Since its launch on 5th April 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme has been on a mission to empower SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs. It aimed to break barriers by providing bank loans to help them start new businesses. Over the past 9 years, the scheme has not just funded businesses—it has nurtured dreams, created livelihoods, and driven inclusive growth across India.
The Stand-Up India Scheme has shown remarkable growth over the years, with the total amount sanctioned increasing from Rs. 14,431.14 crore as of 31st October 2018 to an impressive Rs. 61,020.41 crore by 17th March 2025, since its launch. This reflects a substantial increase, highlighting the scheme’s expanding impact in empowering entrepreneurs across the country.
The scheme reflected significant financial empowerment for the SC, ST communities and women entrepreneurs (from November 2018 to November 2024):
SC accounts grew from 9,399 to 46,248 with loan amounts rising from Rs. 1,826.21 crore to Rs. 9,747.11 crore.
ST accounts increased from 2,841 to 15,228 with sanctioned loans jumping from Rs. 574.65 crore to Rs. 3,244.07 crore.
The Stand-Up India Scheme has been a transformative initiative, empowering SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into reality. With significant achievements in loan sanctions and disbursements, it continues to foster inclusive growth. This scheme is not just about loans; it’s about creating opportunities and turning aspirations into achievements.
India's central bank kept the investment limits unchanged for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in government and corporate bonds for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the existing caps of 6 percent for government securities, 2 percent for state government securities and 15 percent for corporate bonds for the current year starting April 1.
The general limit for foreign investment in government bonds would continue to be Rs 2.79 trillion ($32.71 billion) for April-September and Rs 2.89 trillion for October-March, the central bank said.
Foreign investments in corporate bonds would be permitted up to Rs 8.22 trillion for April-September and Rs 8.80 trillion for October-March, RBI added.
Currently, foreign investors have utilised 22.3 per cent of their investment limit in government bonds and 15.7 per cent limit in corporate bonds.
President Vladimir Putin launched a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles capable of travelling at several times the speed of sound.
The Russian agencies, quoting documents associated with the launch, said the Perm is the first nuclear-powered submarine to be equipped with Zircon missiles as a standard feature.
Zircon missiles have a range of 900 km (560 miles) and their speed renders them very difficult to defend against.
The Perm is the sixth submarine in Russia's Yasen and Yasen-M classes built by the Sevmash shipyard near Murmansk.
The Russian agency reports said the vessel's construction specifications differed slightly from earlier models in the same class.
In a significant move to strengthen rural connectivity and accelerate economic growth, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned projects to Tripura and Odisha States under Connectivity component of Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), as details below:-
Tripura: 25 roads measuring 84.352 km under, with an estimated investment of Rs. 76.47 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 42 roads of 118.756 km length with an estimated investment of Rs. 114.32 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PM-JANMAN.
Odisha: 26 roads measuring 63.271 km and 02 Long Span Bridges (LSBs), with an estimated investment of Rs. 69.65 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 66 roads of 211.14 km and 04 LSBs with an estimated investment of Rs. 219.40 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PM-JANMAN.
In a significant move to strengthen rural connectivity and accelerate economic growth, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned projects to Manipur, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand States under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-III, as details below:-
Manipur: 41 roads measuring 280.97 km, with an estimated investment of Rs. 225.15 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 56 roads of 502.24 km length with an estimated investment of Rs. 404.72 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PMGSY-III.
Mizoram: 07 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) measuring 373.46 meter, with an estimated investment of Rs. 67.69 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 17 roads of 487.50 km length with an estimated investment of Rs. 562.70 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PMGSY-III.
Himachal Pradesh: 21 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) measuring 970.772 meter length, with an estimated investment of Rs. 140.90 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 299 roads of 3,123.117 km and 43 LSBs with an estimated investment of Rs. 3,345.82 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PMGSY-III.
Uttarakhand: 09 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) measuring 246 meter length, with an estimated investment of Rs. 40.77 crore, have been sanctioned to the State. Continuing this initiative, 212 roads of 2,287.95 km and 09 LSBs with an estimated investment of Rs. 1,865.34 crore had already been sanctioned in the State under PMGSY-III.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) organized an engaging webinar, bringing together inspiring Lakhpati Didis and representatives from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs). This session was part of the post-budget consultation series aimed at implementing the Budget 2025-26 announcements with a focus on collaboration and strategic action.
As part of commitment to empowering rural women, MoRD launched the Entrepreneurship Planning Digital Tool (EPDT), designed to support aspiring Lakhpati Didis in crafting effective business plans. Developed by LoKOS, the tool simplifies data entry for SHG members, tracks entrepreneurial progress, and offers necessary guidance, making it a key resource for entrepreneurship.
Additionally, a toll-free number was introduced to assist women with queries related to becoming Lakhpati Didis. Available Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm (excluding National Holidays), the helpline aims to provide timely and effective support.
New Development Bank (NDB) President Dilma Vana Rousseff met with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, March 25, 2025, discussing Indonesia’s membership in the multilateral development bank.
In the meeting Roussef expressed her appreciation on Indonesia’s decision to join NDB and considered Indonesia as a strategic country which has a significant role in BRICS.
NDB is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries. Meanwhile, Indonesia itself has become the 10th member of BRICS since January 6, 2025.
Rousseff, who was also the 36th president of Brazil, said the NDB is targeting funding for a number of projects in Indonesia, ranging from infrastructure to new and renewable energy.
Hitesh has become the first Indian boxer to reach the Boxing World Cup 2025 Finals in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. He defeated Makan Traore of France 5-0 in the men’s 70kg category in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, other Indian boxers, including Jadumani Singh in the 50kg category, Sachin Siwach in 60kg, and Vishal in the 90kg category, won a bronze medal each.
He will now face Odel Kamara of England in the summit clash.
Among the other Indians in fray, Jadumani Singh Mandengbam took the fight to former Asian Under-22 champion Asilbek Jalilov of Uzbekistan but ended on the wrong side of a 2:3 split verdict in the 50kg semifinals.
Indian women’s hockey stalwart, Vandana Katariya, has officially announced her retirement from international hockey, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning over 15 years.
With 320 international appearances and 158 goals to her name, Vandana departs as the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey.
The 32-year-old, who made her senior team debut in 2009, was an integral part of several defining moments in the sport, including India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games.
Vandana honoured with some of India’s most prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award (2021) and the Padma Shri (2022). She also received the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) in 2014, the Hockey India President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2021, and the Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year in 2021 and 2022
The Indian fintech landscape has received a significant governance boost with the launch of the India Fintech Foundation (IFF), a self-regulatory body (SRO) to advance governance and support innovation in the fast-evolving industry.
The foundation was inaugurated at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025, reflecting the sector’s commitment to responsible expansion and regulatory convergence.
The India Fintech Foundation has been created as a nodal body to connect various players in the fintech space.
Its primary focus is to look into regulatory deficiencies, encourage best practices, and ensure effective interactions between industry players and policymakers. The foundation membership comprises 100 individuals, including fintech founders, industry professionals, and former institutional officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), SIDBI, and CERSAI.
The rollout of IFF coincides with the period of exponential growth for India’s fintech industry. With a projected market size of $550 billion in 2030, the industry is at the heart of India’s economic drive. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, underscored that SROs such as IFF play a pivotal role to enhance ethical standards and facilitate innovation.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Sivasubramanian Ramann as the new Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for a period of five years or until he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Ramann, who is now the Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General, and Chief Technology Officer in the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, will replace Deepak Mohanty, whose term expires in May 2025.
Ramann, a member of the 1991 batch of the Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS), has vast experience in financial regulation and governance.
His career includes notable roles such as Chairman & Managing Director of Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) from 2021 to 2024, MD & CEO of National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL), and Principal Accountant General (Audit) in Jharkhand.
He also worked with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as Chief General Manager and later as Executive Director between 2007 and 2013.
PFRDA, as mandated under the PFRDA Act, 2013, is tasked with the regulation and growth of India’s pension industry, mostly regulating the National Pension System (NPS) and encouraging retirement savings under plans.
National Maritime Day 2025 observed annually on April 5 to emphasise the crucial role of the maritime industry in global trade and the economy. Ships play an essential part in transporting goods both internationally and domestically. This day also honours the contributions of senior officers and industry leaders who have driven the sector’s growth.
National Maritime Day is marked annually on April 5 to commemorate the maiden voyage of SS Loyalty in 1919, a pivotal moment in India’s shipping history. At a time when British forces dominated sea routes, SS Loyalty became the first Indian-owned ship, operated by The Scindia Steam Navigation Company.
India solidified its global maritime presence by becoming a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1949, enhancing its role in international shipping.
The sea route remains one of the most cost-effective ways to transport goods, thanks to its ability to carry large quantities at lower costs compared to other transportation methods.
Observed on April 5, the International Day of Conscience highlights the significance of our inner moral compass, urging individuals to reflect on their values, actions and responsibilities. It serves as a reminder of how conscience influences personal conduct and plays a vital role in promoting social harmony.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the International Day of Conscience underscores the vital role of conscience in guiding ethical behaviour and promoting social responsibility. This year’s theme for the International Day of Conscience is Leave No One Behind.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army conducted four successful flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 03 & 04, 2025. The four operational flight-trials were carried out against high-speed aerial targets.
The trials were carried out by the Indian Army from Eastern and Southern Commands under DRDO guidance. These trials have proven the operational capability of both Army Commands and paved the way for operationalisation of weapon systems in two Regiments. The MRSAM is developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries for use by the Indian Army.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued the framework for registration as Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), a body that will verify claims on performance by investment advisors, research analysts, and algo providers.
The market regulator had approved the formation of such a validation agency in its December 2024 board meeting. Sebi has also issued the guidelines on functioning of the verification body. A credit rating agency (CRA) will be recognised as the PaRRVA, while a stock exchange will be assigned as the data centre.
To be eligible to act as PaRRVA, the rating agency must have been in existence for 15 years, have a net worth of Rs 100 crore, and at least 250 issuers should have obtained ratings for debt securities. CRAs would have to apply to Sebi for recognition and enter into an agreement with the stock exchange acting as the data centre.
Following in-principle approval, the CRA would have to develop the infrastructure within three months. The PaRRVA will be responsible for defining the methodology for computing risk–return metrics and formulating the verification process. The market regulator has prohibited selective display of verified returns of any specific product or service.
Sebi has developed an Investor Charter for know-your-customer (KYC) Registration Agencies (KRAs) to boost investor awareness and protection. This initiative is designed to provide investors with comprehensive information about the services offered by KRAs, their rights as investors, various activities of KRAs, essential dos and don’ts, and the grievance redressal mechanism
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die on Friday, marking the conclusion of the Budget session that commenced on January 31. The Lok Sabha Speaker informed the House that the Budget session comprised 26 sittings, during which 173 members participated in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address.
The Speaker further stated that 10 government bills were reintroduced during the session, and a total of 16 bills were successfully passed. He also pointed out that a record 202 members raised issues of public importance during Zero Hour till April 3.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday announced that digital payment systems have been introduced in government hospitals across the state to facilitate fee payments for various services. In the first phase, 313 hospitals are now equipped with the digital payment system.
This initiative has been carried out in collaboration with the Information Kerala Mission under the Department of Local Self-Government. The Point of Sale (POS) devices have been procured through the State Bank of India and Canara Bank, the minister added. The system enables payments for services at health centres statewide using credit cards, debit cards, and UPI.
