J Rajmohan Pillai

PRESS STATEMENT Association of Indian Entrepreneurs (AIE) Terms 50% RoDTEP Cut as Atrocious and Unacceptable The Association of Indian Entrepreneurs (AIE) strongly condemns the decision to reduce RoDTEP rates by 50% with immediate effect. At a time when exporters — especially small exporters — are fighting for their survival and existence in highly competitive global markets, this decision is simply atrocious. It amounts to back-stabbing the very segment that sustains India’s export growth and employment generation. This move is completely unacceptable. Serious Implications for MSMEs 1. Severe Margin Erosion MSME exporters operate on thin net margins of 5–7%. A 50% reduction in RoDTEP will wipe out a significant portion of their profits, rendering many export orders commercially unviable and pushing small exporters into losses. 2. Working Capital Disruption Reduced RoDTEP credits will tighten liquidity, increase dependence on bank borrowings, and raise interest costs — at a time when credit access is already constrained for MSMEs. This will severely strain cash flows. 3. Loss of Global Competitiveness Competing nations such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China continue to extend strong export support to their industries. This decision weakens India’s price competitiveness and risks shifting orders away from Indian MSMEs. 4. Policy Uncertainty Implementing the cut with immediate effect disrupts contracts that were negotiated based on earlier rates. Exporters now face unexpected financial losses, damaging confidence in policy stability. The Association of Indian Entrepreneurs (AIE) urges the Government to immediately reconsider this decision and restore RoDTEP rates, or at the very least provide a transition mechanism to protect existing export commitments. India cannot aspire for higher export growth by weakening its MSME exporters. Protect MSMEs. Protect Exports. Protect Jobs. Narendra Modi MK Stalin Press Trust of India (PTI) Aie Connecting

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The Startup Nexus Bootcamp is a dynamic, two-week entrepreneurship program held from May 12 to May 23, 2025, at SGT University’s Atal Community Innovation Center (ACIC) in Gurugram, Haryana. This initiative is a collaboration between Startup Nexus—an incubator supported by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi—and ACIC-SGTU, aiming to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups across India. 🔍 Program Overview The bootcamp is designed to provide startups with: • Mentorship from Global Experts: Participants have the opportunity to engage with international mentors such as Mick Walvisch RM and Ignace Karthaus, gaining insights into global best practices. • Skill Development Workshops: The program includes sessions on business strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, equipping startups with essential tools for growth. • Networking Opportunities: Startups can connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, fostering collaborations and partnerships. • Focus on Women Entrepreneurs: Notably, nearly 50% of the participating startups are led by women founders, highlighting the program’s commitment to promoting diversity in entrepreneurship. The bootcamp’s curriculum encompasses masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and workshops led by industry experts, covering key topics like finance, funding, marketing, and intellectual property. 📍 Location & Accessibility The event is hosted at SGT University, located in Gurugram, Haryana. This location is accessible for participants from various regions, including those from Ateli Mandi, Haryana. 📝 Registration & Participation While specific registration details are not provided in the available information, interested startups are encouraged to visit the Startup Nexus official website or contact SGT University’s ACIC for more information on application procedures and eligibility criteria. SGT UNIVERSITY Rajdeep Singh Sohal Ignace Karthaus

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The FSSAI has announced the introduction of a new business category, Ayurveda Aahara, effective September 1, 2025. This initiative aims to license and regulate food prepared in accordance with authoritative Ayurvedic texts. - The new category simplifies the process for food businesses operating in the Ayurveda-based food sector by offering a dedicated pathway on the FoSCoS portal. - Standardized products in Category A will only require a Central License. - Other products, particularly those making health claims, will need prior approval from FSSAI Headquarters. This development is expected to enhance the regulatory framework for Ayurveda-based food products.

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Big Boost for Food Entrepreneurs: PMFME Scheme 🍱🌾 Part - 1 The Government of India is empowering micro food processing enterprises through the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme — a game-changer for India’s agri-food sector! 🇮🇳 What’s in it for you? • Credit-linked subsidy for up to 35% of project cost • Support for individual entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives • Capacity building & technical know-how • Infrastructure support: cold chains, processing units, packaging, and storage • Branding & marketing assistance This scheme is designed to formalize and strengthen existing micro food processing units, reduce food wastage, and improve value addition—fueling self-reliance and rural development. 🌾🏭 If you’re in the food business or planning to start one, PMFME is your gateway to structured growth and government-backed support. 👉 Learn more and apply: www.pcred.org Let’s make India’s micro food sector stronger, smarter, and more self-reliant! 🇮🇳 #PMFME #FoodProcessing #AgriBusiness #GovernmentSchemes #StartupIndia #MSME #SHG #FPO #AtmanirbharBharat #MakeInIndia #FoodEntrepreneurs

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