Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's criticism of India's startup ecosystem has faced resistance from industry leaders, who argue for the importance of government support in fostering local champions in the technology sector. Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha and former Infosys executive Mohandas Pai were among those who pushed back against Goyal's assertions at the Startup Maha Kumbh event, emphasizing the need for long-term growth and support for startups rather than just quick exits. Business leaders push back against Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's criticism of India's startup ecosystem at the Startup Maha Kumbh event. They argue for the importance of fostering local champions in the technology sector and urge for government support to help achieve this goal. Goyal had questioned whether the country's startups were truly driving progress, citing a heavy focus on food delivery and low-wage gig jobs.
In a pioneering move, the Trilokeswar Farmer Producer Company (FPC) and the Department of Horticulture have successfully exported 12 tons of G9 bananas from Kalampur, Kalahandi to Dubai, marking the district's first international banana shipment. Led by farmers Smruti Ranjan Mund, Nilamani Lahajal, and Narayan Sahu, the project aims to enhance the state's agricultural and economic growth. The G9 variety, known for its high yield, nutrition value, and resistance to diseases, is set to make waves in the international market, offering a sweet and healthy treat to consumers.
At the Startup Maha Kumbh, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed disappointment with India's startup ecosystem for prioritizing food delivery, betting, and fantasy sports apps. He urged Indian startups to follow the lead of Chinese startups, which are excelling in areas such as electric vehicles, battery technology, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. Goyal questioned whether India should settle for low-wage gig jobs or strive for technological progress. Despite having over 100 unicorns, India's third-largest startup hub, Goyal's remarks raise concerns about the country's focus on certain industries and its potential for innovation and development in other areas.
Jhankar Mahila Mandal and Gamini Driving School celebrated the successful completion of their E-Rickshaw training program, aiming to empower women from marginalized communities. The event, attended by esteemed guests and held under the guidance of Smt Abha Dwivedi, provided not just driving skills but also self-defense, financial planning, and computer and communication skills. This initiative not only bridges gender gaps but also opens up employment opportunities, reinforcing the commitment of the organizers to continue empowering women through driving education.
The US-India trade war has taken a toll on Indian stock markets as they continue to decline. President Trump's 27% tariff on Indian imports, although lower than tariffs on other Asian countries, has caused major dips in the BSE Sensex and Nifty. The impact of this trade war has also been felt in Asian markets, with Nikkei 225 and Kospi experiencing drops in the aftermath of Wall Street's shock. Stay updated on the latest developments in this trade dispute by following Screen Digital on YouTube.
The three-day Startup Mahakumbh, inaugurated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, is set to bring together 3,000 startups, over 1,000 investors, and 10,000 delegates from 50 countries. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, this event will lay the groundwork for the future success of entrepreneurs. The second edition, set to take place in 2025, will feature participation from tribal entrepreneurs and showcase the growth of the Indian startup ecosystem.
In a surprise move, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI has acquired the popular social media platform, X, in a multi-billion dollar deal. With X's massive reach and data spanning two decades, xAI's advanced AI capabilities are set to get a big boost. However, the acquisition raises concerns about potential layoffs and the company's lack of accountability as a private entity. Only time will tell how this strategic move will impact the future of both xAI and X.
President Trump announced new tariffs on major trading partners, including India and China, during a speech at the White House on April 2. These "reciprocal tariffs" match the duties these countries have imposed on US goods, with India set to face a 26% tariff and China set at 34%. The tariffs will go into effect on April 9 at 12:01 am local time, sparking concerns for industries such as automobiles, with companies like Volkswagen already taking action to mitigate the impact.
Enter this month's competition for a chance to win one of two fantastic Motorola Edge 50 Pro handsets worth £600 each. With its sleek design, impressive camera system and fast charging capabilities, this phone is not to be missed. Plus, each winner will receive a limited-edition F1 engraved case to complete the package. All you have to do is answer a simple question on motorola.co.uk.
According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's report, state-owned telecom company BSNL incurred a loss of Rs 1,757.76 crore due to financial lapses in its Master Service Agreement with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL). These lapses include BSNL's failure to enforce contractual terms, leading to revenue shortages and loss of potential interest. The report also highlights additional losses incurred by BSNL due to inefficient planning and procurement, resulting in unnecessary expenditure and non-realization of tax credits.