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), battery tech, semiconductors, AI, robotics, and logistics.
• The minister highlighted this contrast to underscore India's missed opportunities in critical technologies.

Call for IP-Led Growth in India

• There is a need for India to develop its own intellectual property (IP).
• India lacks significant IP in frontier sectors, especially when compared to China.
• Government initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme for semiconductors aim to address this gap.

India’s Technological Lag in Electric Mobility

• China leads in EV and battery technology, outpacing even Western companies.
  • India remains heavily dependent on Chinese innovations in this domain.

China's Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence

• While American firms like OpenAI and Anthropic lead globally, China has made headlines with Deepseek.
• Deepseek demonstrated that powerful AI models can be developed at much lower costs.
• India has yet to produce a globally competitive AI model, though proposals are under government evaluation.

India’s Growth in Domestic E-Commerce

• India has built major consumer-facing platforms like Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, and Myntra.
• These firms leveraged increased internet access and urban discretionary spending.
• Many of them are publicly listed and dominate the Indian market.

Limited Global Reach of Indian Start-Ups

• Indian start-ups primarily serve the domestic market, which limits scalability.
• Around 90% of India’s population lacks spending power, posing growth challenges.
• Global expansion is difficult due to strong existing competitors in international markets.

China’s Dominance in Global Consumer Tech

• Chinese companies like TikTok (Bytedance), Shein, and Alibaba have succeeded globally.
• They cater to international audiences and have built strong global brands.

Manufacturing: China Leads, India Catches Up

• China remains the global hub for tech manufacturing.
• India has made progress in smartphone assembly but still relies heavily on Chinese components.
• Efforts are ongoing to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities.

China’s Lead in Deep Tech Start-Ups

• China has over 6,000 deep tech companies.
  • Deep tech involves the application of advanced scientific or engineering breakthroughs.
  • Focus areas include AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, robotics, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced materials.
  • These start-ups aim to solve complex, high-impact global problems.
• Over 100 Chinese deep tech companies have successfully gone public.

India's Struggles in the Deep Tech Space

• Indian deep tech start-ups face a severe funding crunch.
• Investors often see them as high-risk ventures and hesitate to support them.
• This limits their growth and ability to compete globally.

India’s Strength in the SaaS Sector

• India has made a mark globally in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) space.
• Key players include Zoho, Freshworks, TCS, and Infosys.
• However, growth has been largely driven by cost advantages rather than groundbreaking innovation.
• Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are emerging, but innovation is often limited to specific client needs.

UPI: A Recognised Innovation in Digital Payments

• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has set a global standard in digital transactions.
• Initially driven by the government, it was later opened to private firms like PhonePe and Paytm.
• Despite its success, UPI remains free to use, making monetisation a challenge for service providers.

Start-Up Leaders React to the Criticism

• Experts highlight that Zepto has created 1.5 lakh jobs, paid ₹1,000+ crore in taxes annually, and brought in $1 billion+ in FDI — calling it an "Indian innovation miracle."
• They argued that India must aim for consistent high growth before criticising its entrepreneurs. China, too, started with consumer services before transitioning to deep tech.
• They also highlighted the presence of promising Indian deep-tech start-ups but stressed the lack of capital and an enabling ecosystem as major hurdles to their growth.

India's Start-Up Priorities FAQs

Q1. What sectors are Indian start-ups focusing on?

Ans. Indian start-ups focus on food delivery, fantasy sports, influencer culture, and instant groceries.

Q2. What sectors are Chinese start-ups focusing on?

Ans. Chinese start-ups focus on deep tech sectors like AI, electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

Q3. Why is India lagging in electric mobility?

Ans. India depends on Chinese innovations in electric mobility, lacking significant domestic advancements in the sector.

Q4. How has India performed in the SaaS sector?

Ans. India has a strong presence in SaaS, with companies like Zoho, but growth is driven by cost advantages.

Q5. What is India's challenge in the deep tech space?

Ans. Indian deep tech start-ups struggle with limited funding and a lack of an enabling ecosystem for growth.

Source: IE | TI

What’s in Today’s Article?

• New Pamban Rail Bridge Latest News
• Old Pamban Bridge: A Historical Engineering Marvel
• New Pamban Bridge
• New Pamban Rail Bridge FAQs

New Pamban Rail Bridge Latest News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban rail bridge, linking Rameswaram Island to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu. 
• Built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited at a cost of ₹531 crore, the 2.07-km bridge features a 72.5-meter vertical lift span that can be raised by 17 meters, allowing for smooth ship movement while enhancing rail connectivity.

Old Pamban Bridge: A Historical Engineering Marvel

• The 2.05-km long old Pamban bridge, an engineering marvel, served as the sole transportation link between mainland Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram Island for over 70 years. 
• It was completed in 1913 and featured a Scherzer rolling lift span, allowing ships to pass underneath. 
• The bridge withstood a severe cyclone in 1964, which caused significant damage but was restored quickly. 
• It was eventually upgraded to a broad-gauge line in 2007.

The Idea of Rail Connectivity Between India and Ceylon

• The idea of establishing rail connectivity between India and Sri Lanka via Adam's Bridge was first explored in 1876. 
• Although proposals were made in 1894 and 1895, the project was abandoned due to high costs and insufficient traffic. 
• In 1906, the idea was revisited, leading to the construction of the Pamban bridge, aimed at promoting tobacco trade between India and Sri Lanka.

The Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge

• The Pamban bridge featured a Scherzer rolling lift span, patented by American engineer William Donald Scherzer. 
• The lift span, which could be raised for ship navigation, was a key feature of the bridge. 
• It was opened in 1914, and the bridge remained an essential transport route until its structural deterioration in the 21st century.

Gauge Conversion and Strengthening

• During the gauge conversion in 2007, the bridge's structure was strengthened to accommodate broad-gauge trains. 
• The Scherzer lift span was also reinforced to support this upgrade.

New Pamban Bridge

• Over the years, corrosion weakened the old bridge. In 2020, sensors were installed to monitor its health. 
• However, by December 2022, the bridge was deemed beyond repair, leading to the suspension of train services.

Construction of the New Pamban Bridge

• In 2019, construction of a new bridge began adjacent to the old one, at a cost of ₹535 crore. 
• Despite delays due to COVID-19 and rough sea conditions, the new bridge was completed in November 2024. 

Enhanced Connectivity for Rameswaram

• The new Pamban bridge, spanning 2.08 kilometers, will significantly improve connectivity to Rameswaram, a major spiritual destination. 

Modern Engineering Features

• The bridge is constructed with stainless steel reinforcement, high-grade paint, and fully welded joints, enhancing its durability and reducing maintenance needs. 
• It is supported by 333 piles and 101 piers/pile caps, and its design accommodates dual rail tracks with potential for future expansion. 
• The use of polysiloxane paint ensures protection against corrosion in the harsh marine environment.

Safety and Speed of Operations

• Trains on the new bridge can operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, though the bridge could support speeds up to 160 km/h. 
• Due to a curvature near the Rameswaram end, the speed has been safely limited to 80 km/h. The bridge is designed to safely operate for 100 years.

Future of the Old Bridge

• The old bridge will soon be dismantled, and parts of it will be preserved as a tribute to its historical significance. 
• The engineers also praised William Scherzer, the designer of the lift span, whose design has been used in over 150 bridges worldwide.

New Pamban Rail Bridge FAQs

Q1. What is special about the Pamban bridge?

Ans. The Pamban bridge, India's first sea bridge, was an engineering marvel of its time. Standing 12.5 meters above sea level, it stretched across 145 piers and featured a double-leaf bascule span—a Scherzer rolling lift bridge—that opened for ships to pass through.

Q2. Which river does the Pamban bridge railway cross?

Ans. Built at a cost of Rs 550 crore, the 2.08-km-long bridge spans the Palk Strait with 99 spans and a central 72.5-metre vertical lift span that can rise 17 meters to allow large ships to pass underneath.

Q3. What is the main feature of the new Pamban Rail Bridge?

Ans. The bridge includes a 72.5-meter vertical lift span for ship movement.

Q4. Why was the old Pamban Bridge replaced?

Ans. The old bridge suffered corrosion and structural issues, leading to suspension of train services in 2022.

Q5. Who built Rameshwaram Pamban bridge?

Ans. Constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways, the bridge cost approximately Rs 550 crore. With a projected lifespan of 100 years, the bridge has been constructed with special engineering techniques that reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Source: TH | PIB | TN

What’s in Today’s Article?

• UGC Regulations Latest News
• Introduction
• Scope and Applicability of the New Regulations
• Key Conditions for Granting Equivalence
• The Online Application and Review Process
• Transition from AIU to UGC
• Impact on Students and Institutions
• Safeguarding Standards and Ensuring Integrity
• Conclusion
• UGC Equivalence Certificate for Foreign Degrees FAQs

UGC Regulations Latest News

• The UGC has announced a new set of regulations to streamline the process of recognising and granting equivalence to academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions.

Introduction

• In a significant reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025.” 
• These regulations are set to bring much-needed clarity, transparency, and structure to the process of validating foreign academic degrees for Indian students and institutions.
• Effective from April 2025, the regulations replace the role previously held by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in issuing equivalence certificates. This marks a shift toward a more regulated and standardized system, led by the UGC, to align India’s education framework with global best practices.

Scope and Applicability of the New Regulations

• The new UGC framework covers academic qualifications, degrees, diplomas, and certificates, obtained from foreign institutions, including offshore campuses. 
• These certificates will be recognized for:
  • Admission into Indian higher education institutions
  • Pursuing research in India
  • Employment, wherever a UGC-recognized qualification is mandated
• However, professional qualifications governed by statutory councils such as those in medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, and architecture remain outside the purview of this framework.
• Notably, the regulations also apply to school-level qualifications earned abroad for admission into Indian undergraduate programs, provided the student has completed at least 12 years of school education.

Key Conditions for Granting Equivalence

• The regulations define clear eligibility criteria for recognizing a foreign qualification:
  • The awarding institution must be recognized by accreditation authorities in its home country.
  • Entry-level requirements (like credits, thesis, or internships) should align with comparable programs in India.
  • The program must be pursued in full compliance with the foreign institution’s standards.
• Qualifications earned via distance or online learning will also be eligible an inclusion based on public feedback on the 2023 draft regulations. 
• However, degrees acquired through franchise arrangements (where institutions operate under the name of a foreign entity but lack actual affiliation) will not be recognized.

The Online Application and Review Process

• The UGC will operate a dedicated online portal for processing equivalence applications. Here’s how the process will work:
  • Applicants submit their documents and relevant details on the portal.
  • A standing committee of subject experts evaluates the application within 10 working days.
  • The UGC will communicate its decision within 15 days of submission.
  • In case of rejection, a review committee will re-examine the application if appealed by the applicant.
• Once granted, the equivalence certificate will be valid for academic and professional purposes across UGC-regulated institutions in India.

Transition from AIU to UGC

• Until now, equivalence certificates were issued by the AIU—a registered body comprising public and private universities. 
• While functional, this system lacked a statutory regulatory framework, often leading to procedural inconsistencies and delays.
• With the UGC stepping in, this process will now be more accountable, transparent, and directly aligned with national education reforms. 
• UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar stated that this move is a critical part of NEP 2020’s thrust on internationalisation and academic mobility.

Impact on Students and Institutions

• The updated regulations are expected to benefit multiple stakeholders:
  • Students returning from abroad: A streamlined, predictable process to integrate into India’s higher education or job market.
  • Academic Institutions: A clear and consistent method to assess foreign qualifications during admissions.
  • Employers: Standardized documentation to verify the legitimacy and relevance of a candidate’s foreign degree.
• Furthermore, by recognizing offshore campus degrees and online learning modes, the UGC is acknowledging the evolving nature of global education.

Safeguarding Standards and Ensuring Integrity

• By emphasizing recognition from legitimate accrediting bodies and rejecting franchise-based arrangements, the UGC aims to uphold the integrity of Indian higher education. 
• This move ensures that only reputable foreign institutions’ qualifications are accepted, thus protecting students from fraudulent or subpar courses.
• The system also supports a fair mechanism for redressal and review, strengthening trust among stakeholders.

Conclusion

• The 2025 UGC regulations mark a forward-thinking reform in India’s education policy landscape. 
• By shifting the responsibility of issuing equivalence certificates from AIU to UGC, the government ensures better transparency, consistency, and alignment with international standards.
• With the rise in Indian students studying abroad and the push for India to become an international education hub, this regulatory framework is both timely and transformative.

UGC Equivalence Certificate for Foreign Degrees FAQs

Q1. What is the purpose of UGC’s new equivalence certificate regulation?

Ans. To provide a transparent and structured process for recognizing foreign academic qualifications for higher studies and employment in India.

Q2. Are qualifications from online or distance learning programs eligible?

Ans. Yes, the regulations now include distance and online programs, based on feedback to the draft version.

Q3. Who will issue the equivalence certificate under the new system?

Ans. The UGC, through an expert committee and a dedicated online portal.

Q4. Do the new regulations apply to all foreign degrees?

Ans. They apply to most degrees but exclude professional programs like medicine, law, nursing, and architecture.

Q5. What happens if an equivalence application is rejected?

Ans. Applicants can request a review, which will be handled by a separate UGC-constituted review committee.

Source: IE | IE | TH