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  • RBI Tightens Oversight on Digital Lending; Govt Steps Up Action Against Illegal Loan Apps

    New Delhi, March 18: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has strengthened its regulatory oversight of digital lending platforms as part of broader efforts by the government and financial regulators to curb the proliferation of illegal mobile loan applications and enhance consumer protection in India’s fast-growing digital lending ecosystem.

    The central bank had earlier constituted a working group to examine issues related to digital lending, including loans offered through online platforms and mobile applications. Based on the recommendations of the panel, RBI introduced comprehensive regulatory guidelines aimed at strengthening the framework governing digital lending activities and safeguarding borrowers.

    Under the framework, all regulated entities (REs), including banks and non-banking financial companies, are required to comply with the digital lending guidelines issued by the RBI. Compliance with these rules is periodically assessed during supervisory evaluations, and any deviations identified are required to be rectified. In cases of serious non-compliance, the RBI may initiate supervisory or enforcement actions.

    In parallel, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been empowered to block fraudulent digital loan applications under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, following due procedures outlined in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

    Authorities have intensified coordinated efforts across ministries and agencies to prevent citizens from being exploited by unauthorised lending platforms, many of which operate through offshore entities or disguise themselves as legitimate financial service providers.

    One of the key steps taken by the RBI includes the launch of a directory of Digital Lending Apps (DLAs) on its official website from July 1, 2025. The directory lists apps deployed by RBI-regulated entities and is intended to help customers verify whether a digital lending application is legitimately linked to a regulated financial institution.

    The regulator has also been actively engaging with major internet intermediaries and messaging platforms to monitor the activities of unauthorised loan apps. Technology-driven vetting mechanisms and real-time enforcement systems have been introduced to detect and prevent the advertisement and circulation of fraudulent loan apps, particularly those originating from overseas operators.

    The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has also been analysing digital lending applications to identify cybercrime patterns. To facilitate public reporting of such incidents, the government has launched the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and a dedicated cybercrime helpline number 1930.

    Meanwhile, banks have been supporting public grievance mechanisms through platforms such as the SACHET portal, which enables citizens to lodge complaints against entities involved in illegal deposit-taking or unauthorised financial activities. State-level coordination committees among financial regulators further assist in monitoring and addressing such cases.

    The RBI and banks have also intensified public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the risks associated with fraudulent lending apps. These campaigns include SMS alerts, radio outreach programmes, and digital banking awareness initiatives such as the e-BAAT training programme, which focuses on cyber fraud prevention and risk mitigation.

    However, enforcement against illegal mobile applications ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Under India’s constitutional framework, “Police” and “Public Order” are state subjects, making state law enforcement agencies primarily responsible for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of such crimes.

    The central government continues to support states and union territories through advisories and financial assistance for capacity building of law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime and financial fraud.

    This information was shared by Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on March 17.

  • Udacity, Part of Accenture, Launches Accredited MBA to Train the Next Generation of AI Product Leaders

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and NEW YORK CITY – Udacity, part of Accenture LearnVantage and the leading provider of tech skills for the AI economy, announced the launch of a fully accredited Master of Business Administration degree programme designed specifically for the next generation of AI product leaders.

    While traditional MBAs have long held a direct path into product management, they often lack the hands-on, technical training required in today’s AI-driven economy. This MBA focused on AI product management combines rigorous business fundamentals with applied, project-based training—equipping graduates with both the strategic foundation and practical experience required to lead in the AI economy.

    “As AI continues to redefine the global workforce, the need for leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business strategy has never been more critical,” said Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage. “This innovative MBA programme directly addresses the advanced skills crisis by providing an affordable, accredited path for the next generation of AI product leaders. By democratising access to high-quality education, we are helping both individuals and organisations unlock the full potential of the AI economy.”

    For the first time, learners can earn an MBA degree built around Udacity’s hallmark project-based curriculum at a fraction of the cost of traditional MBA programmes. Degrees are awarded by Woolf, a global leader in higher education innovation, and are recognised through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) across more than 60 countries—including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and 43 European nations. 

    “Artificial intelligence is defining a new way of doing business, and MBAs need to prepare students for that new world,” said Woolf President and Rector Dr. Joshua Broggi. “We’re proud of this exceptional programme, which brings Accenture and Udacity’s depth of expertise to a degree that is affordable, practical, and rigorous.”

    Answering the AI Product Skills Crisis
    Young professionals are standing at a crossroads. 59% of executives believe AI automation is actively closing doors for new talent, according to Accenture’s January 2026 Pulse of Change report. Yet, most companies are still struggling to make AI work at scale, with only 32% reporting real enterprise-wide success.

    This disconnect presents an outsized opportunity for professionals who retool. AI product management is powering the fastest-growing frontier in tech, with job openings surging nearly 90% last year. By mastering the intersection of AI and product development, professionals can secure roles that pay 36% more than traditional product manager roles while solving the C-suite’s biggest challenges.

    An MBA Degree Built for the AI Economy
    The Master of Business Administration programme from Udacity and Woolf addresses these critical gaps by providing a flexible, affordable path to advanced credentials for working professionals and career changers without sacrificing career momentum:

    • Radically Affordable: Can be completed for less than ₹2 lakh—a fraction of private university MBA programmes with an average cost between ₹4 lakh – ₹25 lakh.
    • Industry Relevant: Courses are project-based and developed with input from leading tech companies, helping graduates build portfolios that prove their capabilities.
    • Fully Accredited: Degrees awarded by Woolf carry academic weight comparable to other leading higher education institutions in Europe, North America, and Australia—and are widely accepted for immigration, visa applications, and doctoral programmes in 60+ countries.
    • Backwards Compatible: With “Recognition of Prior Learning,” Udacity learners can apply previously completed Nanodegree programmes toward a master’s degree, potentially accelerating their path to graduation.
    • Highly Flexible: Students progress at their own pace through 14 Udacity Nanodegree programmes plus a capstone project—approximately 2,250 hours in total, the standard workload for a European master’s degree under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

    Pioneering the Future of AI Education

    Udacity has pioneered large-scale AI education for over a decade, but its recent entry into accredited degrees has set a new industry benchmark. This MBA with a focus in AI product management follows the successful launch of its Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree programme, which amassed more than 1,500 learners in its inaugural cohort—demonstrating the industry appetite for high-rigor, high-ROI AI credentials.

    The MBA represents the next evolution of this success. By combining Udacity’s “skills-first” DNA with Woolf’s international accreditation, the company is transforming 15 years of AI innovation into an MBA designed for the next generation of technology product leaders.

    “We’re not just adding credentials to existing learning, we’re democratising access to advanced education in one of the most important fields of the 21st century,” said Dr. Kai Roemmelt, CEO of Udacity and Dean of the Udacity Institute of AI & Technology. “This programme combines Udacity’s hallmark project-based curriculum with Woolf’s internationally recognised accreditation to offer an MBA degree that is both radically affordable and industry-relevant. It proves that you can break down traditional barriers to higher education while maintaining the academic rigor necessary to deliver immediate career impact for professionals in the AI economy.”

    The creation of the MBA degree programme from Udacity and Woolf is a continuation of Accenture’s $1 billion investment in LearnVantage—a comprehensive learning and training service that helps individuals, organisations, and nations build the skills they need to grow in the AI economy. Since launching LearnVantage in 2024, Accenture has acquired Udacity, TalentSprint, Ascendient Learning, Aidemy, and Award Solutions, scaling Accenture’s deep capabilities as a world-class learning organisation helping clients meet their business growth objectives and enabling people to develop the relevant skills they need to make the most of the opportunities that technological change is bringing.

    Enroll now and forge a new future in tech.

  • Epson on CDP A List for Water Security

    Epson has been selected as an A List company, the highest possible rating, in the Water Security category of the CDP assessment conducted by the international non-profit organisation CDP. In addition, Epson received an A- rating in the Climate Change category.

    Epson on CDP A List for Water Security

     

    These ratings reflect CDP’s recognition of Epson’s leadership in addressing issues related to water security and climate change, as well as the transparency of its related disclosures.

    CDP represents more than 640 institutional investors with combined assets of over USD 127 trillion worldwide. It evaluates corporate environmental actions through environmental disclosures made to CDP. 

    The results of this assessment are also utilised in the environmental evaluations of leading global socially responsible investment (SRI) indices, which serve as benchmarks for ESG investing.

    More than 22,000 companies worldwide disclosed information to CDP. Epson was one of the select few to be named to the A List-only about 4% make it-and was acknowledged as one of the leading companies in sustainability.

    Epson recognises that this CDP assessment is an important evaluation not only for institutional investors engaged in ESG investing, but also for all stakeholders-including customers and business partners-who seek environmentally conscious products and services, as it helps to enhance trust in the company.

    Epson views nature as a vital foundation of its business operations and has long conducted its activities with environmental stewardship as a core principle. 

    The company has worked to reduce water usage and strengthen wastewater management by taking into account the regional characteristics of the areas in which its group sites are located, while steadily advancing climate change initiatives over many years through technological innovation and continuous improvements at operating sites.

    Going forward, Epson will continue to pursue sustainable growth while fulfilling our responsibility to the environment through our business activities.
     

    For more information on Epson’s environmental initiatives go to: https://corporate.epson/en/sustainability/environment/

     

  • SK Telecom’s AI Data Center Interconnection Architecture Approved as ITU-T International Standard

    SEOUL, Korea, Mar 18 – SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, hereinafter referred to as “SKT”) announced that its Recommendation, “Signalling Requirements and Architecture for Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC),” was officially approved as an international standard at the ITU-T Study Group 11 (SG11) meeting held in Geneva earlier this month.

    ITU-T, the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union, is a leading global body responsible for developing international standards for information and communication technologies, with participation from 190+ member states and 900+ organizations.

    With the approval of this standard, a global benchmark for AIDC system interconnection has been established, further strengthening the foundation for the development and operation of AI infrastructure worldwide.

    SKT proposed a standardization work item titled “Interconnection Structure and Methods for AI Data Centers” to ITU-T in May 2024, which was approved as a new standardization project. Following related discussions, the final standard was officially approved at the ITU-T SG11 meeting in March 2026.

    ■ Increasing Complexity of Data Centers with AI Expansion Calls for Interconnection Standards

    With the increasing complexity of data center system interconnection architectures driven by the proliferation of AI services, there is a growing need for global standards to define interconnection and signalling requirements for data center operations.

    In particular, AIDCs are complex infrastructures that not only handle large-scale computational processing, but also integrate various systems such as power, cooling, storage, security, and resource management. This results in a higher structural complexity compared to conventional data centers.

    Amid these changes, the industry has consistently called for global standards that define signalling and interconnection methods among internal AIDC systems.

    This newly approved standard organizes the interconnection structure and signalling requirements among internal AIDC systems, providing a global technical benchmark for data center operation and service delivery.

    ■ Defining AI Data Center Architecture Based on Three Layers: Service, Management, and Infrastructure

    The new standard classifies the main functions of AIDCs into a three-layer architecture—Service, Management, and Infrastructure—and systematically defines the roles and functions of each layer, as well as the signalling requirements for interconnection between them.

    The Service Layer is responsible for functions such as service-level authentication and authorization, service status monitoring, and overall service management. The Management Layer handles data center-level authentication and authorization, operational management, resource allocation, and cybersecurity. The Infrastructure Layer encompasses the core AI infrastructure, energy systems, and cooling systems that support operations of the data center.

    Together, these layers serve as higher-level concepts that organize various components and function blocks, ensuring that the AIDC operates efficiently and securely through clearly defined roles and systematic interconnection.

    This can be likened to an airport, where airlines, air traffic control, and runway infrastructure coordinate operations by exchanging signals—similarly, the standard defines how internal systems within an AIDC interoperate organically through signalling.

    SKT expects that the approval of this standard will serve as a catalyst for the global adoption of AIDCs by enterprises and organizations.

    The company also explained that this achievement was made possible through collaboration with various SK Group affiliates and years of accumulated expertise and technology development in the AI and ICT fields.

    “The approval of this standard is significant as it recognizes SKT’s accumulated expertise and operational know-how in AI Data Centers,” said Choi Dong-hee, Head of AI Strategy Planning Office at SK Telecom. “Moving forward, SKT will continue to strengthen its technological competitiveness across AI infrastructure, operations, and services through SK Group’s capabilities and global collaboration, contributing to international standardization and the expansion of the global AI ecosystem.”

     

     

  • Wordly Named Bronze Sponsor of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to Power AI Translation for All 2026 Events

    Los Altos, California – March 17 – The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has announced a sponsorship agreement with Wordly, naming the AI translation platform a Bronze Sponsor for 2026 and provider of real-time AI translation for ANOC events worldwide. 

    As part of the agreement, Wordly’s technology will support ANOC meetings, assemblies, and activities throughout 2026, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong. The partnership will enhance accessibility and engagement for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and stakeholders worldwide and align with ANOC’s broader digital transformation strategy. 

    “Following the success of our previous partnership during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais in 2024, we are pleased to renew our collaboration with Wordly as a Bronze Level Sponsor for 2026,” said ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg. “This renewed partnership means that all ANOC in-person and online events throughout 2026, including the ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong, will be supported by Wordly’s AI interpretation solutions. This is an important step in making ANOC, and the Olympic Movement as a whole, more inclusive, ensuring that language is never a barrier to participation, dialogue, and representation.”

    “We are honored and excited to continue our relationship with ANOC to enhance inclusivity and engagement at their events in 2026,” said Wordly CMO Dave Deasy. “The Olympic Movement is a very important global program and Wordly will help ensure everyone involved will be able to consistently and accurately communicate their message and understand the presentations and discussions.” 

    Wordly provides real-time, AI-driven translation that lets participants access live spoken content in their preferred language on their personal devices, without traditional interpretation equipment, enabling more accessible, efficient, and sustainable multilingual communication.

  • NIPER Raebareli Partners with Roche Pharma India to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Education and Research

    New Delhi: The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Pharma India to promote academic collaboration and advance pharmaceutical education and research in India.

    The MoU was signed at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

    The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices by providing students and faculty with practical exposure to the evolving pharmaceutical and regulatory landscape.

    NIPER Raebareli Partners with Roche Pharma India to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Education and Research

    Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly undertake several initiatives, including a certificate programme in regulatory affairs for students and industry professionals. The collaboration will also feature guest lecture series by industry experts, focusing on emerging areas such as AI-driven pharmaceutical research, drug development and healthcare innovation, aimed at enhancing industry-oriented knowledge and skills among students.

    Speaking on the occasion, Joshi stressed the importance of strengthening India’s capabilities in regulatory sciences, biologics and artificial intelligence in pharmaceuticals to sustain global competitiveness. He noted that stronger partnerships between academia and industry would play a crucial role in achieving these goals and positioning India as a leader in advanced pharmaceutical innovation.

    The collaboration aligns with the government’s broader development vision and initiatives such as #ViksitBharat and the BiopharmaShakti mission, which aim to transform India’s pharmaceutical sector from a volume-driven model to a value-driven innovation ecosystem.

    The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a future-ready workforce, while also supporting sustainable growth in India’s rapidly evolving life sciences and biopharmaceutical sector.

  • Government Pushes Crop Diversification, MSP Procurement and Faster Insurance to Strengthen Farmers’ Incomes

    New Delhi, March 17: India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has outlined a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes and risk protection, including crop diversification, record procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), reforms in crop insurance, and stricter monitoring of agricultural schemes.

    Responding to questions from Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging farmers to move away from tobacco cultivation and adopt alternative crops that offer sustainable and profitable returns.

    According to the minister, the government has identified a range of crops suited to regions traditionally dependent on tobacco cultivation. These include hybrid maize, chilli, sweet potato, cotton, potato, chia, feed beans, cowpea, ragi, red gram, sugarcane, soybean, sorghum and groundnut. The objective is to ensure farmers maintain stable cash incomes while shifting to more sustainable cropping patterns.

    Government Pushes Crop Diversification, MSP Procurement and Faster Insurance to Strengthen Farmers’ Incomes

     

    Focus on Integrated Farming

    Chouhan noted that the majority of Indian farmers operate on small landholdings, making reliance on a single crop particularly risky. To address this challenge, the government has been promoting integrated farming models that combine multiple agricultural and allied activities.

    Under these models, farmers can diversify into cereals such as wheat and paddy alongside vegetables, fruits, livestock, fisheries, beekeeping, goat rearing and agroforestry. Such diversification, he said, helps generate more stable and year-round income streams for farm households.

    Strengthening MSP Procurement

    The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure remunerative prices for farmers through enhanced MSP procurement. MSP levels for major crops, including wheat, paddy, pulses and oilseeds, have been increased, while procurement operations during the current season have reached record levels.

    Special arrangements have been introduced for pulses such as tur, masoor and urad, enabling registered farmers to sell any quantity of produce to the government at MSP. The measure is intended to provide stronger income security for pulse growers and encourage higher domestic production.

    Faster Compensation Under Crop Insurance

    Chouhan also detailed reforms introduced in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the government’s flagship crop insurance scheme.

    Previously, farmers often experienced long delays in receiving compensation for crop losses. Under the revised provisions, insurance companies are required to compensate farmers even if crop damage affects a single individual farmer. Furthermore, once yield data is available, if the claim amount is not credited to the farmer’s account within 21 days, insurance companies and state governments must pay the amount along with 12 per cent interest.

    Stronger Monitoring and Transparency

    The minister said the government has also established stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency in scheme implementation. Complaints received through digital platforms, including the Krishi Rakshak Portal, are being reviewed carefully and action is taken wherever irregularities are detected.

    He added that in several states, particularly Rajasthan, large sums under crop insurance schemes have been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in recent years.

    Chouhan emphasised that these policy initiatives collectively aim to build a more resilient agricultural ecosystem in which farmers benefit from improved incomes, better risk protection and greater transparency in government support mechanisms.

  • Cabinet Approves Rs.11,440 Crore ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ to Boost Domestic Production

    New Delhi, March 17: The Union Cabinet has approved a centrally sponsored scheme titled Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aimed at increasing domestic production of pulses and achieving self-sufficiency in the sector. The mission will be implemented over a six-year period from 2025–26 to 2030–31 with a total financial outlay of ₹11,440 crore.

    The mission focuses on strengthening the pulses value chain by expanding cultivation, promoting improved seed distribution, and developing post-harvest infrastructure across the country.

    Processing Units to Strengthen Post-Harvest Infrastructure

    Under the post-harvest infrastructure component of the mission, the government has approved the establishment of 1,000 processing units (dal mills) during the mission period. In the first phase, a target of 528 processing units has been allocated to various states and Union Territories.

    Among the states, Uttar Pradesh has received the highest allocation with 56 units, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 55, Bihar with 37, Maharashtra with 34, and Karnataka and Rajasthan with 30 units each. Other states such as Gujarat, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh have also been allotted processing units to strengthen local processing capacity.

    Free Seed Kits to Expand Pulses Cultivation

    To expand pulses cultivation, particularly in rice fallow areas and other diversifiable agricultural regions, the mission provides support through the distribution of free seed kits to farmers.

    Under the programme, a total of 87.5 lakh seed kits are targeted for distribution over the six-year period based on the Annual Action Plans submitted by states and Union Territories. For the Rabi season of 2025–26, around 10.36 lakh seed kits have been allocated to states.

    The tentative targets for seed kit distribution in the coming years include:

    • 2026–27: 15 lakh kits

    • 2027–28: 16.25 lakh kits

    • 2028–29: 17.50 lakh kits

    • 2029–30: 13.75 lakh kits

    • 2030–31: 12.5 lakh kits

    Focus Districts Identified for Pulses Clusters

    To accelerate the mission’s implementation, 489 districts across the country have been identified as focused districts for developing pulses clusters. The list of districts may be modified in the future based on local requirements and evolving agricultural conditions.

    Area Under Pulses to Expand by 35 Lakh Hectares

    As part of the mission’s long-term strategy, the area under pulses cultivation is projected to increase by 35 lakh hectares by 2030–31. This includes 24.5 lakh hectares in traditional pulses-growing regions and 10.5 lakh hectares in non-traditional areas where pulses cultivation will be promoted.

    The mission is expected to significantly enhance domestic pulses production, reduce dependence on imports, and improve farmers’ incomes through improved productivity and better post-harvest infrastructure.

  • Over 2.12 Lakh Startups Recognised Under Startup India; Over 1 Lakh Have Women Directors

    New Delhi, March 17: A total of 2,12,283 entities have been recognised as startups under the Government of India’s flagship Startup India initiative as of January 31, 2026, reflecting the rapid expansion of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade.

    Launched on January 16, 2016, the initiative aims to build a strong ecosystem that nurtures innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and encourages investment across sectors in the country.

    According to data shared in Parliament, 1,02,054 recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner, indicating the growing participation of women in India’s startup ecosystem.

    Over 2.12 Lakh Startups Recognised Under Startup India; Over 1 Lakh Have Women Directors

     

    However, the government also noted that some startups have ceased operations. Data maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) shows that 6,789 recognised startups have been categorised as closed (dissolved or struck-off). Among these, 2,950 startups had at least one woman director or partner.

    The recognised startups are registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which oversees the Startup India initiative and maintains the recognition database.

    Key Government Support Schemes

    To support startups at different stages of their growth cycle, the government is implementing several flagship schemes under Startup India.

    One of the major initiatives is the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), which aims to catalyse venture capital investment in Indian startups. The scheme is operationalised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that subsequently invest in startups.

    As of January 31, 2026, AIFs supported under the scheme have invested around ₹25,859 crore in startups, including ₹2,995 crore in women-led startups since 2020.

    Another major initiative is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which provides financial assistance to early-stage startups through incubators. Implemented from April 1, 2021, the scheme has approved around ₹592 crore in funding to selected startups, of which ₹294 crore has been allocated to women-led startups.

    The government has also introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to facilitate debt financing for startups through eligible financial institutions. Operational since April 1, 2023, the scheme has guaranteed loans worth around ₹925 crore to startup borrowers, including ₹39 crore to women-led startups.

    Startups Supported and Closure Data

    Under the Fund of Funds for Startups, 1,382 startups have been selected for support, of which 17 are currently categorised as closed. Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, 3,311 startups have been supported, with 26 reported as closed. Meanwhile, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups has supported 281 startups, with one startup recorded as closed.

    State-wise data also shows significant participation of women entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem across major states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

    The information was shared by Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

  • India Leads Global Coconut Production; Centre Announces Coconut Promotion Scheme in Budget 2026–27

    New Delhi, March 17: India continues to hold the top position in global coconut production, contributing 30.37% of the world’s total output, according to information shared in Parliament. The Government of India has also announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in coconut cultivation.

    Globally, coconut cultivation spans approximately 12,390 thousand hectares, of which India accounts for about 2,165.20 thousand hectares. The country produces nearly 21,373.62 million coconuts annually, with an average productivity of around 9,871 nuts per hectare, highlighting the crop’s significant contribution to the agricultural economy.

    Coconut farming also plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods. Nearly 30 million people, including around 10 million farmers, depend on coconut cultivation and related activities for their income and employment.

    To further strengthen the sector, the government has proposed the Coconut Promotion Scheme as part of its efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and promote high-value crops. The scheme focuses on rejuvenation of coconut plantations, including the replacement of old and non-productive trees with improved saplings and high-yielding varieties. The initiative aims to increase both production and productivity in major coconut-growing states across the country.

    The scheme forms part of a ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture, which also includes crops such as cashew and cocoa. Through targeted interventions, the government intends to improve crop quality, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen India’s position in global agricultural markets.

    However, officials clarified that the state- and Union Territory-wise fund allocation and utilization details are yet to be finalized, as the scheme is currently under formulation.

    The details were provided by Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.