SNIPPETS 10 JANUARY 2026

Star Labelling Programme (India): Ministry of Power+ Administered by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)+Reduce energy consumption+ Enable informed consumer choice+ Appliances are rated from 1-star to 5-star->More stars = higher energy efficiency+ Recent move: Penalties for false energy claims

Savitribai Phule (1831–1897):  India’s first woman teacher+ First headmistress of first girls’ school in Pune+ Founded Mahila Seva Mandal+ Set up Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha+ Promoted Satyashodhak marriages (no dowry) + Educated marginalised castes+ Authored Kavyaphule & Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): An open, interoperable digital network that enables buying and selling of goods and services across platforms using open protocols, without platform monopolies+ Launched in: April 2022+Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry+ Democratise digital commerce by breaking platform silos+ Create a level playing field for sellers (especially MSMEs), buyers, and service providers

Deep Tech Startup: Cutting-edge and often disruptive technologies that are built on profound scientific discoveries, engineering innovations+ E.g. AI, quantum computing, nano-tech, blockchain etc+ India is home to over 3,600 startups (2024) and is expected to reach 10,000 by 2030 + Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP),2023: To address the challenges confronting deep tech startups