Month: July 2024

Categories
Community UK News World News

Westminster Group appoints Prof. Kishan Devani as Senior International Advisor

Professor Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA will join Westminster Group as Senior International Advisor on International Advisory Board

Westminster Group PLC is recognised globally for its specialist security and services expertise, operating worldwide via an extensive international network of agents and offices in over 50 countries. Over three years, Westminster’s overseas sales have grown year on year by 96.4%, with overseas sales accounting for over 80% of total sales. Westminster supplied products and services to 66 countries in 2019 and 72 countries in 2020.

Westminster Group PLC was recognised for its excellence in International Trade for its outstanding growth in overseas sales and is one of just 205 organisations nationally for which Her Majesty The Queen approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation in 2021 that Westminster be awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK business. The Award was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965 with the first Awards made in 1966, and they were designed to recognise outstanding achievements in business.

Professor Kishan Devani BEM, FRSA, LLB (Hons), PgCe, PgDip is a World-Renowned Educationalist and Global Education Expert/Academic/Strategist/Trainer, Political Strategist, Speaker, and International PR, Communications, Media, Campaigns & Fundraising Consultant/Advisor.

Kishan will join Westminster Group as Senior International Advisor on International Advisory Board.

He has a distinguished career highlighted by numerous prestigious recognitions and roles that underscore his significant contributions to various sectors. He was honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Her Majesty the Queen in the 2020 New Year’s Honour’s List, and he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2015. Additionally, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, making him one of the youngest BaME Freemen of London.

In academia, Kishan serves as an Associate Lecturer at London Metropolitan University, where he lectures on Geopolitics, International Relations, Politics, Diplomacy, Advocacy, and Resolution for both BA and MA students. He also delivers lectures on Advocacy, Diplomacy, and Resolution.

Kishan holds several advisory roles, including Senior Advisor to International NGO ActionAid UK and Senior Advisor to the Danny Faure Foundation, appointed by the former President of the Seychelles. His expertise in cross-border trade relations spans the UK, Africa, India, and the Middle East. As President – International Relations of the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club, Kishan brings his extensive experience in international business advisory roles across sectors such as Education, Health, Legal, and Finance. He has also been a Governor/Director of The Woodfield School, a Specialist SEN School in London, and has trained teachers globally, including in the prestigious Podar Schools in India.

Kishan’s political career includes serving as the youngest Deputy Chairman (Membership and Finance) of the London Conservative Party and later joining the Liberal Democrat Party, where he held roles such as Treasurers Envoy and Vice-President of the Liberal Democrats Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE). He was the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate for Montgomeryshire in the 2019 General Election. In 2015, he was the parliamentary candidate for the Conservative Party in Leicester East, and in 2016, he was the Conservative candidate for the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Kishan Devani BEM continues to inspire through his voluntary work, consultancy roles, and dedication to promoting diversity, equality, and social justice across various communities.In 2023 during the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election Professor Kishan Devani BEM joined the Labour Party. Since joining them he has advised & assisted many of their MPs, Parliamentary Candidates & Peers on the British Asian/African diaspora matters as well as Business engagement.

His consultancy work spans various sectors, including governance, finance, and education. Kishan has been a vocal advocate for community cohesion and diversity within the British Asian community, volunteering extensively to motivate young Asians to engage in British civic life. His contributions to education and social integration have earned him numerous accolades, including the Asian Achievers Gold Award in Community Service in 2012.

Kishan has also played a pivotal role in promoting the Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) and its Education/Football project, which aims to support youth integration and tackle issues such as poverty, gang-related violence, radicalisation, and social disharmony. His efforts have significantly raised the profile of the organisation and fostered youth empowerment.

Commenting on the appointment, Westminster CEO Peter Fowler said: “ I am delighted Kishan has agreed to join our International Advisory Board and I have no doubt his seemingly boundless energy, his extensive network of contacts and his business acumen will be a tremendous asset to Westminster and I look forward to working closely with him, in creating new and exciting opportunities expanding our business around the world.”

Categories
Fashion Lite Blogs

Sonakshi Dazzles in Blingy Gown at FDCI Couture Week

Sonakshi wore a pastel pink coloured blingy off-shoulder gown with noodle straps. The gown had a thigh-high slit, accentuating the oomph factor…reports Asian Lite News

The newlywed bride of Bollywood, Sonakshi Sinha, on Saturday evening turned muse for fashion designer Dolly J as she walked for her collection at the FDCI India Couture Week 2024.

Speaking about the outfit, the ‘Dabangg’ actress said: “It speaks for self and because it’s so blingy, we kept it minimal. I am feeling extremely glamorous. And I think that’s the beauty of the designers when they make outfits like this which make a woman feel good inside.”

“I feel it’s very glam, very pretty, very feminine and just flowing so I think that’s how an outfit should make a woman feel beautiful,” she shared.

Sonakshi wore a pastel pink coloured blingy off-shoulder gown with noodle straps. The gown had a thigh-high slit, accentuating the oomph factor.

For the makeup, she went all matte — nude pink lips, pink and silver eyeshadow, and blushed cheeks. Her long tresses were kept open in a side partition and were styled in soft waves.

The ensemble was rounded off with silver accessories – earrings and matching rings.

Sonakshi, who tied the knot with actor Zaheer Iqbal on June 23, also opened up on her wedding look.

“I didn’t really stress out myself. I wanted to be a simple and a very beautiful bride, and that’s going to be the forthcoming trend for sure,” she said.

“It took me five minutes to choose my outfit. I was very clear in my head that I wanted to wear a red saree, and for signing the papers I wanted to wear my mother’s saree and her jewellery, which was exactly what I did. So, it was all in my head, and we just brought it to life that day,” added Sonakshi.

On the work front, she was last seen in the spooky comedy ‘Kakuda’ which also stars Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem, and Aasif Khan in key roles.

She also made a special appearance in ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff in the titular roles.

Sonakshi next has ‘Nikita Roy and The Book of Darkness’ in her kitty.

ALSO READ-Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI: Runway Celebrates Wearable Fashion

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

New ‘The Boys’ Prequel Series in the Works

Ackles also confirmed his return for ‘The Boys’ fifth and final season, following his cameo in the Season 4 finale…reports Asian Lite News

The universe of the American satirical superhero television series ‘The Boys’ is set to expand with a prequel series titled ‘Vought Rising’ now in production.

The series will star Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash reprising their ‘Boys’ universe roles as Soldier Boy and Stormfront, respectively.

The new series will be set in 1950s New York. Ackles came on stage during ‘The Boys’ Comic-Con panel and made the announcement, reports ‘Variety’.

He called the prequel a “lurid pulp saga prequel”.

Ackles also confirmed his return for ‘The Boys’ fifth and final season, following his cameo in the Season 4 finale.

According to ‘Variety’, ‘The Boys’ creator Eric Kripke and ‘Vought Rising’ showrunner Paul Grellong said in a statement: “We are excited to bring you the next deranged series from the world of ‘The Boys’.”

They added: “It’s a twisted murder mystery about the origins of Vought in the 1950s, the early exploits of Soldier Boy, and the diabolical maneuvers of a supe known to fans as Stormfront, who was then going by the name Clara Vought. We cannot wait to blow your minds and trouble your souls with this salacious, grisly saga drenched in blood and Compound V.”

Meanwhile, actor Antony Starr, who also participated in the panel, shared details about the cringeworthy breastfeeding scene between Homelander and Firecracker in Season 4, calling it “the weirdest thing” he’s done on the show — which is already known for some “weird s***”.

ALSO READ-FDCI Couture Week: Malaika Stuns in Tytler’s Glittering Lehenga

Categories
Fashion Lite Blogs

FDCI Couture Week: Malaika Stuns in Tytler’s Glittering Lehenga

Tytler launched his fashion brand in 2002, and his collection exudes sophistication and elegance, boasting ensembles that showcase interesting structures, bold colours, and sharp cuts…reports Asian Lite News

Model-actress Malaika Arora on Friday turned muse for fashion designer Siddartha Tytler as she walked the ramp for his collection at the FDCI India Couture Week.

Malaika upped the hotness quotient in a black and golden glittering lehenga.

For makeup, the ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ girl went all glam with glossy lips, golden eyeshadow, kohl-rimmed eyes, and contoured cheeks.

Her long tresses were left open with a silver tiara as the hair accessory. She opted for silver bangles and matching ‘jhumkas’ to round off the look.

Actor Rahul Khanna too walked the ramp for Tytler’s collection wearing a black velvety sherwani.

Tytler launched his fashion brand in 2002, and his collection exudes sophistication and elegance, boasting ensembles that showcase interesting structures, bold colours, and sharp cuts.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Malaika has been the judge on reality shows like ‘India’s Best Dancer’, ‘MTV Supermodel of the Year’, and ‘India’s Got Talent’.

She last featured in the show ‘Moving in with Malaika’.

On the other hand, Rahul made his Bollywood debut with Deepa Mehta’s ‘1947 Earth’ (1999) alongside Aamir Khan and Nandita Das.

He has since been a part of projects like ‘Elaan’, ‘Raqeeb’, ‘Tahaan’, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, and most recently, ‘Lost’

Rahul also featured in the dystopian series ‘Leila’ starring Huma Qureshi in the lead.

ALSO READ-Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI: Runway Celebrates Wearable Fashion

Categories
Health Lite Blogs

Protein-Rich Diet Unlikely to Cause Gastric or Kidney Issues

The study led by Nanchang University researchers showed a lower CKD risk significantly associated with higher-level dietary total, plant, or animal protein (especially for fish and seafood) intake…reports Asian Lite News

Increasing protein intake may not be linked with gastro issues and kidney problems but a high-carb diet can cause severe harm, contended health experts on Monday.

In India, protein intake is generally low, and a high-protein diet does not harm healthy kidneys.

According to the latest meta-analysis, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, a high protein diet is associated with lower Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

The study led by Nanchang University researchers showed a lower CKD risk significantly associated with higher-level dietary total, plant, or animal protein (especially for fish and seafood) intake.

“A high-carb diet often causes acid reflux, while increasing protein intake can mitigate this by lowering carbohydrate consumption. Conversely, a high-carb diet can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar in diabetics, potentially causing chronic disease,” Shashikant Iyengar, Metabolic Health Coach, told .

“Having the recommended amount of protein is not hazardous for healthy kidneys,” added Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, in a post on X.

The top neurologist explained that “for adults (above the age of 18 years), the recommended protein intake is 1 gm, 1.3 gm, and 1.6 gm per kg body weight for people engaged in minimal, moderate and intense physical activity, respectively”.

According to the recent guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein intake is 0.83g protein/kg/day for healthy men and women (requirements of 97.5 per cent of the population.

However, the target is rarely met by most Indians, said the experts.

Dr Piyush Ranjan, Senior Consultant & Vice Chairman, Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS that Dr Ranjan said “overall a balanced diet should include good quality and quantity of proteins. But excess intake especially of animal proteins and commercial supplements may be detrimental.”

He noted that recommended protein intake for adults varies between 1-2 mg per kg body weight, and that it depends on the physical activity, age, gender, and other comorbid conditions.

Dr Ranjan said animal and vegetable proteins differ slightly in their qualities, and increasing intake may be harmful for people already suffering from kidney issues.

“Excessive protein intake can lead to certain side effects. The most important risk is kidney damage, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease. Excess of animal protein can also cause a rise in uric acid causing stones in the kidney,” he stated.

lasting pain

Further, a protein-rich diet is also blamed for causing bloating and other gastrointestinal issues.

“Among the gastrointestinal side effects altered bowel habits, flatulence and halitosis (bad breath) may be seen with excessive protein intake,” Dr Ranjan said.

Iyengar, however, disagrees. He said, “More acid reflux symptoms are found after a high carbohydrate diet. High carbohydrate diets could induce more acid reflux in the low oesophagus and more reflux symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease”.

ALSO READ-Dual Drug Therapy Protects Diabetics’ Hearts and Kidneys

Categories
-Top News ASEAN News Asia News

6-Month Emergency Extension in Myanmar

Myanmar declared a state of emergency in February 2021 for one year before making five six-month extensions until July 31 this year…reports Asian Lite News

Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) on Wednesday extended the state of emergency in the country for six more months, the state media reported.

At the NDSC’s meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday, all NDSC members present agreed to extend the emergency period, Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) said.

The extension was made in accordance with Section 425 of the State Constitution, Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting also discussed issues related to election preparations, current development work, preparations for the national population and housing census, and education, health and agricultural sectors.

Myanmar declared a state of emergency in February 2021 for one year before making five six-month extensions until July 31 this year.

ALSO READ: Baloch Protesters Held as Gwadar Tensions Rise

Categories
-Top News Asia News Politics

Baloch Protesters Held as Gwadar Tensions Rise


Journalist Hamid Mir warns Baloch arrests won’t help, citing ongoing Balochistan tensions…reports Asian Lite New

Tensions in the Port City of Gwadar persist as the Pakistani defence forces have not released the previously arrested senior leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) amid the Baloch Raaji Muchi protests.

According to the latest statement by the BYC on X, one of the arrested leaders Sabiha Baloch was released on Tuesday late at night after increasing dissent from the protestors, however, the whereabouts of two other Baloch activists Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch remain unknown.

In a post on X, the BYC stated “Gwadar: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch has been released today following public pressure and resistance. However, we still have no information about Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch. They have been out of contact since yesterday morning. Additionally, more than 200 participants have been arrested from the Gwadar sit-in, and we have no information about them either”.

In another statement, the BYC had urged all state institutions to unconditionally release the peaceful protesters that had been arrested during the Baloch Raaji Muchi.

According to that statement on, X, “Finally, we make it clear to the state and all its institutions to immediately release all the arrested colleagues including our leadership without any ifs and buts, restore internet and mobile network throughout Makran including Gwadar and in all areas of Balochistan. Completely remove obstacles in front of all our convoys stopped at gunpoint by force”.

The statement further mentioned that “If the state and its institutions still do not change their terrorist and oppressive behaviour, then from today we will shut down the entire Balochistan including Quetta for an indefinite period and if any untoward incident occurs during this period, then all the responsibility will be on the state and It will be imposed on its institutions. Through this press conference, we inform BYC workers and Baloch people across Balochistan that peaceful and orderly dharna, protest rallies and wheel jam and shutterdown strikes should be held across Balochistan”.

Responding to the same situation in Balochistan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, Hamid Mir had previously raised his concerns, while warning that arrests of Baloch leaders and protestors will not yield any positive results.

In a post on X the journalist said, “Sammi and Sabiha have always raised their voice against enforced disappearances. Now they are missing. Police is saying they are with FC and FC is not admitting their arrest. Disappearance of their fathers never produced any positive result and disappearance of these women will further harm the state”.

Earlier in the day, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee urged the United Nations and Human Rights Organisations to take note of the peaceful protesters’ arrests by Pakistani forces. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Kerala Landslide: 176 Dead, Army Steps Up Rescue

Categories
India News Politics

ADB to give $200m to India for Swachh Bharat Mission

The agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, who signed for the Government of India, and Mio Oka Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB…reports Asian Lite News

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India signed a USD 200 million loan agreement to improve solid waste management and sanitation in 100 cities across eight states in India, said ADB on Tuesday.

The loan agreement has been named as the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0-Comprehensive Municipal Waste Management in Indian Cities Program.

The agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, who signed for the Government of India, and Mio Oka Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB.

After signing the loan agreement, Mukherjee stated that the program supports the objectives of Government of India’s Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission-Urban 2.0 by enhancing sanitation and solid waste management infrastructure including waste segregation, collection and disposal.

“This program is guided by lessons derived from ADB’s experience in urban infrastructure development across several states and will incorporate international best practices, new digital technologies, and mainstream climate- and disaster-resilient approaches in municipal solid waste management to promote a clean environment free from garbage and pollution,” said Ms Oka.

She further added that “It will also strengthen women’s participation in sanitation and service delivery and harness private sector participation.”

According to the agreement, the ADB’s support will upgrade and establish solid waste processing and management facilities such as bio-methanation plants, composting plants, managed landfills, material recovery facilities, and plastic waste processing facilities. It will also support the construction of community toilets and urinals and the purchase of sweeping equipment.

These facilities and delivery of urban services will include climate- and disaster-resilient, gender equality and social inclusion-responsive features.

The program will build urban local bodies’ capacity on waste management and sanitation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and proactively engage with the private sector. It will help conduct annual reviews and progress updates of citywide solid waste and sanitation action plans. Training and awareness campaigns for sanitation workers and communities will be conducted to improve waste segregation and waste collection.

ADB will provide an additional USD 3.15 million technical assistance (TA) grant from its Urban Resilience Trust Fund, Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund, and the Sanitation Financing Partnership Trust Fund.

ADB said that the TA grant will support program implementation, capacity building of selected states on financial management and monitoring and evaluation and facilitate twinning or city-to-city partnerships. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Vande Bharat train to be cleaned in 14 minutes

Categories
India News Politics

Centre says no Bill proposed for abolition of manual scavenging

Ramdas Athawale. (File Photo: IANS)

In view of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) — formulated jointly by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — it was decided not to amend the law, he said…reports Asian Lite News

The central government on Tuesday said that there is no bill proposed for complete mechanisation of sewerage cleaning and abolition of manual scavenging.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said there was a proposal to amend the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, with the aim to formalise the institutional setup for safe cleaning practices.

In view of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) — formulated jointly by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — it was decided not to amend the law, he said.

Responding to a question on if there was any bill pending with the ministry for complete mechanisation of sewerage cleaning and abolition of manual scavenging, the minister said, “At present, there is no bill proposed for complete mechanisation of sewerage cleaning and abolition of manual scavenging.

In April, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the centre and raised questions over the death of a sanitation worker due to a gas leak in Varanasi and promised to end manual scavenging.

“On April 5, 2024, a sanitation worker in the Prime Minister’s own Lok Sabha constituency died due to a gas leak when he entered a sewer without equipment. This is not a new case in Varanasi; during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, we were told that in the last ten years, more than 25 deaths have occurred in Banaras due to entering sewers,” he lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Further accusing the Modi government of doing injustice to sanitation workers, he said that, on the other hand, Congress has made this promise in its manifesto that they will end the evil practice of manual scavenging.

“All manual scavengers will be skilled for some other work and will be provided jobs. A dignified and safe life will be ensured for them,” he added.

He further ensured that the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 will be strictly enforced and anyone employing manual scavengers will be punished.

He announced that a compensation of Rs 30 lakh will be given to the families of sanitation workers who lose their lives while performing manual scavenging work.

ALSO READ-Bill to strengthen NDMA introduced in LS

Categories
India News STARTUPS News

India’s Startups Generate 15.5 Lakh Jobs

During the next two years (FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26), the Ministry has a target to set up 1.6 lakh new enterprises with employment generation potential for 12.8 lakh people…reports Asian Lite News

The Centre on Monday said that recognised startups have reported to have generated more than 15.5 lakh direct jobs to date, as it detailed various initiatives taken by ministries and departments to help create even more jobs and nurture young entrepreneurs in years to come.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 1,40,803 entities as startups (as of June 30), said Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Jayant Chaudhary, in a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to assist entrepreneurs in setting up new enterprises in the non-farm sector.

It aims to provide employment opportunities to traditional artisans/ rural and urban unemployed youth at their doorstep.

Since inception, more than 9.69 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with a Margin Money subsidy of more than Rs 25,500 crore, providing employment to an estimated 79 lakh people (both direct and indirect).

During the next two years (FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26), the Ministry has a target to set up 1.6 lakh new enterprises with employment generation potential for 12.8 lakh people.

Similarly, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has implemented the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

The Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) is a sub-component of DAY-NRLM.

It is expected that the supported enterprises of 3,02,825 under SVEP have created an approximate employment of 6,26,848.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched several schemes for startups, like the ‘Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs’ (TIDE) 2.0 Scheme. The TIDE 2.0 Scheme has supported 1,235 startups, generating 8,556 jobs.

Over 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the government since 2016 to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem, informed the minister.

In the Union Budget 2024-2025, the Centre has abolished the angel tax on startups, paving the way for more foreign capital to be pumped into the ecosystem and further easing the funding winter.

‘India Now Home to 1.4 Lakh Startups’

India now has more than 1.4 lakh startups, as the government continues to nurture innovation and encourage investments in the ecosystem, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed on Friday.

In a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that under the ‘Startup India’ initiative, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 1,40,803 entities as startups (as of June 30).

Over 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the government since 2016 – when the ‘Startup India’ initiative was launched — to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.

In the Union Budget 2024-2025, the Centre has abolished the angel tax on startups, paving the way for more foreign capital to be pumped into the ecosystem and further easing the funding winter.

Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Rs 945 crore was sanctioned for a period of 4 years starting from 2021-22, informed the minister.

The government also established the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, to meet the funding needs of startups.

DPIIT is the monitoring agency and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the operating agency for FFS.

The Centre also established the credit guarantee scheme for startups for providing credit guarantees to loans extended to DPIIT-recognised startups by scheduled commercial banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and venture debt funds (VDFs) under SEBI-registered alternative investment funds.

According to reports, the Indian private equity and venture capital investments in 2023 stood at $39 billion compared to $62 billion in 2022.

ALSO READ-Move to do away with angel tax positive news for startups