State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 09 Sep 2025

Maharashtra’s Startup Policy 2025

Why in News?

The Maharashtra government has launched the Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025, aiming to foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

• The policy's goal is to nurture 1.3 lakh entrepreneurs and recognize up to 50,000 startups within the next five years. 

Key Features of Maharashtra’s Startup Policy 2025

• Innovation City Development:
  • A 300-acre Innovation City will be established to provide a collaborative space for startups, corporations, investors, and academia.
  • The city will act as a hub for cutting-edge research, fostering innovation through collective efforts from industry experts, researchers, and startups.
• CM Maha Fund:
  • The state government will launch the CM Maha Fund with an allocated corpus of Rs 500 crore over five years, aimed at supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
  • A target of creating 25,000 successful entrepreneurs/innovators has been set, with loans ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh being offered in collaboration with financial institutions.
• Venture Funds:
  • The government will establish a venture fund dedicated to supporting deep-tech startups and women-led businesses that focus on innovative and scalable solutions.
  • This sector-agnostic fund aims to empower startups that create high-impact innovations and foster sustainable employment.
• Loan Assistance:
  • A partnership with financial institutions will be established to support startups with loans against confirmed work orders from reliable clients such as government bodies and large corporations.
  • This initiative is designed to resolve cash flow issues and help startups scale their operations while enhancing their credibility in the market.
• Incubation Support:
  • The policy also focuses on strengthening incubation centers across the state, offering funding assistance of up to Rs 5 crore per center.
  • A dedicated capacity-building program will be launched to enhance the capabilities of these centers, fostering a strong regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.

World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day

Why in News?

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, observes World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day every year on 7th September.

Key Points

• About: The UN General Assembly designated 7 September as World Duchenne Awareness Day starting in 2024.
  • The day focuses on fostering global solidarity, awareness, and empathy towards affected individuals and families.
• Theme 2025: This year’s theme, “Family: The Heart of Care,” highlights the vital role of families in providing love, support, and resilience for those with DMD, while fostering inclusion, awareness, and community support.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

• DMD is a rare, progressive genetic disorder caused by mutations on the X chromosome leading to the absence of dystrophin, a muscle-protecting protein.
• It is named after Dr. Duchenne de Boulogne, who detailed the condition in the 1860s.
• This primarily affects males, as they have a single X chromosome.
• Symptoms begin with difficulty in walking, followed by progressive weakening of motor functions.
• Over time, the disorder affects the ability to breathe and impacts the heart (a muscle itself).
• Dystrophin also plays a role in the brain, which can lead to learning and behavioral challenges.
• The average age of diagnosis globally is above 4 years, with a diagnostic delay of ~2.5 years despite parents noticing symptoms earlier. Some symptoms may appear in very young children.