PM Mudra Yojana Offers Collateral-Free Loans up to Rs.20 Lakh to Small Entrepreneurs

New Delhi: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), launched in 2015 to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh through banks and financial institutions, the government informed Parliament.

According to information provided by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the scheme was launched on April 8, 2015, to extend credit support to small enterprises engaged in manufacturing, trading, services and agriculture-allied activities. Loans under the scheme are provided by Member Lending Institutions, including Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies and Micro Finance Institutions.

Individuals with viable business plans for small enterprises are eligible to apply for loans under the scheme. The loans are categorised into four segments based on the amount required.

Under the Shishu category, loans of up to ₹50,000 are provided, while the Kishor category covers loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh. The Tarun category offers loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh.

To encourage successful borrowers, the government introduced a new category called Tarun Plus from October 24, 2024. Under this category, entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid their earlier loans under the Tarun category can avail collateral-free loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.

The scheme has played an important role in supporting small businesses, traditional enterprises, handicrafts and agriculture-allied activities. It has also helped women entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing credit due to lack of collateral or credit history.

To simplify the loan application process and ensure timely disbursal, the government has also launched digital platforms such as the Jan Samarth portal, which integrates multiple credit-linked schemes and enables applicants to apply for loans through a self-service or assisted process.

This information was provided by Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on March 12, 2026.

MSME Ministry Completes 364 MSE-CDP Projects; SFURTI Scheme Strengthens Traditional Industry Clusters

New Delhi: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has completed 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises–Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness of micro and small enterprises across the country.

The MSE-CDP scheme focuses on establishing Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and creating or upgrading infrastructure facilities in existing industrial clusters. These initiatives provide financial support to improve technology access, production capacity and overall efficiency of micro and small enterprises.

Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 606 projects have been approved by the Ministry. Of these, 364 projects have been completed while 242 projects are currently under implementation.

Meanwhile, the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has also made significant progress in promoting cluster-based development and strengthening traditional industries.

According to the Ministry, 513 clusters have been approved across the country since 2015-16 under the SFURTI scheme, with a total committed assistance of ₹1,332.95 crore from the Government of India. These clusters are expected to benefit around 3.03 lakh traditional artisans engaged in sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, agro-processing, coir, honey and other related activities.

Out of the total clusters approved, 378 clusters are currently functional, while 135 clusters are at different stages of implementation.

Officials said the initiative has contributed to infrastructure development, skill enhancement, value addition and improved market linkages for traditional artisans at the grassroots level.

The schemes are part of the government’s broader efforts to promote rural entrepreneurship, strengthen traditional industries and generate sustainable livelihoods for artisans across the country.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Key Projects, Reviews Operations at WCL

Nagpur: Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, currently on a two-day visit to Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure and development projects while reviewing the company’s operational performance.

During the programme on Friday, the Minister virtually flagged off 25 electric vehicles aimed at supporting cleaner and more efficient operations within the organisation. He also laid the foundation stones for three major projects: the Black Diamond Sports Stadium in the Kamptee area of Nagpur, the Swami Vivekananda Eco Park in Tadali in Wani area, and a First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Project at the Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur area.

The projects are expected to strengthen regional infrastructure, promote environmental sustainability, and modernise coal mining operations.

Following the inauguration, the Union Minister conducted a detailed review meeting on WCL’s performance, focusing on coal production, safety measures, sustainable development initiatives, environmental protection, and upcoming projects.

Praising the work culture and performance of the organisation, Reddy commended Team WCL for its achievements and expressed confidence that the company would deliver even stronger results in the current financial year. He also discussed WCL’s role in the evolving landscape of the coal industry.

During the meeting, WCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan presented a detailed overview of the company’s achievements during the financial year 2025–26.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited, along with other senior officers from the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, and WCL.

As part of his visit, the Union Minister will also inspect the ongoing mine closure process at the Murpar underground mine on March 14, 2026. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with the District Collector and members of the Mine Closure Advisory Committee (MCAC).

Representatives from WCL’s Mine Closure team, non-governmental organisations, consultants, and members of local villages are expected to participate in the meeting to discuss issues related to mine closure and rehabilitation.

Helios Luxe brings German watchmaker Alexander Shorokhoff in exclusive strategic partnership; taps 46% surge in accessible luxury

Chandigarh, March 15 – Helios Luxe by Titan Company Ltd. continues to consolidate its leadership in India’s accessible luxury watch segment, riding on the wave of a 46% growth in the category. Strengthening its strategic focus on curated global partnerships, Helios Luxe has announced its exclusive association with Alexander Shorokhoff, the German independent watchmaker celebrated for its limited-edition timepieces that place avante garde art at the heart of fine mechanical craftsmanship. This launch reinforces Helios Luxe’s commitment to expanding its accessible luxury portfolio with distinctive international maisons that cater to India’s increasingly discerning and culturally attuned luxury consumer. With this addition, the brand anticipates sustained momentum in the accessible luxury segment in the upcoming fiscal year.

With 5 exclusive and 7 other international brands introduced to India over the past 18 months, Helios Luxe has emerged as a strategic gateway for global watchmakers seeking a meaningful entry into the country. By offering a platform that allows each maison to present its identity with authenticity, Helios Luxe continues to drive higher-value retail, deepen collector engagement and expand access to differentiated mechanical watchmaking.

In this context, the arrival of Alexander Shorokhoff aligns seamlessly with this vision, as the brand, guided by Alexander Shorokhov’s philosophy of “Art on the Wrist”, approaches watchmaking as a form of cultural expression, blending German engineering precision with bold artistic interpretation. Among the highlights of the collection is the Kandy Avantgarde 2, inspired by the abstract works of Wassily Kandinsky and limited to 100 pieces worldwide, featuring a bold geometric dial and vivid colour palette that reflect the maison’s artistic identity. This forms a part of Helios Luxe’s curated offering of rare, individually numbered mechanical timepieces for discerning collectors.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rahul Shukla, VP & CSMO, Watches Division, Titan Company Limited, said, “The Indian luxury consumer today is increasingly drawn to brands with a strong narrative and clear creative identity. We are responding to this shift by deepening our portfolio of independent watchmakers while enhancing our after sales service standards. Alexander Shorokhoff embodies a story-led approach to fine watchmaking, and its entry into India reflects our commitment to curating culturally rooted, thoughtfully crafted, global maisons through Helios Luxe. Encouraged by the increasing traction for independent brands, we intend to deepen market reach by establishing 45 Helios Luxe boutiques across metros and select Tier 1 cities in the coming fiscal.”

Mr. Alexander Shorokhov, CEO of Alexander Shorokhoff Uhrenmanufaktur GmbH said, “India represents an exciting new chapter for us. We produce in very limited, numbered editions, and presenting these rare pieces to a vast and evolving luxury market like India is both exciting and meaningful. With Helios Luxe, we are introducing our manufactory to a country that deeply values culture, individuality and mechanical depth. We look forward to engaging with Indian collectors who appreciate rarity, strong narratives and a distinctive design language in the timepieces they choose to own.”

The India launch of Alexander Shorokhoff introduces a curated portfolio of 16 limited-edition timepieces spanning avant-garde, vintage-inspired and complication-led creations, including the Kandy Avantgarde 2, Winter, Sixtythree, Neva Brown, Neva Chrono, Full Calendar Cadamomo, Shar, Swan Lake Alarm, Lucky 8, Crazy Eyes Chrono, Flensi, Happy Second and Emotion Due. The collection features automatic, hand-wound and chronograph movements with in-house hand engraving and refined finishing, with most references limited to between 30 and 100 pieces worldwide. Each watch is handcrafted, assembled under the brand’s “one man, one watch” philosophy, individually numbered and available exclusively in India through 6 Helios Luxe boutiques.

India’s Medical Devices Market Eyes $30 Billion by 2030: Opportunity, Policy Push and Global Interest

India’s medical devices industry is entering a period of rapid transformation. Long considered a small but essential part of the healthcare ecosystem, the sector is now drawing major policy attention and investor interest as the country works toward a projected $30 billion market by 2030.

Industry analysts say the growth will be driven by a combination of rising healthcare demand, government incentives for domestic manufacturing, and increasing adoption of advanced medical technologies.

A Market on a Strong Growth Path

India’s medical devices market is currently estimated at around $12–14 billion, but the sector has been expanding at a double-digit annual growth rate of roughly 15%. If this pace continues, the market could more than double within the next five years.

Several structural factors are supporting this expansion. India’s population of more than 1.4 billion is aging, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are rising, and access to healthcare services is improving across smaller cities. Together, these trends are increasing the demand for diagnostic equipment, implants, consumables, and digital medical technologies.

Hospitals and diagnostic centers are also investing more heavily in modern equipment as healthcare infrastructure grows in both public and private sectors.

Government Push for Domestic Manufacturing

A major catalyst for growth has been the government’s push to reduce import dependence and strengthen local manufacturing.

India currently imports around 70–80% of its medical devices, particularly high-value products such as imaging equipment, implants, and advanced diagnostic systems. To address this gap, the government has introduced initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices, along with the creation of dedicated medical device parks in several states.

These measures aim to attract global manufacturers, encourage domestic production, and create a stronger supply chain ecosystem.

Policy support is also helping the industry move beyond low-value consumables toward more sophisticated products such as diagnostic imaging systems, surgical equipment, and high-precision implants.

Growing Investment and Global Partnerships

Global medical technology companies are increasingly looking at India as both a manufacturing hub and a major growth market.

International firms are expanding local production facilities and forming partnerships with Indian manufacturers to serve both domestic and export markets. At the same time, Indian startups are entering the field with innovations in digital health, AI-enabled diagnostics, and affordable medical technologies designed for emerging markets.

Venture capital investment in health technology has also accelerated, with investors backing companies developing portable diagnostic devices, wearable monitoring systems, and telemedicine platforms.

Opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities

While metropolitan hospitals have traditionally driven demand for advanced medical equipment, the next wave of growth is expected to come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Healthcare infrastructure is expanding rapidly in these regions as private hospital chains and diagnostic networks move beyond major urban centers. Government health insurance programs and rising middle-class incomes are also increasing healthcare access.

As a result, demand for imaging equipment, point-of-care diagnostic devices, and affordable medical technologies is rising across smaller cities and semi-urban areas.

Challenges Remain

Despite strong growth prospects, the sector still faces several challenges.

Industry leaders often cite regulatory complexity, limited domestic component manufacturing, and price controls on certain medical devices as areas that need further policy clarity. High research and development costs also make it difficult for smaller companies to scale advanced technology production.

Supply chain constraints and reliance on imported components remain another concern for manufacturers aiming to build a fully integrated domestic ecosystem.

The Road to 2030

Even with these challenges, the long-term outlook for India’s medical devices sector remains optimistic.

If current growth momentum continues, analysts believe the industry could reach $30 billion by 2030, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing medical device markets in the world.

For policymakers, the sector offers an opportunity to strengthen healthcare infrastructure while building a globally competitive manufacturing base. For investors and technology companies, it represents a market where demand, innovation, and policy support are beginning to align.

The coming decade will determine whether India can turn this potential into a robust medical technology ecosystem that serves both domestic healthcare needs and global markets.