Security Guarantees
What initiatives has the Indian government implemented to support MSMEs and startups?
The Indian government has improved loan access for MSMEs and startups by increasing loan guarantees from 5 to 10 crore rupees for MSMEs and from 10 to 20 crore rupees for startups. With these guarantees, the government backs these loans by covering bank losses if businesses can't repay, making banks more willing to lend to small businesses. This initiative unlocks an additional 1.5 trillion rupees in credit over the next five years, significantly benefiting the 4.5 crore MSMEs that contribute 29% to India's GDP and 50% of exports.
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Think School
17:01 - 18:22
How is the government helping MSMEs and startups grow in India through recent policy changes?
The government has enhanced loan guarantees for MSMEs (up to 10 crore rupees) and startups (up to 20 crore rupees), which will unlock an additional 1.5 trillion rupees in credit over five years. The definition of micro, small, and medium enterprises has been revised with higher investment and turnover limits, allowing businesses to expand while retaining MSME benefits. Previously, businesses had to remain small to keep government subsidies and perks. For startups, the government has added 10,000 crores to the existing fund and is using a 'fund of funds' model to spread investment risk across portfolios, similar to successful models in the US and China.
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Think School
17:01 - 20:58
What are the new loan guarantee limits for MSMEs and startups in India's 2025 Union Budget?
The 2025 Union Budget has significantly increased loan guarantee limits for both MSMEs and startups in India. MSMEs can now access loan guarantees of up to 10 crore rupees, doubled from the previous 5 crore limit. Similarly, startups can now receive guarantees up to 20 crore rupees, up from the previous 10 crore limit. These government-backed guarantees make banks more willing to lend to these sectors, as the government covers potential losses. This initiative is expected to unlock an additional 1.5 trillion rupees in credit over the next five years, benefiting India's 4.5 crore MSMEs.
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Think School
17:13 - 18:15
What is required for Britain to commit troops to Ukraine, and why is US involvement essential?
The British Security Official indicates willingness to commit British forces on the ground in Ukraine alongside other nations, but only if there is a lasting peace agreement in place. However, they emphasize that a US backstop is absolutely necessary for any such arrangement. The official specifically states that a US security guarantee is 'the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again.' This highlights Britain's view that while European nations might contribute troops, American military backing remains essential for credible deterrence against Russian aggression in the region.
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WION
02:42 - 03:05
Why do Ukrainians feel a sense of betrayal regarding US-Russia negotiations?
Ukrainians feel betrayed because the US and Russia held talks in Riyadh without Ukraine's involvement, despite the discussions directly concerning Ukraine's future. The Ukrainian position has consistently been that any talks about Ukraine without Ukraine's participation are unacceptable. This sense of betrayal is compounded by dwindling resources - with reduced flow of money and arms compared to the Biden administration era. The situation creates anxiety as Ukrainians fear a deal might be struck between the US and Russia that would go against Ukraine's constitution, which clearly defines the country's borders. Any agreement that doesn't restore Ukraine's pre-February 24, 2022 territories would be viewed as a loss by the Ukrainian public, something they are not prepared to accept.
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WION
04:09 - 06:28
What is Russia demanding regarding Ukraine's future status?
Russia demands that Ukraine become a demilitarized neutral state that is not part of any military blocks or alliances, particularly NATO. According to the Russian diplomatic representative, it was specifically the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO that triggered the current crisis, a point they claim is now acknowledged by US officials including President Trump. Kyiv has rejected these conditions, emphasizing that without proper security guarantees, Russia could launch another invasion. This concern is shared by European leaders who view these demands as threatening Ukraine's sovereignty and European security. The fundamental dispute centers on Ukraine's right to determine its own security arrangements versus Russia's insistence on maintaining a neutral buffer state.
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WION
02:13 - 02:43