+ND+A India Positive: Week 50
UPI becomes largest real time payment system, India launches first hydrogen fuel cell vessel, 3 new GI Tags, Medical innovations, and more...
The National Big Picture
UPI Becomes World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has officially become the world’s largest real-time payment system, processing 20.47 billion transactions worth ₹26.32 lakh crore in November 2025 alone, according to NPCI data. This represents a 32% year-on-year increase in volume and a 22% rise in value, with daily transactions averaging 682 million.
UPI now accounts for 84.8% of all retail digital payment volume in India, underscoring its role as the backbone of a cashless economy. The system’s success has drawn global attention, with multilateral institutions and central banks studying UPI as a model for inclusive, low-cost, real-time payments.
Energy & Green Transition
India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Power Capacity Ahead of 2030 Target
India has crossed a major climate milestone: 50% of its total installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil sources. India’s total installed power capacity stood at 485 GW, of which 243 GW (50%) is from non-fossil energy (renewables, nuclear, hydro). This achievement comes five years ahead of India’s 2030 target of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity and reflects sustained policy focus on solar, wind, and grid integration.
Green Hydrogen: India Begins Commercial Operations of Its First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel in Varanasi
India has commenced commercial operations of its first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel in Varanasi, marking a breakthrough in green maritime mobility on the Ganga.
The vessel, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited and operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, is now running on National Waterway‑1 at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, and is one of the first cities globally to deploy hydrogen-powered passenger transport on its riverfront.
CSIR-NCL Develops Self-Healing Hydrogel Electrolyte for Safer, Flexible Zinc-Metal Batteries
Scientists at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, have developed a self-healing hydrogel electrolyte for safer, flexible zinc-metal batteries.
This innovation enables:
Safer, flexible batteries with reduced risk of leakage and short circuits
Extended cycle life through self-healing of micro-cracks in the electrolyte
Potential use in wearables, IoT devices, and next-gen energy storage
The work positions India at the forefront of advanced battery materials, supporting the transition to safer, more durable energy storage solutions.
Technology & Digitalization
AI & Deep Tech: 150+ Startups, $1.5B+ Funding, Sovereign LLM Progress
India’s AI ecosystem continues to mature, with over 150 native AI startups having raised more than $1.5 billion in aggregate funding since 2020.
SarvamAI raised $41 million and was selected by the central government in April 2025 to build India’s first sovereign large language model (LLM) under the IndiaAI Mission.
Krutrim (Ola’s AI venture) has raised $74 million and is building a multilingual LLM for Indian languages.
CodeAnt AI (developer productivity) reached $2 million ARR within six months and is on track for $10 million ARR in 12 months.
Economy & Infrastructure
RBI Cuts Policy Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Falls to 0.71%
On December 5, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, a unanimous decision by the Monetary Policy Committee.
This move follows a sharp decline in inflation to 0.71% year-on-year in November 2025, well within the RBI’s target range, and strong GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2 FY26 (July–September 2025).
The RBI has cumulatively cut rates by 125 basis points in 2025, creating a “goldilocks” scenario of low inflation and high growth, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says will support at least 7% growth in FY26.
PM Gati Shakti: 15 Mega Infrastructure Projects to Transform India by 2028
India’s infrastructure push continues under PM Gati Shakti, with 15 mega projects identified to transform connectivity, logistics, and regional development by 2028.
These include:
Delhi–Mumbai Expressway (1,386 km, 8-lane)
Bharatmala Pariyojana (83,677 km of highways)
Sagarmala (port-led industrialization and coastal connectivity)
Dedicated Freight Corridors (Eastern and Western DFCs)
Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor and other regional industrial clusters.
These projects are being coordinated through the PM Gati Shakti digital platform, integrating 16 ministries and 272 layers of data to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
Culture & Innovation
GI Mahotsav 3.0 Showcases India’s Rich Geographical Indication Heritage at CFTRI, Mysuru
The third edition of GI Mahotsav 3.0 – Geographical Indication Products Exhibition was held from December 5–8, 2025 at CSIR’s Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, showcasing India’s rich GI heritage.
The event highlighted:
Traditional GI-tagged foods, textiles, and handicrafts from across India
Efforts by MSME, NABARD, and TN Agri universities to promote GI products
CFTRI’s role in developing value-added food technologies for GI products
This initiative strengthens India’s cultural economy and supports artisans and farmers by creating direct market access for authentic GI products.
New GI Tags of the week:
Assam: Bodo Gamosa
Telangana: Tandur Red Gram
Ladakh: Raktsey Karpo Apricot
FTRI to Develop Food for Astronauts, Athletes, and India’s Ageing Population
CSIR–CFTRI, Mysuru, is now developing advanced food technologies for three key groups: astronauts, athletes, and India’s ageing population.
Space foods for astronauts, with special focus on bone health and nutrition in microgravity
Sports foods and natural endurance-enhancing drinks for athletes
Geriatric foods for India’s ageing population, including a three-meal nutrition kit for senior citizens
The institute aims to complete these technologies by 2030, aligning with India’s demographic shift and ambitions in space and sports.
CMSCRI Scientist Develops Affordable and Easy-to-Use UTI Detection Kit
Scientists at CSIR–Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, have developed a low-cost, rapid UTI detection kit that costs just ₹10–15 per test.
Key features:
UTI report in 6–9 hours (vs. 2 days in conventional labs)
Can be used by minimally trained health workers
No cold storage required; test can be done at home
Targets resource-limited regions and rural healthcare
This innovation promises to make UTI screening faster, cheaper, and more accessible, especially for women and underserved communities.
India Positive (+ND+A) is a weekly newsletter celebrating India’s verifiable achievements in sustainability, technology, and development. All statistics and milestones are sourced from official government announcements, verified industry reports, and recognized multilateral institutions.