Kautilya

The new survey comes at a time when the services sector contributes more than half of India’s GDP and remains one of the country’s biggest sources of jobs and economic expansion. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, ASISSE is expected to become a key source of official data on major service activities such as trade, transport, hospitality, information technology, education and health.

The milestone, achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs—a startup supported under the mission and focused on quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions—represents one of the longest quantum key distribution (QKD) deployments globally since the mission’s launch in October 2024. Secretary, DST, Dr. Abhay Karandikar described it as “a landmark advancement in secure quantum communication,” noting that it reflects progress ahead of envisaged timelines.

The order involves the construction of four bulk carriers, each with a capacity of around 92,500 deadweight tonnes (DWT)—placing them among the largest commercial vessels ever to be built in India. Each vessel will measure approximately 229.5 metres in length with a beam of 37 metres, and will be equipped with advanced ammonia-based dual-fuel propulsion systems, positioning them at the forefront of low-emission maritime transport.