FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Rs 35 lakh revenue from Rs 500 service: Two Hyderabad childhood friends built an app helping NRIs hire personal assistants in India
Two Hyderabad childhood friends, Nishant Parepalli and Shashank Veer Pothaduri, launched Shoppin in 2023. The startup connects customers in over 20 countries with personal shoppers and assistants in India. Starting at Rs 500, its services include shopping, property checks and paperwork. The company reported Rs 33 lakh revenue in FY26 and Rs 35 lakh between April and October 2026.
17-year-old Indian chess player faces US visa delays, Rs 50 lakh debt and scholarship uncertainty despite two GM norms
Indian chess prodigy Md Imran is caught in a frustrating situation as US visa delays threaten his scholarship. Following the loss of his passport during a tournament in Slovakia, he has encountered numerous visa application challenges. Despite his remarkable achievements in chess, this predicament has heightened his stress and adversely impacted his gameplay.
Stubble Burning: BKS seeks MSP for crop residue, withdrawal of fines against farmers
The farmers' organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of fines imposed and FIRs registered against farmers over stubble burning
USDA SNAP rule change: 6.3 million Americans face food stamp cuts as $44 billion savings plan targets 46 states; could children also lose automatic free school meals?
The USDA wants to end a food stamp eligibility rule that could leave 6.3 million Americans without SNAP benefits. The proposed change targets 3.2 million households across 46 states and could save the federal government more than $44 billion from 2027 to 2031. But the impact goes beyond food aid, as millions of families could also lose automatic access to free school meals.
Cabinet extends Stand-Up India Scheme till 2031, approves Rs 4,111 crore corpus to support 2.5 lakh more entrepreneurs
The Union Cabinet has extended the Stand-Up India Scheme to support women and marginalized entrepreneurs. This extension will last for five years, ultimately reaching till March 31, 2031. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to an additional 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs during this period. Eligible entrepreneurs can avail loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore with significant loan coverage.
Assam Cabinet approves Rs 200 crores for Ayushman Asom, enhances ex-gratia for Samagra Shiksha Employees
The Cabinet approved an enhancement of the one-time ex-gratia assistance payable to the families of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan employees in the event of their unfortunate death. The assistance has been increased from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs. 7.5 lakh, providing greater financial support to bereaved families.
Rs 84,084 crore incentive on offer, but India's deepsea oil exploration bids delayed again
Introduced in 2016 under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy, OALP sought to replace the government-driven identification of exploration blocks with an investor-led system that allows companies to nominate acreage they wish to explore.
Why does Pakistan keep getting IMF bailouts despite terrorism allegations? Gita Gopinath explains
Why does the IMF continue to bail out Pakistan despite its repeated borrowing history and terrorism-related allegations? Former IMF deputy managing director Gita Gopinath explains who decides lending approvals, why economic distress matters and how member countries exercise voting power. Here's a look at Pakistan's 25 IMF arrangements and the world's biggest borrowers.
Manipur government releases Rs. 5.88 crore as festival relief for 58,863 IDPs
The Government of Manipur released Rs. 5,88,63,000 to assist 58,863 Internally Displaced Persons for festive celebrations. This financial assistance amounts to Rs. 1,000 per eligible individual and was transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer. The funds were allocated to Deputy Commissioners in ten districts for timely distribution after verification. Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed gratitude for the government's efforts and extended Diwali greetings to citizens.
Andhra CM Naidu orders immediate financial aid for Cyclone Murasu-hit families, steps to curb price rise
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance to families affected by Cyclone Murasu, ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and curb price rise. The state has distributed relief supplies to 3.8 lakh families, while power restoration and crop damage assessments remain underway.
India may lower shipbuilding subsidy localisation threshold to 20% to attract foreign investors
The government is considering lowering the minimum domestic-content threshold for shipbuilding incentives from 30% to 20%, with a full subsidy payout linked to 40% localisation. The proposed relaxation, conditional on firm investment milestones, could benefit South Korea's HD Hyundai, which plans a $4 billion greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu.
CTI calls for round-the-clock fire engines and ₹100 crore fire assistance for Delhi markets
The Chamber of Trade and Industry has called for round-the-clock fire engine deployment in 20 crowded markets. This request follows a significant fire incident affecting multiple shops in Karol Bagh's Gaffar Market. Advocating for a ₹100 crore relief fund, CTI aims to assist small traders impacted by fire disasters. Fire safety in commercial areas during festive seasons like Diwali remains a major concern for traders.
Centre releases Rs 1.09 lakh crore to states five days early, UP gets biggest share
The Centre has released Rs 1.09 lakh crore to state governments as tax devolution, advancing the November instalment by five days to support capital expenditure and welfare commitments. Uttar Pradesh received the largest allocation at Rs 19,208 crore, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. November's total transfer stands at Rs 2.18 lakh crore.
Who is Marisela Nuno? California woman, 53, charged with wire fraud and money laundering in $18 million COVID relief case
In a startling development, Marisela Nuno of Los Angeles has been indicted for allegedly frauding federal programs out of $18 million. She purportedly submitted misleading information across various applications aimed at pandemic relief. Currently facing three wire fraud charges and one related to money laundering, Nuno risks a lengthy prison term if convicted. The investigation into her actions underscores the serious issue of pandemic relief fund exploitation.
Cabinet clears Rs 3,788 crore to strengthen 850 fast-track courts for rape, POCSO cases
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of 850 Fast Track Special Courts for quick disposal of cases. The scheme aims to cover additional districts with high numbers of pending rape and POCSO cases. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor, and support staff. Financial assistance will be provided to states and Union Territories to cover operational costs.
Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for 19,524 tea garden workers ahead of Diwali
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for tea garden workers. The government is considering increasing rice allocation from 35 kg to 50 kg for these workers. Adhikari emphasized the commitment to reopen closed tea gardens for better employment opportunities. He also mentioned upcoming employment benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana for eligible workers.
Karnataka seeks Rs 22,400 cr drought relief from Centre, urges early release
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has requested Rs 22,400.58 crore in drought relief from the Centre. He emphasizes the urgency for the Prime Minister and union ministers to approve the funds. The revised memorandum indicates that 226 taluks suffered from drought, affecting millions of hectares of crops. Parameshwara critiques the insufficient assistance rates and seeks updated data for beneficiaries.
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces special package for families affected by Cyclone Arnab
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled a comprehensive relief strategy for families ravaged by Cyclone Arnab. Affected households will receive 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 in financial aid. The assistance framework includes compensation for losses in crops, property, and housing, alongside support for small businesses and street vendors, reflecting the government's commitment to restore community stability in the wake of the cyclone.
BITS Pilani opens scholarship doors wider, offers full fee waiver to top 1,000 rankers
BITS Pilani will offer full four-year tuition scholarships to candidates ranked among the top 1,000 in BITSAT from 2027, subject to an annual family income ceiling of Rs 20 lakh and a minimum CGPA of 7.5. The expansion follows a 50% rise in admissions from the top 1,000 rankers in 2026.
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