10, Apr 2026
‘Womaniya’ Initiative Drives Strong Growth for Women Entrepreneurs on GeM in FY26
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The government’s ‘Womaniya’ initiative has recorded significant expansion, with over 2.1 lakh women-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs) registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY26.
According to official data, these enterprises secured around 13.7 lakh orders, with total contracts worth more than ₹28,000 crore awarded during the year. This represents a 27.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting rising participation of women entrepreneurs in government procurement.
The initiative enables women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) to directly supply goods and services to government buyers through the GeM platform, improving market access and reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Women-led enterprises accounted for 5.6% of total GeM orders, comfortably exceeding the government’s 3% procurement target for women entrepreneurs.
The scheme supports sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, jute, coir, home décor, and office furnishings, where women-led businesses have a strong presence. At the ground level, district administrations and training institutions are conducting onboarding drives, workshops, and capacity-building programmes to improve seller participation.
Officials said the digital system—from registration to payments—ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for women entrepreneurs, helping them scale operations and gain wider market visibility.
They added that ‘Womaniya’ is not just a procurement platform but a step towards enhancing economic independence and strengthening women’s participation in formal markets.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Apr 2026
RBI Plans New Security Measures to Combat Rising Digital Payment Fraud
Mumbai, Apr 10 (BNP): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a set of enhanced security measures aimed at strengthening the safety of digital payment systems amid a sharp rise in fraud cases driven largely by social engineering tactics.
According to the proposal, the central bank is considering layered safeguards, including delayed processing of certain transactions, stronger authentication mechanisms for vulnerable users, and tighter monitoring of bank accounts to detect suspicious activity more effectively.
The move comes as digital payment frauds have increased in recent years, with criminals often exploiting users through deceptive calls, messages, and online manipulation rather than technical hacking.
Under the proposed framework, banks and payment service providers may also be required to adopt more proactive fraud detection systems and improve real-time monitoring of high-risk transactions.
The RBI said the objective is to strike a balance between convenience and security, ensuring that the rapid growth of digital payments is not undermined by rising fraud risks.
The proposed measures are part of the regulator’s broader efforts to strengthen trust in India’s fast-expanding digital payment ecosystem.
10, Apr 2026
Iran Limits Strait of Hormuz Transit to 15 Vessels Daily Under Ceasefire Agreement
Apr.10 (BNP): Iran has announced that no more than 15 vessels per day will be permitted to pass through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement reportedly reached with the United States.
According to TASS, which cited an unnamed senior Iranian official, the restriction will be implemented as part of controlled maritime operations aimed at maintaining stability in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway approximately 34 km wide between Iran and Oman, serves as a vital global shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. It facilitates the transit of nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies, along with essential commodities such as fertilisers and other goods.
The imposition of a daily vessel cap is expected to significantly impact global shipping traffic and energy markets, with industry stakeholders closely monitoring the situation. Experts warn that any prolonged restriction could disrupt supply chains and lead to volatility in global oil prices.
While the move signals a partial easing of tensions under the ceasefire framework, the controlled access highlights the continued strategic sensitivity of the region and its importance to global trade and energy security.
10, Apr 2026
ISRO Successfully Conducts Second Integrated Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 10 (BNP): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, marking another important milestone in India’s crewed space programme.
The test was conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and focused on validating the crew module recovery system, a critical safety mechanism that ensures the safe return of astronauts during re-entry and landing.
The crew module is the capsule that will carry astronauts during the mission, and the air drop tests are designed to simulate real landing conditions. These trials help engineers assess parachute deployment, stability of the capsule, and overall performance under different emergency scenarios.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh congratulated ISRO on the achievement, noting it as a key step forward for India’s first human spaceflight mission, which is targeted for next year.
The second test follows the successful completion of the first Integrated Air Drop Test conducted in August 2025 at the same facility.
Air drop tests are an essential part of mission validation, where a dummy crew module is dropped from an aircraft or helicopter to replicate the final phase of spacecraft descent. These experiments test critical systems such as parachute deployment, controlled descent, and safe splashdown under varied conditions.
With the success of IADT-02, ISRO has further strengthened the reliability of its crew safety systems, bringing the country closer to launching astronauts into space under the Gaganyaan programme.
10, Apr 2026
CasaDigi Launches Indore Centre Focused on Immersive Smart Home Technology
Indore, Apr 10 (BNP): CasaDigi, a global player in luxury residential intelligence, in partnership with DigiValet, has inaugurated its flagship Experience Centre in Indore, marking a major step in showcasing advanced integrated automation across residential, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial spaces.
Designed by reD Architects, the new centre introduces an immersive concept titled “Maestro of Immersive Design,” aimed at redefining how smart environments are experienced and understood.
Unlike a conventional showroom filled with screens and interfaces, the Indore Experience Centre has been developed as a fully functional interactive space. It demonstrates how intelligent systems can operate seamlessly in the background, enabling a more intuitive and fluid user experience.
The company said the philosophy behind the centre is to shift from reactive automation to proactive intelligence, where technology anticipates user needs rather than simply responding to commands.
Visitors to the centre can experience real-time applications of smart automation in living spaces, highlighting how integrated systems can enhance comfort, efficiency, and convenience.
CasaDigi noted that the launch represents a significant milestone in its vision to transform modern living through intelligent, design-driven technology solutions.
10, Apr 2026
Young Designers Shine at IndiaSkills 2025–26: AMHSSC Celebrates Excellence in Fashion Technology Skill
New Delhi, Apr 10: Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council proudly celebrates the outstanding performance of young designers at the IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26, where the Fashion Technology skill competition emerged as a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and industry-ready talent.
India’s premier platform for skills excellence, the competition was held from March 29 to April 2 at the India Expo Mart. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation, the event marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards building a globally competitive and future-ready workforce.
The competition brought together some of the most promising young designers from across the country, who demonstrated exceptional design innovation, garment construction expertise, precision, and adherence to international standards.
Diksha Prajapati from Jammu & Kashmir clinched the gold medal, followed by Vidhi Suthar from Gujarat with silver and Aerla Manikantha from Telangana securing bronze.
Expressing her excitement, gold medallist Diksha Prajapati said, “This platform has been life-changing. Competing with the best in the country has pushed me to refine my skills and think globally. I now aspire to represent India at international platforms WorldSkills and make the nation proud.”
Congratulating the winners, Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC said the competition serves as a crucial platform to nurture talent and align skills with global industry needs. “The performance of these participants reflects the growing strength of India’s skilled workforce in the apparel sector,” he said.
Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC added that the competition underscores the importance of skill-based education. “These young professionals have showcased a blend of creativity and technical proficiency, making them industry-ready,” he said.
AMHSSC continues to play a key role in strengthening India’s apparel ecosystem through industry-aligned training and skill development initiatives, enabling youth to compete at both national and international levels.
10, Apr 2026
Lucknow Super Giants Stun Kolkata Knight Riders with Last-Over Thriller, Win by 3 Wickets
Apr 10 (BNP): In a high-voltage encounter at Kolkata, Lucknow Super Giants registered a dramatic 3-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in one of the most thrilling matches of the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Batting first, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a competitive total of 181/4 in 20 overs. In reply, Lucknow Super Giants chased down the target in dramatic fashion, scoring 182/7 in 20 overs to seal the win in the final moments of the match.
The victory was powered by a sensational performance from emerging star Mukul Choudhary, who was named Player of the Match for his fearless and match-winning innings under pressure. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Choudhary anchored the chase and delivered crucial hits at key moments, including decisive shots in the final over.
Reflecting on his journey, Choudhary credited his father’s dream as his inspiration and highlighted his rise from humble beginnings in Rajasthan to competitive cricket in Jaipur and Delhi. He emphasized his belief in staying till the end and backing his natural attacking game, even in high-pressure situations.
Captain Rishabh Pant praised the youngster’s outstanding performance and underlined the importance of trust and confidence in nurturing talent. He also acknowledged the contributions of senior players and the collective team effort in securing the win.
On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane, captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, described the defeat as a tough one but appreciated his team’s overall performance. He credited Choudhary’s innings as the defining factor, noting that minor lapses in execution during the final overs proved costly.
The match once again showcased the electrifying and unpredictable nature of the IPL, delivering back-to-back thrilling finishes for fans.
Meanwhile, excitement continues as Rajasthan Royals are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the next league fixture, promising another blockbuster clash with both teams in top form.
10, Apr 2026
Commerce Ministry Reviews Export Disruptions Amid West Asia Crisis
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The Commerce Ministry has held a series of high-level meetings with exporters and key stakeholders to address rising challenges in packaging, shipping, and port operations amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The meetings were chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and attended by Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar, along with representatives from shipping lines, ports, Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and commodity boards.
Officials said the discussions focused on disruptions in maritime trade following escalating tensions in the West Asia region, which have impacted vessel movement and shipping routes, especially on key international corridors.
Exporters flagged several concerns, including delays in shipments, logistical bottlenecks, and rising operational costs affecting overall export performance. Export Promotion Councils have been directed to submit detailed feedback on port-wise issues to enable targeted policy responses.
In a separate review, industry representatives highlighted a sharp rise in packaging material costs, driven by increased petrochemical prices. This has led to an estimated 50% surge in packaging costs over recent weeks, further squeezing export margins.
The ministry said it is actively monitoring the situation and engaging with stakeholders to ensure continuity in trade operations and minimise supply chain disruptions.
10, Apr 2026
UPI Completes a Decade, Records Massive Growth in Digital Transactions
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed a remarkable decade of growth, transforming the country’s digital payments landscape and becoming one of the world’s most widely used real-time payment systems.
According to data from Tracxn, shared with ETBFSI, UPI transactions have surged from just 18 million in its early phase to 219 billion transactions, marking a nearly 12,000-fold increase in volume over the past 10 years. In value terms, the platform has expanded more than 4,000 times, highlighting its massive adoption across the country.
Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has played a key role in advancing India’s digital economy by enabling instant, secure, and low-cost money transfers through mobile phones.
Over the years, the system has evolved from a simple peer-to-peer transfer tool into a comprehensive payments ecosystem used for merchant payments, bill settlements, e-commerce transactions, and everyday financial activity.
Experts say the rapid rise of UPI reflects India’s strong push towards financial inclusion, with millions of first-time users entering the formal digital banking system. Its ease of use, interoperability, and zero or low transaction costs have been key drivers of adoption.
Today, UPI stands as one of India’s most significant digital public infrastructure successes, reshaping how individuals and businesses transact across the country and gaining global attention for its scale and efficiency.
10, Apr 2026
Emerging Startups Bring New Opportunities to Odisha’s Business Landscape
Odisha, located on India’s eastern coastline, has historically depended on agriculture, handloom weaving, and mineral-based industries for its economic stability. With fertile land and rich natural resources, agriculture especially rice and pulse cultivation has long supported a large share of the population.
In recent years, however, the state has been steadily shifting toward a more diversified and modern economy. Improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and growing entrepreneurial activity are reshaping Odisha into an emerging center for business innovation and industrial development.
Industrial Growth and Rising Entrepreneurship in Odisha
The state has made significant progress in expanding its industrial base. Government efforts to improve connectivity, simplify business regulations, and attract investment have played a major role in this transformation. Sports news Odisha is also gaining attention as improved infrastructure and growing media coverage highlight local talent and sporting achievements across the state.
New industrial clusters and development zones have encouraged the growth of manufacturing, information technology, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. This shift is gradually reducing reliance on traditional industries and creating new employment opportunities for the youth.
Alongside these changes, entrepreneurship and startups are becoming an important part of Odisha’s economic identity.
Growth of the Startup Culture
Over the past decade, Odisha has seen a noticeable rise in entrepreneurial activity. A key factor behind this growth is the structured support system created to encourage new businesses.
The startup environment is supported through:
- Incubation and innovation centers
- Early-stage financial assistance
- Training and mentorship programs
- Policy-driven incentives for new entrepreneurs
These initiatives have encouraged young professionals and graduates to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option. As a result, cities like Bhubaneswar are emerging as growing hubs for innovation and new-age businesses.
Transforming Business Landscape of Odisha
Sectors Experiencing Startup-Driven Change
Technology and Digital Services
Startups in the technology sector are introducing digital solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently. From mobile applications to software platforms, these innovations are modernizing traditional systems and improving service delivery.
Agriculture and Rural Innovation
Agriculture-focused startups are bringing scientific methods into farming practices. Tools such as smart irrigation systems, drone monitoring, and data-based crop management are helping farmers increase productivity while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Healthcare Services
In the healthcare sector, startups are developing telemedicine platforms, online consultation systems, and affordable diagnostic tools. These innovations are improving access to healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas.
Tourism and Culture
Tourism-focused startups are promoting local heritage sites, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism. Digital marketing, virtual experiences, and personalized travel planning are helping attract more visitors and boosting local economies.
Government Role in Supporting Startups
The government has played a crucial role in shaping the startup ecosystem in Odisha. Through targeted policies and institutional support, it has created a favorable environment for innovation and business growth.
Key forms of support include:
- Dedicated startup policies and frameworks
- Financial assistance programs for new ventures
- Business incubation and accelerator support
- Networking opportunities with investors
- Participation in entrepreneurship events and competitions
These efforts have helped reduce barriers for new entrepreneurs and improved access to resources and funding.
Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem
Despite rapid progress, startups in Odisha continue to face certain challenges:
Limited access to funding: Early-stage startups often struggle to attract sufficient investment.
Infrastructure gaps: In some areas, connectivity and business facilities still need improvement.
Skill shortages: Many startups face difficulties in finding locally trained professionals with industry-specific skills.
Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between educational institutions, policymakers, and private investors.
Inspiring Startup Successes
Several startups from Odisha have demonstrated how innovation can create meaningful impact:
- A food-based venture promoting organic farming and supporting local farmers through sustainable practices
- A digital platform connecting traditional artisans with broader markets, helping preserve cultural heritage
- An education-focused startup offering skill development programs to improve employability among youth
These examples highlight how entrepreneurship in Odisha is not only generating income but also contributing to social development.
Role of Technology and Innovation
Technology has become a key driver of startup growth in Odisha. Many new businesses are using advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and data analytics to build efficient and scalable solutions.
Digital platforms are also enabling local entrepreneurs to reach wider markets, breaking geographical limitations and increasing competitiveness. This increasing reliance on technology is helping startups grow faster and operate more effectively.
Future Outlook
The future of startups in Odisha appears promising, with strong potential for expansion in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agriculture technology, and digital commerce.
Growing collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and private investors is expected to strengthen the ecosystem further. Improved skill development programs and innovation-driven policies will also support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With continued progress, Odisha has the potential to become a significant startup hub in India.
Conclusion
Odisha is undergoing a major economic transformation, moving from a resource-dependent economy toward a more innovation-driven and diversified system. The rise of startups is playing a central role in this change by creating jobs, encouraging creativity, and introducing modern solutions across industries.
Although challenges remain, the combined efforts of government support, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm are steadily shaping a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem in the state.
