TICE Dispatch: India’s Policy Push Meets Startup Momentum:

India’s business-and-innovation landscape is abuzz today as strategic policy moves, global cues and startup funding announcements converge. From new import duties and maritime ambitions to equity markets and venture rounds, there’s a lot to unpack in just one day. Let’s get into the ten key stories.

Top Startup News

1. Import duty of 30% on yellow peas from 1 November

The Government of India announced a 30 % total duty (10 % basic customs plus 20 % Agriculture Infrastructure & Development Cess) on imports of yellow peas, effective for shipments with bills of lading issued on or after 1 November 2025. Shipments with bills of lading on or before 31 October will be exempt. The step comes after concerns from farmers that cheap imports were depressing domestic pulse prices.

2. Tech self-reliance emphasised at TiEcon Delhi-NCR by Commerce & Industry Minister

Addressing the TiEcon Delhi‑NCR 2025 summit, Minister Piyush Goyal stressed that reducing dependence on foreign technologies, weapons and energy sources is vital for India’s future. He pointed to India’s digital journey—from Aadhaar and UPI to 5G—and said the country must now focus on innovation in AI, quantum, semiconductors.

3. PM outlines 25-year focus on coastal growth & blue economy

In Mumbai during the India Maritime Week‑2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will prioritise the blue economy and sustainable coastal development over the next 25 years.  He cited improvements in port efficiency (container dwell times now under three days) and said large ships have been granted infrastructure status.

4. Indian stock markets slump: Sensex falls ~593 points, Nifty below 25,900

Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Thursday with the S&P BSE Sensex dropping about 0.70 % to around 84,404 and the NSE Nifty 50 declining 0.68 % to about 25,878. The dip followed global cues, including commentary from the Federal Reserve signalling limited further rate cuts, and softness across financial, IT and auto sectors.

5. Indian startup ecosystem remains active with major funding rounds

A daily funding roundup shows key deals including mobility platform IntrCity SmartBus raising INR 250 crore in Series D, fintech firm Jupiter Money securing US$15 million, and several seed rounds in biotech and AI. This indicates that despite macro-headwinds, Indian startups continue to attract investor interest.

6. Pulse price concerns spur import policy change ahead of rabi sowing

Ahead of the upcoming rabi season, import duty on yellow peas is seen as a move to support domestic pulse growers whose market prices have fallen below minimum support levels. The landed price of yellow peas was reportedly much lower than domestic varieties, prompting the government action.

7. Deep-tech focus at summit aims to boost commercialisation of research

At TiEcon, the government and ecosystem players announced initiatives such as the “DeepScale India Accelerator” and “Lab2Scale” to move research ready deep-tech (AI, robotics, biotech, spacetech) into commercialisation. The agenda underlines the shift from mere startup counts to technology sovereignty and advanced innovation.

8. Maritime & logistics infrastructure receives renewed push

With container dwell times falling and inland waterways expanding more than ten-fold over recent years, the government is positioning maritime logistics and ship-building as core sectors. Investments of about ₹70,000 crore have been earmarked for shipyards and maritime skills development. 

9. Market technicals suggest cautious sentiment despite underlying support

Chart analysts point out that the Nifty has formed a long bullish candle but remains capped around resistance in the 26,100-26,200 zone, with support pegged at 25,900-26,000. However, given current global uncertainty, market participants remain jittery.

10. Region-wise startup ecosystems evolve: tier-II and tier-III cities showing traction

Beyond the headline funding rounds, Indian startup landscape data highlights increased activity in cities beyond Bengaluru and Mumbai, including strong shows in cities like Hyderabad and in sectors such as D2C, quick-commerce and climate-tech. This signals a broadening of the ecosystem footprint across India.

Today’s mix of stories points to a few key takeaways for your coverage:

• Policy momentum is high across agriculture, tech sovereignty and infrastructure – worth deeper drills and tracking of implementation.

• Startup funding remains vibrant, but the focus is shifting deeper into tech and regionally diversified – indicating maturation of the ecosystem.

• Markets remain sensitive to global headwinds and domestic policy cues – coverage should embed both angles.