Over 2.5 Lakh Startups In India, Direct Benefit Transfer Curbs Graft, Renewable Capacity Reaches 300 GW

A major address highlighted India's transformative socio-economic and technological growth over the past decade. The number of startups in the country has surged from a few hundred prior to 2014 to over 2.5 lakh, with nearly half emerging from tier-2 and tier-3 towns and over 45 per cent featuring at least one woman director or partner. Through the JAM Trinity and Direct Benefit Transfer mechanisms, targeted delivery of welfare assistance directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts has curtailed corruption and empowered citizens, contributing to lifting 25 crore people out of poverty. On the global stage, vaccine supplies to more than 100 countries during the pandemic showcased an approach anchored in compassion alongside competition. Significant strides in green transition were underscored, with renewable energy capacity expanding nearly fourfold from 75 gigawatts in 2014 to nearly 300 gigawatts, bolstered by initiatives like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Amid persistent global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical friction, and emerging artificial intelligence shifts, the emphasis remains on fostering international trust and reliable partnerships.