Key Highlights
- GeM has crossed a cumulative GMV of ₹15 lakh crore, showcasing its impact on MSMEs and inclusive procurement.
- The Department of Animal Husbandry issued the first national guidelines on veterinary blood transfusion, establishing a regulated framework for donor screening, storage and safety.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ₹5,400 crore worth of development schemes in Gujarat, addressing roads, railways, power, housing and urban infrastructure.
- India’s diplomatic engagement expanded with Fiji and Japan, signing multiple strategic agreements covering health, technology and climate cooperation.
Detailed Insights
GeM’s milestone reflects a transformation of government purchasing into a transparent, digitised ecosystem that benefits micro‑enterprises and fosters entrepreneurship.
The newly released veterinary blood bank guidelines introduce state‑regulated banks, a donor rights charter and a national network that integrates digital tracking and emergency helplines.
In Gujarat, the announced projects aim to improve freight and passenger rail services, expand multi‑lane road infrastructure, modernise electricity distribution and upgrade urban housing through the PMAY‑Urban programme.
India’s bilateral talks with Fiji covered a super‑specialty hospital, ambulance donation and the Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative, while the India‑Japan dialogue focused on clean hydrogen, carbon capture and renewable technologies.
Oman has targeted an increase in Indian tourism to one million visitors annually by promoting luxury travel and MICE events and offering visa facilitation.
Key Concepts
- GeM – Government e‑Marketplace, a digital platform that facilitates public procurement.
- Veterinary Blood Bank – A regulated institution that collects, stores and transmits animal blood for safe transfusion.
- Digital India – An initiative to provide digital services and infrastructure across governance and economy.
- Ongoing Trade – Current economic interactions, especially in goods and services, between countries.
- PMAY‑Urban – Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), a scheme for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing.