Srinagar, June 3 -- A startup has become one of the most fashionable words in India's economic vocabulary.

Politicians celebrate it, universities promote it, young entrepreneurs embrace it, and investors chase it.

Many people, however, still confuse a startup with any new business.

Under India's official framework, a startup holds a specific meaning. It is a registered entity that is generally less than ten years old, has turnover below Rs.100 crore, and is built around innovation, improvement, or a scalable business model capable of generating jobs and wealth.

That definition determines which ventures gain entry into the Startup India ecosystem and qualify for policy support, recognition, and incubation.

India's startup expansion ha...