Sunday, December 21, 2025
Home Blog Page 1310

Centre Expands Mudra Loan Limit to Rs.20 Lakh, Adding ‘Tarun Plus’ to Empower Small Entrepreneurs

Naveen Tilani
-
0
Centre Expands Mudra Loan Limit to Rs.20 Lakh, Adding ‘Tarun Plus’ to Empower Small Entrepreneurs

The Indian government has revised the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), doubling the maximum loan cap to Rs.20 lakh specifically for the newly created “Tarun Plus” category, aimed at fostering growth among established entrepreneurs. This category is for those who have previously availed loans under the “Tarun” segment and successfully repaid them, a move designed to promote sustainable small businesses, according to the Finance Ministry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed this increase, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Expanding the Mudra loan limit will aid MSMEs and other small-scale enterprises by ensuring they have the financial backing necessary for expansion. It underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for business growth,” Sitharaman said during her budget address in July.

The expansion of the Mudra scheme redefines the loan categories under PMMY, initially launched in 2015. With the addition of “Tarun Plus,” there are now four categories catering to varying levels of business maturity: ‘Shishu’ (up to Rs.50,000), ‘Kishore’ (up to Rs.5 lakh), ‘Tarun’ (up to Rs.10 lakh), and the latest ‘Tarun Plus’ (up to Rs.20 lakh). These structured categories are intended to provide micro-enterprises with incremental support as they progress through stages of growth and funding requirements.

The data underscores PMMY’s impact—over 48 crore loans worth Rs.29.79 lakh crore have been issued since its inception. These loans, provided by banks and non-banking financial institutions, are available to eligible MSMEs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and individual entrepreneurs. The new Rs.20 lakh ceiling is expected to further encourage entrepreneurship, empowering those in agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors across India.

Union Finance Ministry spokespersons highlighted that “this loan increase aligns with our objective to fund the unfunded, propelling small entrepreneurs towards a self-reliant India”.

The updated loan categories offer a clear, scalable path for business owners, reflecting a shift in policy towards supporting established micro-entrepreneurs with a robust foundation, paving the way for economic and social impact across sectors.

450 Travelers Defrauded of Rs.9 Lakh in Lounge Access Scam

Naveen Tilani
-
0
450 Travelers Defrauded of Rs.9 Lakh in Lounge Access Scam

In a recent scam involving the fake “Lounge Pass” app, over 450 Indian travelers have reportedly lost a total of Rs.9 lakh, with one victim losing over Rs.87,000 at Bengaluru Airport. CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm, reported that the app lured users by promising airport lounge access, only to intercept SMS messages and siphon funds through unauthorized transactions. Travelers downloaded the app from links shared on WhatsApp, unknowingly granting it SMS permissions that enabled access to their OTPs and account details.

The case surfaced on social media, with victims recounting how scammers used call forwarding and OTP interception. In one instance, a woman reported her credit card was charged without her knowledge, suspecting the app accessed her phone settings. “The fact that 450 travelers have already fallen victim and over Rs.9 lakh has been stolen is deeply concerning,” said CloudSEK researcher Anshuman Das. “This is only one fraudulent app; similar scams may still be active.”

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Accelerates Subscriber Growth with 5G Plans and Network Expansion

To safeguard finances, experts advise travelers to download apps solely from official app stores, review app permissions carefully, and avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes. They also suggest booking lounge access through trusted credit cards or airport websites to minimize the risk of fraud.

No Easy Wins: Munde Gears Up for Tough Assembly Elections

Ashtha Upadhyay
-
0
No Easy Wins: Munde Gears Up for Tough Assembly Elections

Mumbai: In the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024, Dhananjay Munde, Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasized the gravity of the electoral challenge. “I don’t take any election lightly,” Munde asserted during a press briefing in Parli, where he filed his nomination for re-election from the Parli constituency, highlighting the demanding nature of earning voter trust every five years.

Munde, who previously defeated his cousin, Pankaja Munde, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, in the 2019 assembly elections, expressed confidence but acknowledged the competitive landscape. “It’s a fight, and no election is easy. I don’t even take the gram panchayat or municipal elections lightly,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to a vigorous campaign. His remarks reflect a keen awareness of the shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra, especially following the split in the NCP led by Sharad Pawar.

As the election approaches, Munde’s party alliance is a focal point. He noted that the NCP, under the leadership of Ajit Pawar, is currently in a coalition with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. Munde criticized the opposition, specifically the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), for not fielding a candidate against him thus far, quipping that their inability to present a challenger might indicate who is truly ensnared in a “chakravyuh” or a strategic predicament.

Also Read: The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?

Reflecting on the historical context, Munde’s victory in 2019 was significant as it showcased his political prowess in a constituency traditionally held by the Munde family. Now, with Pankaja Munde contesting in the Beed Lok Sabha seat, family ties and past rivalries add a personal layer to the electoral battle. Pankaja has expressed confidence in her chances, bolstered by family support, stating, “I will appeal for his help in the elections,” referring to Dhananjay’s influence.

As the political landscape evolves with the impending elections, Munde’s strategy seems rooted in recognizing the complexities of voter sentiment and the need for robust campaigning. The elections are not only a contest for seats but a test of political alliances and personal legacies, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown in Maharashtra.

The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?

Shaizan Shaikh
-
0
The Clash for Worli: Who Will Claim Victory—Deora or Thackeray?

Mumbai: In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Worli constituency has become a key battleground, with prominent candidates Aaditya Thackeray from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Milind Deora from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction vying for victory. Thackeray, a well-known figure and son of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, recently filed his nomination and expressed confidence in securing the people’s blessings for another term. He emphasized the positive atmosphere in the constituency, stating, “I am very confident that the people will bless me because we are about to form a government in Maharashtra for sure”.

Milind Deora, currently a Rajya Sabha MP and a former three-time MP from South Mumbai, was announced as the candidate for Worli just a day after Thackeray submitted his nomination. Deora’s candidacy is significant, given that the constituency was previously a stronghold for Thackeray, who won in 2019 by a considerable margin of over 67,000 votes. The 2024 elections, set for November 20, will see both candidates navigate the complexities of local issues and party dynamics as they seek to secure votes.

In a recent assessment, Thackeray’s performance as an MLA received mixed reviews, ranking him 29th in a legislative audit, indicating a gap between his popularity and his legislative engagement. However, he has been proactive in local initiatives, including infrastructure improvements and community projects. In contrast, Deora’s campaign strategy focuses on addressing the long-standing issues in Worli, particularly the redevelopment of old buildings and the completion of slum rehabilitation projects, which have faced delays for decades.

Sandeep Deshpande from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also enters the race, advocating for change and emphasizing local concerns, including inadequate infrastructure and the need for better education facilities. As the election date approaches, both Thackeray and Deora must effectively address the pressing needs of Worli’s diverse community while appealing to the electorate’s sentiments regarding past performances and future promises.

Also Read: Election Buzz: How Did Thackeray Jr’s Wealth Surge by Rs. 6 Crore in 5 Years?

“3,000 North Korean Soldiers in Russia: A New Threat in the Ukraine Conflict?”

Ashtha Upadhyay
-
0
“3,000 North Korean Soldiers in Russia: A New Threat in the Ukraine Conflict?”

In a striking development in the Ukraine conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on October 23, 2024, that North Korea has dispatched approximately 3,000 troops to Russia. These soldiers are reportedly undergoing training in Russia’s Far East, focusing on drone operations and other military equipment, potentially positioning them for deployment in Ukraine.

Austin, speaking during his visit to Kyiv, characterized this military cooperation as a worrying escalation in the alliance between Russia and North Korea, with Pyongyang now supplying not just arms but also personnel. He stated, “What exactly they’re doing remains to be seen,” indicating that U.S. intelligence is actively monitoring the situation. Austin highlighted that North Korea’s involvement could significantly reshape strategic dynamics, with repercussions that may extend to the Indo-Pacific region.

Further insights were provided by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), which reported to lawmakers that North Korea may aim to send a total of 10,000 soldiers by December. NIS Director Cho Tae-yong elaborated that these troops are currently receiving specialized training to support Russian forces directly on the Ukrainian front.

NATO also reacted, with spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah labeling the situation as a “significant escalation.” She noted that NATO allies are in discussions regarding the implications of North Korea’s involvement and will convene a briefing to address this development. The situation has prompted high-level discussions among U.S. and South Korean officials to strategize a response to this growing military cooperation, marking one of the most explicit alliances between Pyongyang and Moscow in recent years.

As international leaders evaluate the ramifications of this collaboration, the involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing Ukraine conflict underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new alliances.

Maha Parivartan Needed: Kharge Says BJP Left Maharashtra Farmers in Distress

Shaizan Shaikh
-
0
Maha Parivartan Needed: Kharge Says BJP Left Maharashtra Farmers in Distress

With food inflation soaring in Maharashtra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has intensified his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of being the “biggest enemy of farmers.” He attributes the rise in prices to BJP’s policies, such as export bans on essential crops like onions and high export duties on soybeans, which he says have created distress for farmers and consumers alike. “The BJP’s ‘double engine’ government has left Maharashtra’s food plates empty,” Kharge claimed, stressing that inflation in staple foods has eroded household budgets.

Also Read: Farmers ‘Abandoned’ by BJP Government, Claims Kharge

Kharge highlighted Maharashtra’s increasing farmer suicide rate and drought-related struggles, condemning the BJP’s unmet promises of a drought-free Maharashtra through a promised Rs 20,000-crore water grid project. He asserted that this project turned out to be merely a “jumla,” leaving farmers and rural regions severely affected. Reports indicate that Maharashtra has witnessed a stark decline in sugarcane and cotton production, partly due to environmental and policy challenges that, according to Kharge, the BJP has failed to address effectively.

The Congress leader also took a swipe at BJP’s handling of the dairy sector, accusing the government of ignoring the crisis facing local milk cooperatives, a lifeline for rural communities. He alleged that, instead of supporting farmers, the government favors insurance companies with substantial subsidies while farmers continue to suffer without adequate compensation. Kharge’s remarks are resonating with Maharashtra’s agrarian communities, as he calls for a “Maha Parivartan” (great change) through the upcoming elections on November 20, where the state’s 288-member assembly will be elected.

The current political battle is heating up, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, including Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, facing off against the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. As Maharashtra heads to the polls, Kharge’s rallying cries for policy changes in support of farmers and affordable food prices are anticipated to shape the political discourse and voter sentiment across the state.

(Input from Agencies)

High Alert in Sri Lanka: Are Travelers at Risk from Rising Terror Threats?

Shaizan Shaikh
-
0
High Alert in Sri Lanka: Are Travelers at Risk from Rising Terror Threats?

In response to warnings from the United States and Israel of potential terrorist attacks on tourists, Sri Lanka has tightened security measures in popular tourist destinations like Arugam Bay and coastal resorts in the south and west. Both nations issued advisories urging citizens to avoid or leave these regions due to “credible threats.” The US Embassy’s advisory highlighted Arugam Bay, a well-known surfing area on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, while Israel’s National Security Council raised its travel alert level, urging Israelis to avoid the south and west coastal areas, citing specific concerns for tourist safety.

The heightened alerts come at a crucial time for Sri Lanka, which has been working to rebuild its tourism sector after setbacks from the 2019 Easter bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises. Although the exact nature of the threat has not been publicly disclosed, the US State Department’s updated advisory notes that American citizens should avoid locations where foreign tourists congregate, underscoring the risk to travelers.

In a recent statement, a Sri Lankan government official acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that security personnel had been deployed to reinforce safety in these areas. “We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both our citizens and foreign tourists,” the official assured, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment.

In addition, Sri Lanka’s police and military are actively monitoring suspicious activities, and local authorities have reportedly set up checkpoints around key tourist areas. However, specific details of the security measures remain undisclosed, likely for operational reasons.

With concerns over tourist safety rising, these advisories signal potential shifts in travel patterns in the region, affecting Sri Lanka’s tourism economy, which had only recently started to recover. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continue to advise caution to their citizens traveling to Sri Lanka until further notice.

(Input from Agencies)

IIT Bombay Announces Major Campus Revamp to Transform Education

Ashtha Upadhyay
-
0
IIT Bombay Announces Major Campus Revamp to Transform Education

Mumbai: In a significant move towards enhancing its educational infrastructure, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) is set to undertake a major campus expansion with an investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore. This initiative aims to increase the built-up area from 9 lakh square meters to 16 lakh square meters over the next five years, addressing the rapid growth in student and faculty numbers, which have surged from 3,000 in the 1970s to nearly 13,000 in 2023​

IIT-B’s Director, Professor Shireesh Kedare, highlighted the necessity of this expansion in light of the projected increase in student enrollment to 20,000 within the next decade. The plans include constructing new academic and residential buildings, upgrading existing facilities, and enhancing hostel accommodation from 12,000 to 16,000 rooms​

In addition to infrastructural development, the institute is embracing innovative teaching methods, such as the introduction of “flipped classrooms,” which encourage active learning and engagement. This pedagogical shift is supported by a ₹500 crore investment in state-of-the-art research equipment, enabling advanced research in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biotechnology​

The funding for the expansion will be sourced from government grants, alumni donations, and industry collaborations, reflecting IIT-B’s elevated status in global rankings. The institute aims not only to alleviate existing pressures but also to strengthen its position among the world’s top engineering institutions​

As part of its long-term vision, IIT Bombay is committed to becoming a global leader in higher education and research, with ongoing efforts to enhance the learning environment, foster cutting-edge research, and increase its societal impact

Modi-Scholz Discuss Global Conflicts, Emphasizing Peaceful Solutions

Shaizan Shaikh
-
0
Modi-Scholz Discuss Global Conflicts, Emphasizing Peaceful Solutions

In a recent meeting in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the pressing issues surrounding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi expressed India’s steadfast commitment to finding peaceful resolutions, stating, “India has always believed that problems cannot be solved by war, and we are prepared to contribute in every possible way to restore peace.”

Highlighting the strengthening ties between India and Germany, Modi noted the significance of growing collaboration in defense and security. He mentioned a newly signed agreement for the exchange of classified information, which marks a significant advancement in mutual trust. Additionally, the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty established during the meeting aims to bolster joint efforts in combating terrorism and separatism.

Chancellor Scholz, who is leading a high-level delegation to India, emphasized the need for political solutions rooted in international law to address global conflicts. Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, he remarked on the challenges of a multipolar world where no single entity oversees adherence to global rules. He warned that if Russia were to prevail in its aggressive actions against Ukraine, the consequences would extend beyond Europe, threatening global security and prosperity.

Earlier in the week, Modi reiterated India’s readiness to assist in resolving the Ukraine crisis during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS Summit. He stated, “We believe that problems should be resolved peacefully and fully support the establishment of peace and stability,” reaffirming India’s dedication to humanitarian efforts and cooperation in future endeavors.

(By Ankita Singh)

(Input from the Agencies)

Death of Nasrallah’s Heir Signals a Pivotal Moment for Hezbollah

Ashtha Upadhyay
-
0
Death of Nasrallah’s Heir Signals a Pivotal Moment for Hezbollah

 Hezbollah has confirmed that Hashem Safieddine, a key cleric and potential future leader of the group, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut nearly three weeks ago. The Israeli military reported on Tuesday that the strike also resulted in the death of Ali Hussein Hazima, the head of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters.

In a statement, Hezbollah mourned Safieddine as “a great leader and a great martyr” who led an “honorable life.” Safieddine, who was the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, was a cousin of the late Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s long-time leader. After Nasrallah was killed in a separate Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023, Safieddine had stepped into a more significant leadership role and was expected to succeed him.

The October 4 airstrike targeted areas near Beirut’s airport, cutting off communications with Safieddine. Israeli officials had previously indicated that he was a specific target due to his role in directing attacks against Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that he had been involved in planning various “terrorist attacks” and was key in Hezbollah’s decision-making.

At about 60 years old, Safieddine had a background in religious studies from Iran and was labeled a “global terrorist” by the United States and Saudi Arabia in 2017. His family connections included ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards; his son was married to the daughter of Qasem Soleimani, a high-ranking commander killed in a 2020 U.S. airstrike in Iraq.

Hezbollah has been facing increasing pressure and attacks amid rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. As the conflict escalates, the group’s leadership changes and strategic responses will be closely watched by both local and international observers.

1...1,3091,3101,311...1,346Page 1,310 of 1,346

Channel 6 Network (C6N) is redefining digital media with captivating news and entertainment content. We combine timely reporting, expert commentary, and innovative formats to bring audiences the latest stories from the world of politics, business, and lifestyle.

Company

Latest

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commissions GSL-Built New-Generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’: 2025

Business 0
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned ICG Ship Amulya—the...

Valedictory Function Proudly Held for 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and 25th Production Test Pilots Course at ASTE

Business 0
The valedictory function of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned...

High-Level Review on Delhi-NCR Air Pollution; Monthly Ministerial Reviews from January 2026

Breaking News 0
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender...

© 2026 Channel6Network.com is a division of Parashakti Ventures Private Limited. All Rights Reserved.