Author: Neel Achary

CFTI Forays into Women Empowerment & Livelihoods with the launch of Startup Sakhi

Apr 15: Marking a significant and strategic expansion into the livelihood and women empowerment space, the Centre for Transforming India (CFTI) has launched Startup Sakhi—a transformative initiative designed exclusively for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to build sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship. By unlocking access to financial support, structured training, and continuous mentorship, the program is aimed at breaking barriers that often limit women’s economic participation, empowering SHG members to step out, take charge, and collectively drive change within their communities. The initiative will be executed in Raigad district, Maharashtra, as its first implementation hub, where it is expected to receive 8,000–10,000 applications and directly support around 1,000 women, laying the foundation for a scalable, nationwide model of women-led economic empowerment.

Startup Sakhi follows a simple, step-by-step format designed to be accessible even for first-time entrepreneurs. SHGs can apply by submitting their business ideas in simple or local languages within a one-month application window. From these entries, 100 SHGs will be selected in the first round and provided with ₹10,000 each, along with basic training. Recognising that even basic expenses like travel and participation can be beyond reach for many women, this support is designed to remove that barrier—ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to step forward, access new avenues, and begin transforming their ideas into viable business ventures.

The final rounds of funding will include grants and funding at each level as ideas progress through all stages. In round two, 50 SHGs will receive ₹25,000 each and advanced mentorship to help them expand their businesses. In round three, the top 25 SHGs will enter an intensive incubation phase, during which they will learn how to create a business plan, manage finances, use digital tools, and develop a presentation. In round four, the top five SHGs will receive cash prizes as follows: ₹5 lakh for 1st place, ₹3 lakh for 2nd, ₹2 lakh for 3rd, and ₹50,000 each for 4th and 5th places. They will also continue receiving support to grow their businesses.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Transforming India (CFTI), said, “Startup Sakhi is about giving rural women the right opportunity and support to succeed. Many women already have strong ideas and the drive to work hard, but they need guidance, confidence, and access to resources. Through this initiative, we are not just providing funding, but we are also helping women build skills, start businesses, and create better futures for themselves and their families. Our goal is to create a model that can be scaled across India to support many more women entrepreneurs.”

Startup Sakhi, which has both institutional support and CSR partnership funding, will combine financial resources with continuous mentorship, skills development, and on-the-job training to build women‘s long-term ability to establish and maintain their own businesses rather than just provide women with an immediate source of income. CFTI believes that this is a way to strengthen rural livelihoods and make a lasting grassroots impact.

India’s Housing Launches Concentrated in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune: Report

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): A recent report shows that India’s residential real estate market continued to be concentrated in major urban centres during the first quarter of 2026, with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune accounting for nearly 60% of new housing launches.

 The data highlights strong activity in these key metropolitan markets, driven by steady demand, improved infrastructure, and continued interest from both end-users and investors.

Experts note that these cities remain attractive due to better job opportunities, urban development, and expanding housing options across multiple segments.

Overall, the report indicates that while housing supply is growing in several parts of the country, major metro cities continue to dominate new residential project launches.

Sensex, Nifty Rally in Early Trade Amid Positive Global Sentiment

Apr 15 ( BNP): Indian stock markets started the trading session on a strong note on Wednesday, supported by positive global cues and easing crude oil prices.

The BSE Sensex rose sharply by 1,422.85 points to 78,270.42 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 advanced 438.25 points to 24,280.90.

The upward movement was driven by gains in global equities and a decline in oil prices, which slipped below the $100 per barrel level. Market sentiment also improved amid expectations of renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.

All Sensex constituents traded in positive territory during early deals, with strong buying seen in stocks such as InterGlobe Aviation, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal, Larsen & Toubro, and Bajaj Finance.

Overall, investors showed strong buying interest, reflecting improved risk appetite in global and domestic markets.

1Point1 Solutions lists on BSE, Strengthening Investor Reach and Market Visibility

Commenting on the development, Mr. Akshay Chhabra, Chairman and Managing Director, 1Point1 Solutions Limited, said: ‘Our listing on BSE is a strategic step towards strengthening our engagement with the capital markets and improving accessibility of our equity for a wider spectrum of investors. As we continue to scale our operations and invest in next-generation capabilities, including digital transformation and AI-led customer experience solutions, this milestone reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.’

 

Mr. Sunil Jha, Chief Financial Officer, 1Point1 Solutions Limited, further added: ‘The dual listing enhances accessibility and visibility for investors as we advance into our next phase of growth. With a strong operating foundation and a clear focus on technology enabled expansion, the BSE listing supports our objective of building a resilient, future-ready BPM organization.’