Laghu Udyog Bharati

Weekly Insights for Entrepreneurs

Semicon 2.0: Empowering MSME's in India's Chip Supply Chain

India's ISM 2.0 (India Semiconductor Mission 2.0) will transform how MSMEs participate in the chip supply chain by supporting their entry into every major link of the semiconductor value chain. The heart of this strategy is the coordinated Use of Production-Linked
Incentives (PLI), Design Linked Incentives (DLI), and advanced infrastructure schemes to accelerate the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs as reliable domestic suppliers of equipment, chemicals, materials, and R&D services.
The mission includes the approval and construction of ten major semiconductor projects with investments surpassing 1.60 trillion INR ($18.23 billion), including fabrication units, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, and Packaging) facilities, and Marking and Packaging), dedicated cluster parks in locations such as Gujarat, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh.
These facilities are backed by global industry leaders and are designed to interface directly with local MSME suppliers, providing them long-term procurement contracts and integration into segments like wafer processing, chemical delivery systems, high-purity gases, and chip packaging, as well as into technical support areas for testing, yield optimization, and failure analysis.

Centre considering direct-income support for MSME workers impacted by Trump\'s tariffs

The Centre is considering a \'direct-income support\' for the employees of micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by Trump\'s tariffs, a senior government official has told Moneycontrol.
"The idea is being considered right now, we have to do an assessment of the incentive how it roll-out..what amount would be provided, one government official told Moneycontrol, adding that the support may be implemented in the coming months.
"Indirect support through credit guarantees and raising collateral-free loan limit may be rolled out first" the official said.
The central government has lined up a Support package worth Rs 25,000 crore under the Export Promotion Mission, aimed at providing affordable credit, better market access for exports, and to cushion from the adverse impact of high tariffs.

PM SVANidhi Yojana: 1.15 Crore Street Vendors To Get Loans, Cashback & Support Till 2030

Its aim is to provide easy loans to small traders and street vendors so that they can continue their businesses and become self-reliant.
50 lakh more people will be added to the scheme. After this, the total number of beneficiaries will rise to 1.15 crore. The scheme will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
The loan amounts have also been revised. The first loan will be Rs 15,000, the second loan Rs 25,000, and the third loan Rs 50,000. Those who have taken the second loan will also get a UPI-linked RuPay credit card, which can be useful during emergencies.
The scheme will now also provide training to vendors. They will be taught entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills. In partnership with FSSAI, vendors will also receive training on hygiene and food safety standards.

Why startups at the intersection of AI, drones and sustainability are India’s hottest bets

The intersection of ClimateTech and agriculture in India represents one of the most promising growth markets globally. Even a modest adoption of technology-enabled solutions can translate into significant market potential.
In the coming years, the convergence of AI, drones and sustainability will reshape farming in India. Farmers will increasingly adopt integrated solutions that monitor, manage and optimise their crops from sowing to harvest.
ClimateTech startups at this intersection are not simply agri-tech companies. They are laying the foundation for a smarter, greener and more climate-resilient agricultural economy.
Government initiatives are accelerating this transition. Incentives for drone manufacturing, subsidies for precision agriculture equipment and schemes that promote water-efficient farming are lowering the entry barriers for farmers.

Startup India Revamp: What Founders Need From Policymakers

Over the last ten years, several measures have made starting up more accessible. Company registration has become faster. DPIIT recognition gives early stage ventures access to some tax benefits and investor confidence. Filing for patents has become more approachable with online systems.
Digital Public Infrastructure has also enabled new business models.
However, structural bottlenecks remain. Many founders outside the top three metros still struggle to access quality support, mentors, or investors. State-level startup policies often replicate central guidelines without tailoring them to local industries or needs.
Ongoing Challenges For Founders.....
What Founders Expect From Policymakers.......

PM Modi and Xi Jinping vow to stabilise world trade, boost investment ties

They underlined the need to approach bilateral trade and investment ties from a political and strategic perspective to reduce the trade deficit. The PM also said that the two countries will soon resume direct flights.
The Indian side also stressed the need for greater transparency and predictability in trade and related policies, saying that narrowing the trade deficit could change perceptions in the relationship.
In an evening briefing to the media, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri alluded to the tariff war unleashed by Washington, observing that the two leaders recognised the situation and saw potential to “leverage” it to build greater understanding between the countries, especially to advance commercial ties.

“Come Make In India, Make For The World”: PM Modi\'s Pitch In Japan

“Japan has been a key partner for India from semiconductors to start-ups. Japanese companies have invested over $40 billion in India,” PM Modi said.
“Together, we can make a significant contribution to the development of the Global South, especially Africa. I urge you - come, make in India, make for the world. The success stories of \'Suzuki\' and \'Daikin\' can become your success stories too,” he said.
Japan-based media platform Nikkei Asia has reported that Japan will invest 10 trillion Yen ($68 billion) to boost bilateral business with India over the next decade. The focus is on multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, environment and medicine.

India\'s Q1 GDP Growth At 7.8%, Highest In Five Quarters

The GDP was estimated to grow by 6.7% during the quarter under review. In the fourth quarter of the last financial year, the GDP had grown by 7.4%, whereas the same stood at 6.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
GVA, excluding indirect tax and subsidies, rose 7.6% during the April-June period, compared to the estimate of 6.8% in the preceding quarter and 6.5% in the year-ago period.
The outlook for private consumption is bolstered by developments like income tax relief, 100-bps rate cut, healthy progress of kharif sowing and upcoming rationalisation of GST slabs, even as discretionary purchases by households could be deferred in Q2, until tax cuts are implemented during the festive season.

India’s senior care sector Set To Touch $50 Bn By 2030, Says Industry

With more than 150 million Indians aged 60 and above, a number set to more than double to 347 million by 2050, demand for senior care is expected to grow at 20per cent annually. Rising retirement wealth, financial independence, and aspirations for wellness-driven lifestyle.
The industry is set to diversify into continuing care communities, geriatric centers, and specialized facilities, integrating best practices from real estate, healthcare, and BFSI.
Dr. Rana Mehta, Partner at PwC India, added, “We must reimagine aging not as decline but as possibility. By investing in preventive care and innovation, India can move from a silver economy to an evergreen economy.”

India-Africa trade crossed USD 100 billion in 2024-25: Kirti Vardhan Singh

“This year\'s theme is different as we have decided to move from project partnership and growth partnership to the spirit of \'Co-creating a Shared Future\', which signifies the sentiment attached to this remarkable journey,” the minister said. "India\'s bilateral trade with Africa has crossed the magical figure of USD 100 billion in 2024-25 compared to USD 56 billion in 2019-2020. With cumulative investments over USD 75 billion from 1996-2024, India is among the top five largest investors in Africa," he said. India has extended concessional loans worth over USD 12 billion and USD 700 million in grant assistance for projects across Africa, apart from offering 50,000 scholarships for African youth, of which more than 42,000 have already been utilised.

IIT Madras develops low-cost chip device to detect antibiotic resistance in just three hours

Designed for speed, sensitivity, and ease of use, it holds strong potential for early diagnosis and better treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced laboratory infrastructure. The low-cost device offers a faster, simpler and more accessible alternative to conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing, which usually takes 48–72 hours. Currently, the researchers are conducting clinical validation in collaboration with the IITM Institute hospital. After rigorous clinical validation, they are planning to commercialise this through a startup, Kaappon Analytics India Private Limited, the institute added.

DRDO Pune develops signal star naval flare for Kalvari-class submarines

The signal star naval flare is a specially designed underwater signalling device, tailored to the demanding operational needs of submarines. It is ejected from the submarine’s signal ejector, travels through the water column, and activates upon surfacing. The naval flare has multiple applications, including communication with and identification of friendly vessels, emergency location marking, fleet exercises and training, and tactical maneuvers during underwater warfare operations. The successful indigenisation of the signal star naval flare eliminates reliance on foreign suppliers for a critical submarine pyrotechnic. It also demonstrates India’s expertise in advanced pyrotechnic formulations, durable casing design, and long shelf-life reliability in marine conditions.

IIT Madras develops AI framework for real time gearbox fault detection

The framework detects faults in gearboxes used in cars and other vehicles, pumps, and heavy industrial machines. The IIT-M team created a method that uses reinforcement learning (RL), The system works in real time even with vibration sensors used to detect faults in a gearbox placed in non-ideal locations, avoiding the need for costly design changes. Data from several sensors, even when placed in non-ideal positions, is combined and filtered using an \‘adaptive filtering technique\'. This helps isolate fault signals from background noise. The RL agent then selects the best parameters for accurate analysis.

Five ISRO technologies transferred to private companies

The technologies are -- Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) Multi-Chip Module, developed by Space Application Centre (SAC); the RTV Silicone Single-Part Adhesive (SILCEM R9), developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is a room-temperature curable adhesive; Film Adhesives EFA 1753 and EFA 1752 developed by VSSC; 30W HMC DC-DC Converter developed by UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC); and Anodisation of 3D-printed Al-10Si-Mg alloy developed by URSC. The recent set of transfers, facilitated by IN-SPACe takes the total number of Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) executed with industries to 98. “These transfers highlight the growing capability and confidence of Indian industry. While some of these technologies will directly substitute imports, others will unlock applications well beyond the space sector. The true impact will be realised when industry scales them up for widespread use.’’ Dr. Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe, said.

IIT Madras develops ‘cost-effective’ seawater electrolysis system

IIT Madras claimed the system is cheaper to build and operate, which could improve the economics of green hydrogen production and speed up adoption. Using seawater for electrolysis offers location flexibility, paving the way for offshore or coastal hydrogen hubs that can be co-located with wind or solar power. IIT Madras also said the breakthrough supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish the country as a leading global producer and exporter. Seawater electrolysis is seen as a pathway for green hydrogen production, given the abundance of seawater compared to scarce freshwater resources. However, scaling the technology to industrial levels while keeping costs competitive is an ongoing challenge.

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