The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, under the Startup India program,
is a platform designed to centralize, streamline, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies.
This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform India into a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship,
reinforcing the country’s commitment to the startup movement.
India, home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, has rapidly become one of the world’s most dynamic startup hubs. BHASKAR seeks to leverage this potential by providing an all-encompassing, one-stop digital platform that addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors alike.
The primary goal of BHASKAR is to build the world’s largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem. To achieve this, the platform will offer several key features:
Networking and Collaboration
Providing Centralized Access to Resources
Creating Personalized Identification
Enhancing Discoverability
Supporting India’s Global Brand.
The Government of India invites all stakeholders to become part of this transformative initiative. BHASKAR is poised to redefine India’s startup landscape and create a more connected, efficient, and collaborative environment for entrepreneurship. BHASKAR will play a critical role in enhancing the country’s global standing in entrepreneurship.
India’s forex reserves jumped USD 5.248 billion to a new all-time high of USD 689.235 billion for the week ended September 6, According to the Reserve Bank of India.
The overall kitty had jumped by USD 2.299 billion to a record USD 683.987 billion for the previous reporting week.
For the week ended September 6, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by USD 5.107 billion to USD 604.144 billion, the data showed.
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
Gold reserves increased by USD 129 million to USD 61.988 billion during the week, the RBI said.
The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) were up by USD 4 million to USD 18.472 billion, the apex bank said.
India’s reserve position with the IMF was up by USD 9 million to USD 4.631 billion in the reporting week.
India has ranked among Tier 1 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). It is issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ‘GCI 2024’ has used a five-tier analysis this time. In this, the progress made in cyber security by various countries is tracked.
This report places 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest category. These countries have been named “Role Modeling”, which have shown a strong commitment to all important aspects of cyber security.
The Global Cyber Security Index 2024 reported that India has performed well in measures such as legal, technical, capacity expansion, and corporations.
The institutional measure has the potential for further development. Cosmas Lakison Jawazawa, Director of ITU’s Telecom Development Bureau, said that the countries included in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 have done a very good job in the essential areas of cyber security such as legal, technical, capacity expansion, and corporation framework.
The report further said that legal remedies are the most important pillar in cyber security. In 177 countries of the world, some rules or other have been made regarding the protection of personal data, data theft, etc., or the process of making it has started.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has increased transaction limits for tax payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), allowing people to transfer Rs 5 lakh in a single transaction.
While announcing its monetary policy statement on August 2024, RBI announced the enhancement of the limit for tax payments through UPI from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh,
per transaction.
Consumers can now make UPI payments of up to Rs 5 lakh per transaction for the following categories: a) tax payments, b) hospital and educational services, and c) IPOs and government securities.
Two additional enhancements were previously introduced through circulars issued in December 2021 and December 2023.
NPCI has also introduced a new feature called ‘UPI Circle’ on its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This feature allows primary UPI account holders to securely delegate payment responsibilities to trusted secondary users.
“Acquiring entities must ensure that the classification of their merchants within MCC-9311 strictly adheres to the tax payments only....Merchants shall ensure UPI as a payment mode is enabled for the increased limit for the tax payments category,” said NPCI in a circular.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a transformative scheme for the fisheries sector and the welfare of fishermen under the aegis of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
It aims to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and management, and strengthen the value chain. It endeavours to establish a robust fisheries management framework and improve fishers’ welfare.
Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management Fisheries Scheme or Blue Revolution Scheme was launched in FY2015-16 with a central outlay of Rs. 3000 crores for 5 years. The scheme primarily focused on increasing fish production and productivity. However, the sector needs to address some critical gaps across the value chains to help the Fisheries sector.
Thus, PMMSY was launched in 2020. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is being implemented for a period of five years (2020-21 to 2024-25) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore. The initiative delves into the domain of inland fisheries and aquaculture, recognizing their pivotal role in bolstering production and ensuring robust food security.
Also, a Central Sector Sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), was launched under PMMSY. This scheme aims to formalize the fisheries sector and support fisheries micro and small enterprises with an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crores for four (4) years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.
To mark the 4th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh unveiled several key initiatives aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector:
NFDP Portal and PM-MKSSY Guidelines:
Launched the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) Portal and operational guidelines for PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY). Benefits such as institutional credit and aquaculture insurance are accessible through NFDP. Registration certificates were also distributed.
Fisheries Cluster Development: Announced SOPs for Production and Processing Clusters under the Fisheries Cluster Development Program, focusing on Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries, and Seaweed cultivation. Three specialized clusters were established.
Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages: Unveiled guidelines to develop 100 coastal villages into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages with an allocation of Rs. 200 crores.
Drone Technology Pilot: Launched a pilot project on using drone technology for fish transportation, to be conducted by the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI).
Research & Breeding Centers: Notifications for establishing the Mandapam Regional Centre as a Centre of Excellence for seaweed farming were unveiled. Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs) for marine and inland species will be set up, with ICAR-CIFA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture) Bhubaneswar, and
ICAR-CMFRI ((Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) Mandapam is designated as a nodal institutes for freshwater and marine species respectively.
Fisheries Start-Ups: Announced the establishment of 3 incubation centres to promote 100 fisheries start-ups, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs.
Promotion of Indigenous Species: Released booklets on the promotion of indigenous fish species and conservation of state fish. Out of 36 states/UTs, 22 have adopted or declared their state fish.
8. Priority Projects: Rs. 721.63 crore was allocated for projects including:
Development of five integrated Aqua parks in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland.
World-Class Fish Markets in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbors in Gujarat, Puducherry, and Daman & Diu.
800 hectares for saline area aquaculture and integrated fish farming in several states.
Vessel Communication System: Highlighted the Vessel Communication & Support System launched by PM Modi, with 1 lakh transponders to ensure the safety.
These initiatives focus on improving livelihood opportunities, sustainability, and India’s blue economy, in line with the vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047."
The PMMSY is an umbrella scheme with two separate components as below:
(a) Central Sector Scheme (CS): Fully funded and implemented by the Central Government.
(b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): Partially supported by the federal government and implemented by the states.
Fish production of 175.45 lakh tons in FY 2022-23, India is the third largest fish producing country in the world. Which contributes about 1.09% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 6.724% to the agricultural GVA.
The 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 began with remarkable grandeur in the picturesque village of Sani, signifying a landmark event for the region. The festival was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra. This year’s Zanskar Festival is especially significant as it marks the first celebration since Zanskar was officially declared a district.
The two-day festival showcases a wide array of cultural performances, reflecting the diverse traditions of the region. Highlights include performances by the Purgi tribes from Kargil, the Shina community of Drass, the Dard-Aryans from Aryan Valley, and the Changpa nomads from Changthang.
Cultural teams from Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, and Uttarakhand are participating, enriching the festival with their unique traditions. Stalls from various government departments, NGOs, and local women’s groups (Ama Skospas) added a vibrant touch to the event. These stalls showcased an array of handicrafts, local products, cuisines, and services.
Iran launched its Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, its second successful satellite launch this year, state media reported.
The satellite, designed and built by Iranian Electronics Industries (SAIran), was put into a 550-kilometer (340-mile) orbit, the media said.
In January, Iranian media reported that the Sorayya satellite was launched into a 750 km orbit, the highest by the country so far.
Iran, which has one of the biggest missile programmes in the Middle East, has suffered several failed satellite launches in recent years due to technical issues.
Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd. (Piramal Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Ltd., has collaborated with Digital India’s Common Service Centres (CSCs) to satisfy Bharat’s lending needs by expanding access to formal credit for underserved persons and MSMEs.
This agreement successfully disbursed approximately Rs. 100 crore in August 2024 to increase credit availability in semi-urban areas, offering vital financial products such as house and business loans. Using CSC’s wide network of over 6 lakh centres,
this project intends to assist budget clients in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, successfully addressing the financial requirements of underserved regions and expanding financial inclusion.
Piramal Finance will increase its loan offers via CSCs, focussing on underserved areas to better serve individuals and MSMEs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
This relationship promotes first-time borrowers and underprivileged communities by integrating technology and local engagement, helping to achieve financial inclusion goals and supporting long-term loan growth. Customers can quickly apply for loans at their local CSC using minimum documentation, increasing access to financial services.
Oscar Piastri of McLaren fended off attacks by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to claim the second Formula One victory of his career at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Leclerc started from pole position and retained his first place in a clean start. But after the first round of pitstops, Piastri overtook the Ferrari driver on lap 20.
Leclerc stayed close to the McLaren, and got close to overtaking Piastri several times throughout the race, but the Australian defended well and held on to the lead.
Piastri had earlier this season claimed his maiden F1 win at the Hungarian GP in July.
India celebrates National Engineer's Day on September 15, commemorating the birth anniversary of engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a pioneer in the field of engineering. The day is observed to honour his contributions to the development of India in the fields of engineering, education, and economy.
National Engineers Day 2024, celebrated on September 15th, will focus on the theme "Innovating for a Sustainable Future". This theme highlights the crucial role engineers play in developing solutions that address current challenges while paving the way for a sustainable future.
Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was awarded Bharata Ratna by the Government of India in 1955.
The HDFC Bank is set to increase the income of 5 lakh marginal farmers earning less than ₹60,000 annually by 2025, scaling up further its over ₹5,000 crore investments in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the last decade. By way of Parivartan, one of the largest CSR initiatives by a corporate entity in the country,
HDFC Bank Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Kaizad M Bharucha said, they have been able to touch over 10 crore lives directly and indirectly in ten years and fostered self-reliance and empowerment in the communities they work with.
The bank’s focus on rural development reflects our continued commitment to fostering sustainable growth and uplifting vulnerable communities.
Since its inception in 2014, Parivartan has grown into one of India’s largest CSR programmes, active in 28 States and 8 Union Territories. In the CSR activities, which first began in Varanasi, the Bank said it spent ₹945.31 crore in FY24, which was up from ₹820.89 crore in FY23 and ₹736.01 crore in FY22.
The Bank’s CSR initiatives rest on five pillars – Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement, Financial Literacy and Inclusion, Healthcare and Hygiene, Promotion of Education, and Rural Development – for delivering sustainable impact across targeted communities, said the Bank. And they are aligned with the 9 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Varanasi alone, HDFC rolled out Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) in 50 villages and 4 projects in FDP.
Giving an insight into the CSR reach out, the HDFC DMD stated that they have brought 2 lakh acres of unirrigated land under irrigation, supported organic farming, gave scholarships for 25,000 meritorious underprivileged students,
and are aiding government schools through interventions like smart classes, furniture, toilets, potable drinking water, and recreation facilities to improve access to education.
Among others are; sanitation drives in which the Bank has constructed 25000 individual household toilets to prevent open defecation in villages and align with the government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Neeraj Chopra missed out on the Diamond League title by just 0.01m as he finished second for the second consecutive year with a best throw of 87.86m. Neeraj achieved his best throw of the day in his third attempt. Granada's Anderson Peters claimed the crown with an 87.87m effort. Julian Weber of Germany was third with 85.97m.
Earlier, Neeraj Chopra missed out on the gold medal as he had to settle for sliver at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, named ‘Vinetra’, was officially commissioned on September 13, 2024, by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam.
This advanced facility has been indigenously designed and developed, underscoring India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense
Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Built by L&T Defence as a turnkey project, the facility features a five-meter escape tower integrated with a diving basin. It will provide essential basic and refresher training for the crew of Kalvari-class submarines, enhancing their preparedness in case of a submarine distress situation.
‘Vinetra’, meaning “Trainer” in Sanskrit, represents a crucial step in ensuring the safety and operational readiness of Indian Navy submariners, equipping them with critical escape procedures for underwater emergencies.
This facility further strengthens the Navy’s safety protocols and overall training infrastructure.
Doordarshan, India’s public service broadcaster, proudly celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. Since its inception on 15th September 1959, Doordarshan has been a cornerstone of Indian media fostering unity, culture, and education while serving as the voice of the nation.
From its humble beginnings with an experimental broadcast in Delhi,
Doordarshan has grown to become one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world. Over the decades, it has witnessed monumental transformations in technology and audience engagement while steadfastly maintaining its commitment to public service broadcasting.
To commemorate this milestone, DD National is all set to telecast a special programme “Dil Se Doordarshan, DD@65”, a grand gala event hosted by renowned Master Jaiveer Bansal & Anil Singh, Ventriloquist featuring performances by eminent artists like Shri Pramod Kumar, International Magician & Mentalist and also a Guinness Book of Records holder.
He has received many state and national awards and Ms Manisha Swarnkar (Sand Artist) is one of the most accomplished sand artists in the country and an Alumna of IDC, IIT Bombay. She has been performing sand art for 13 years and is the first women Sand artist from India.
The star performer for the “Dil Se Doordarshan, DD@65” show will be Padma Shri awardee Sh. Kailash Kher.
In a significant step towards celebrating the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon'ble Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), launched the official website for the much-anticipated Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav.
The launch event took place at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting the Northeast's vast potential on a national and global stage.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, to be held from December 6th to 8th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is set to be a landmark celebration.
The festival draws inspiration from the eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—collectively known as the "Ashtalakshmi," representing eight forms of prosperity.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav promises to be a vibrant blend of fashion, culture, and business.
The event will feature pavilions dedicated to Northeast India's celebrated Muga and Eri Silk, live demonstrations of artisanal crafts, and a special focus on the region's Geographical Indication (GI) products. The event will also host a Fashion Show, Design Conclave, Buyer-Seller Meet, and an Investment Round Table, offering a platform for meaningful collaborations.
