APPSC Daily Current Affairs - 19th January 2026
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Renewable energy, climate change, industrial revival, green jobs, energy security
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Green hydrogen, Green ammonia, Electrolyser, Pumped hydro storage, Clean energy exports, Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy 2024, Renewable energy transition
For Mains:
- Renewable energy, climate change, industrial revival, green jobs, energy security
Why in News?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan laid the foundation stone for India’s first and the world’s largest green ammonia project in Kakinada, marking the beginning of India’s green energy exports to Europe and advanced Asian markets.
Project launch and leadership
- Foundation stone laid at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
- Launched by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan
- Implemented by AM Green (Greenko Group)
Investment & Scale
- Investment: ₹18,000 crore (~$2 billion) initially
- Total clean-energy ecosystem investment: $10 billion
- Area: 495 acres
- India’s largest green ammonia complex
Production Capacity
- Green ammonia capacity: 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)
- Phased commissioning:
- 0.5 MTPA by 2027
- 1.0 MTPA by 2028
- 1.5 MTPA by 2030
- Electrolyser capacity: 1,950 MW
- Renewable energy integration:
- 7.5 GW solar + wind
- 2 GW round-the-clock power
- Supported by pumped hydro storage
Employment Generation
- 8,000 jobs during construction phase
- Long-term jobs in:
- Logistics
- Storage
- Port services
- Renewable energy
- High-skill clean-tech operations
Global Exports
- Green ammonia to be exported to:
- Germany
- Japan
- Singapore
- Key offtaker: Uniper (Germany)
- First-ever export of green energy from India to Europe
Global Partnerships
- Project supported by:
- Petronas (Malaysia)
- GIC (Singapore)
- ADIA (UAE)
- Long-term supply agreements signed with global firms
Industrial Revival Model
- Brownfield conversion of Nagarjuna Fertilisers plant
- Example of:
- Industrial recycling
- Low-carbon industrial transformation
- Sustainable manufacturing
Policy Alignment & Significance
- Aligned with Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, 2024
- Establishes Andhra Pradesh as:
- India’s green hydrogen hub
- Clean-energy export gateway
- Green ammonia use:
- Clean shipping fuel
- Power generation
- Green hydrogen carrier
- Replaces coal, oil, and gas with zero-emission energy
CARE MCQ
Q1. The green ammonia project at Kakinada is significant because it:
- Is India’s first green energy export project to Europe
- Uses pumped hydro storage for round-the-clock renewable power
- Is developed through brownfield industrial conversion
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
The project exports green ammonia, uses pumped hydro storage, and revives an old fertiliser plant.
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Economic Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Employment Generation, MSMEs
GS Paper II – Government Policies, Skill Development, Cooperative Federalism, Inclusive Growth
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Startup India Initiative, National Startup Day, DPIIT, Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), SIDBI, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, States’ Startup Ranking Framework, MAARG Portal, GENESIS, NIDHI, SVEP, ASPIRE, PMEGP, Unicorn Startups
For Mains:
- Innovation-led Growth, Startup Ecosystem, Demographic Dividend, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Federalism, Regional Balance, Deep-Tech Startups, Rural & Grassroots Innovation, Public–Private Collaboration, Human Capital Development, Viksit Bharat 2047
Why in News?
National Startup Day (16 January 2026) marks ten years of the Startup India Initiative. Launched in 2016, the initiative has transformed India into one of the world’s largest, most diversified and decentralised startup ecosystems, aligned with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s Startup Ecosystem: Where India Stands Today
- 2+ lakh DPIIT-recognised startups as of December 2025.
- India among the top global startup ecosystems.
- Expansion from 4 unicorns (2014) to 120+ unicorns today with a combined valuation of $350+ billion.
- Major hubs: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR.
- Nearly 50% startups from Tier-II & Tier-III cities, reflecting democratisation of entrepreneurship.
- 45%+ startups have at least one woman Director/Partner, strengthening inclusive growth.
Startups as a Pillar of India’s Economic Transformation
Startups have become central to India’s growth model by:
- Driving technological innovation and productivity gains.
- Creating large-scale employment, including gig and supply-chain jobs.
- Enhancing financial inclusion and digital access.
- Promoting regional balance and grassroots entrepreneurship.
They are actively bridging the rural–urban divide through agri-tech, telemedicine, ed-tech, tourism, clean mobility, fintech and microfinance solutions, directly addressing developmental gaps.
Startup India Initiative: Building the Innovation Backbone
The Startup India Initiative is led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Over a decade, it has evolved from a policy push into a full-lifecycle support architecture covering:
- Ideation
- Funding
- Incubation and mentorship
- Market access
- Scale-up and global integration
Startups are leveraging India’s young demographic dividend, collaborating with corporates and MNCs, and integrating into global value chains. Innovation is no longer confined to tech sectors but spans agriculture, logistics, mobility, healthcare and manufacturing.
Flagship Financial and Institutional Support under Startup India
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
- Managed by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
- Corpus: ₹10,000 crore.
- Committed to 140+ SEBI-registered AIFs.
- ₹25,500+ crore invested in 1,370+ startups.
- Objective: expand domestic risk capital.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
- Enables collateral-free loans.
- Implemented through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).
- 330+ loans worth ₹800+ crore guaranteed.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
- Corpus: ₹945 crore.
- Supports proof of concept, prototyping, trials and market entry.
- Funds approved to 215+ incubators across India.
Startup India Hub
- A national digital platform connecting:
- Startups
- Investors
- Mentors
- Incubators
- Corporates, academia and government bodies
States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF)
- Promotes competitive federalism.
- States and UTs ranked as Best Performers, Top Performers, Leaders, Aspiring Leaders and Emerging Ecosystems.
MAARG – National Mentorship Portal
- Provides structured access to experienced mentors.
- Strengthens resilience, strategy and growth pathways.
Startup India Investor Connect Portal
- Developed with SIDBI.
- Enables startups to pitch to multiple investors through a single digital window, with focus on early-stage ventures.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Creating the Innovation Pipeline
Launched in 2016 by NITI Aayog, AIM fosters innovation across schools, universities, startups and industry with an outlay of ₹2,750 crore (till 2028).
AIM 1.0: Building Foundations
- Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)
- 10,000+ ATLs in 733 districts.
- 1.1 crore students engaged.
- 16 lakh+ innovation projects.
- Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF)
- Grassroots innovation with UNDP.
- Youth Co:Lab
- Youth-led innovation aligned with SDGs.
- National Innovation Challenge 2024–25 focused on assistive technologies and inclusion.
AIM 2.0 (2024 onwards): Scaling Proven Models
- Focus on ecosystem gaps and scalable interventions.
- Key programmes:
- LIPI – Vernacular innovation through 22 scheduled languages.
- Frontier Program – J&K, Ladakh, North-East, Aspirational Districts.
- Human Capital Development Program – ecosystem professionals and trainers.
- Deeptech Reactor – commercialising long-gestation technologies.
- International Innovation Collaborations – globalising Indian startups.
- Industrial Accelerator & ASIL – deeper industry and ministry integration.
Technology & Deep-Tech Focused Initiatives
GENESIS (MeitY)
- National Deep-tech Startup Platform.
- Budget: ₹490 crore (5 years).
- Targets 1,600 startups, especially in Tier-II & III cities.
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH)
- Supports 6,148+ startups, 517 incubators, 329 labs.
TIDE 2.0
- Strengthens ICT incubators in AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics.
- Covers healthcare, agriculture, fintech, clean tech and infrastructure.
NIDHI (DST)
- Supported 12,000+ startups.
- Generated 1.3 lakh+ jobs.
- Created 1,100+ IPs.
- Includes PRAYAS, EIR, TBI, i-TBI, Accelerator, Seed Support and Centres of Excellence.
Rural and Grassroots Entrepreneurship
- SVEP (DAY-NRLM)
- Supported 3.74 lakh rural enterprises (June 2025).
- ASPIRE (MSME)
- Livelihood Business Incubators for rural innovation.
- PMEGP
- Margin Money subsidy for self-employment.
- Higher support for SC/ST, women, minorities, PwDs, NE & Aspirational Districts.
- Supports projects up to ₹50 lakh (manufacturing) and ₹20 lakh (services).
Challenges Faced by Startups in India
Infrastructure Constraints
- High operating costs and inadequate infrastructure, especially in Tier II, Tier III and rural areas
- Poor internet connectivity, weak logistics and unreliable power supply increase costs and limit scalability
Consumer-Centric Bias
- Startup activity concentrated in fintech, e-commerce and food delivery
- Deep-tech sectors (AI, EVs, semiconductors, robotics) remain underdeveloped due to structural economic factors
Fragmented Demand Structure
- Capital supplied by high-income groups
- Middle class forms the price-sensitive consumer base
- Lower-income groups remain largely non-monetisable while supplying labour
- Incentivises scalable consumer models over breakthrough innovation
Limited Domestic Venture Capital
- Risk-averse policy and investment environment
- Insufficient patient capital for long-gestation deep-tech ventures
- Heavy dependence on foreign capital increases vulnerability to global shocks
Funding Slowdown and Startup Closures
- Over 5,000 startup closures, particularly in Maharashtra
- Seed funding declined by ~25% and D2C funding by ~18% in 2024
- Investor preference shifting towards low-risk, quick-return sectors
Low R&D Intensity
- India’s R&D expenditure at ~0.64% of GDP
- Greater focus on basic research than applied, market-ready innovation
Weak Exit and IPO Environment
- Underperforming startup IPOs
- Valuation and profitability concerns
- Reduced exit opportunities dampen investor confidence
Measures to Strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem
Deepen Domestic Risk Capital
- Enable pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign funds to invest in startups
- Focus on deep-tech and long-gestation sectors
Strengthen Industry–Academia Linkages
- Structured collaboration with ISRO, DRDO, IITs and IISc
- Promote applied research and technology commercialisation
Skill Alignment and Talent Retention
- Align Skill India and Atal Tinkering Labs with AI, data analytics and deep-tech
- Prevent brain drain through domestic opportunities
Boost Applied R&D through Mission-Mode Funding
- Outcome-based grants under IndiaAI Mission, Semiconductor Mission and Quantum Mission
Support Deep-tech Scale-up
- Create patient capital windows
- Develop testing, validation and certification infrastructure
Improve Infrastructure Beyond Metros
- Strengthen digital connectivity, logistics and power supply in non-metro regions
Simplify Regulations
- Predictable tax regime
- Faster IPR processing
- Stronger exit mechanisms via IPOs, M&A and secondary markets
Promote Green and Sustainable Innovation
- Support startups in EVs, clean energy and climate technologies
- Align innovation with Mission LiFE
Conclusion
A decade of Startup India reflects a structural transformation of India’s growth model. Built on demographic advantage, digital public infrastructure and sustained reforms, startups today drive innovation, employment, inclusion and global integration. As India advances towards a $7.3 trillion economy by 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047, startups will remain central catalysts of India’s future-ready, innovation-led development trajectory.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to the Stand Up India Scheme, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
- It provides for refinance through SIDBI.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct.
The Stand Up India Scheme, launched in 2016, aims to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women entrepreneurs, particularly at the grassroots level, by facilitating bank loans for greenfield enterprises. - Statement 2 is correct.
The scheme provides a refinance facility through SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to banks, enabling them to extend credit under the Stand Up India framework.
CARE MCQ
Consider the following pairs of schemes and their implementing ministries:
Scheme | Ministry |
1. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) | NITI Aayog |
2. GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology |
3. Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) | Ministry of Rural Development |
4. ASPIRE Scheme | Department of Science & Technology |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is implemented by NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
- GENESIS Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to support deep-tech startups, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities.
- Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development under DAY-NRLM to promote rural entrepreneurship.
- ASPIRE (Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship) is implemented by the Ministry of MSME, not by the Department of Science & Technology.
Relevance:
GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture, Evolution of Indian court dress traditions, Mughal–Rajput cultural synthesis, Indigenous fashion as cultural identity
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Bandhgala / Jodhpuri jacket, Indian textile heritage, Mughal–Rajput cultural synthesis, Colonial adaptation of Indian symbols, De-colonisation of institutions.
For Mains:
- Indian culture, syncretism, heritage, Symbolism in governance, colonial legacies, Cultural identity, ethical governance.
Why in News?
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that railway staff would no longer wear the bandhgala uniform, calling it a colonial relic. This triggered debate as the bandhgala is historically one of the first indigenous Indian garments to gain global recognition.
Context and Contemporary Relevance
- Indian Railways recently discontinued the bandhgala uniform, calling it a colonial relic.
- Historically, this perception is inaccurate as the bandhgala is one of the earliest indigenous garments of India to gain international recognition.
- It represents indigenous modernity, where Indian tradition adapted to changing times without losing identity.
Place of Origin: Jodhpur (Marwar), Rajasthan
- Originated in the princely state of Jodhpur under the Rathore dynasty.
- Known as:
- Bandhgala (closed neck)
- Jodhpuri jacket
- Prince suit / Prince cut
- Initially worn as a formal court garment by Rajput rulers and nobles.
Pre-Colonial Roots in Indian Court Dress
- Indian courts had advanced clothing traditions long before colonial rule.
- Mughal court garments laid the foundation:
- Jama: fitted bodice, closed neckline, ceremonial use
- Angrakha: banded neckline, centre fastening, padded structure
- These garments introduced the idea of a structured, closed-neck formal coat.
Mughal–Rajput Cultural Synthesis
- Rathore rulers of Marwar entered Mughal imperial service.
- Mughal court aesthetics merged with Rajput warrior culture.
- Rajputs shortened long Mughal robes to improve mobility.
- New garments evolved:
- Bago – refined court tunic
- Dagali and Gudadi – padded ceremonial jackets
- This process transformed the robe into a true jacket form.
Achkan as the Immediate Precursor
- By late Mughal period, achkan became common:
- High-necked
- Close-fitting
- Knee-length coat
- It resembled the bandhgala but was not suitable for riding or sport.
- Need for polo-friendly attire led to shorter, sharper, fitted jackets.
- This functional adaptation produced the modern bandhgala.
Role of Polo in Globalisation
- Jodhpur royals popularised polo as a royal sport.
- Polo teams travelled to England and Europe in early 20th century.
- Jacket paired with breeches became known as Jodhpurs.
- Western elite admired the outfit’s elegance and functionality.
- The bandhgala entered global fashion through royal diplomacy, not colonisation.
British Tailoring Influence (Without Loss of Indian Identity)
- British tailors on Savile Row refined the jacket:
- Precise measurements
- Shoulder pads
- Set-in sleeves
- Clean, sharp structure
- Core Indian features remained unchanged:
- High collar
- Closed front
- Ceremonial silhouette
- This was adaptation, not imitation.
Colonial Politics of Dress
- British adoption had strategic motives:
- High collars already used in China and Japan
- Britain sought pan-Asian cultural uniformity
- In India, wearing Indian-style garments helped colonial rulers:
- Gain legitimacy
- Appear culturally accommodating
- Colonial elements like insignia, epaulettes, trims were later additions.
- The jacket itself remained Indian in origin.
Functional and Climatic Logic of Design
- High collar protected from North Indian winters.
- No need for scarves or ties in pre-modern times.
- Design allowed royal jewellery to be displayed prominently.
- Similar jackets absent in southern India due to climate differences.
- Shows environment–culture interaction in dress evolution.
20th Century Revival and Popular Culture
- Revived by Raghavendra Singh Rathore, descendant of Jodhpur royalty.
- Reintroduced bandhgala to global fashion in the 1990s.
- Admired by international designers:
- Donna Karan
- Oscar de la Renta
- Popularised in India through films like Eklavya (Saif Ali Khan).
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Symbol of indigenous modernity
- Example of cultural synthesis (Mughal–Rajput–Western)
- Proof that Indian fashion influenced the West
- Challenges the narrative that modern Indian dress is colonial
- Represents continuity, adaptation, and resilience of Indian culture
CARE MCQ
The bandhgala originated in which princely state?
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Bikaner
Answer: B
- Originated in the princely state of Jodhpur under the Rathore dynasty.
- Known as:
- Bandhgala (closed neck)
- Jodhpuri jacket
- Prince suit / Prince cut
- Initially worn as a formal court garment by Rajput rulers and nobles.
CARE MCQ
Consider the following pairs of schemes and their implementing ministries:
Scheme | Ministry |
1. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) | NITI Aayog |
2. GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups) | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology |
3. Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) | Ministry of Rural Development |
4. ASPIRE Scheme | Department of Science & Technology |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is implemented by NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
- GENESIS Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to support deep-tech startups, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities.
- Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development under DAY-NRLM to promote rural entrepreneurship.
- ASPIRE (Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship) is implemented by the Ministry of MSME, not by the Department of Science & Technology.
