November 11, 2026 - IndiaVerve

Union Cabinet announces major push for entrepreneurship, farmers, heritage and urban infrastructure

November 11, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) for another five years, up to March 31, 2031.

The scheme provides credit guarantee coverage to lending institutions through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited against the risk of loan defaults.

Launched in January 2016, the CGFMU has played a significant role in facilitating the growth of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, according to an official statement.

According to the figures provided in the Cabinet announcement, more than 60.36 crore loans amounting to Rs 43.34 lakh crore had been sanctioned by lending institutions under the PM Mudra Scheme as of September 2026.

The fund provides guarantee support for loans of up to Rs 20 lakh extended to eligible micro enterprises under PMMY. It also covers overdraft facilities of up to Rs 10,000 provided by banks under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and loans granted to Self-Help Groups with portfolio amounts ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

The guarantee coverage will be linked to the disbursement amount in the case of working capital limits and the outstanding amount for term loan accounts. This arrangement is intended to reflect the actual risk exposure of lending institutions.

The Cabinet has also approved a reduction in the guarantee fee from 1% per annum to 0.75% per annum. However, there will be no change in the guarantee fee applicable to Self-Help Groups, which will continue to pay 0.25% for the first year and 0.50% in subsequent years.

Stand-Up India Scheme to continue until March 2031

The Union Cabinet has also approved the continuation of the Stand-Up India Scheme for another five years, until March 31, 2031. The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The extended scheme targets financial assistance for an additional 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs over the next five years.

Since its launch in April 2016, the scheme has facilitated loans to more than 2.75 lakh women and entrepreneurs belonging to SC and ST communities.

Under the scheme, eligible women and SC and ST entrepreneurs can obtain financial assistance for establishing new or greenfield enterprises.

The loans are available in the form of either a composite facility combining working capital and term loans or a term loan. The eligible loan amount is above Rs 10 lakh and up to Rs 1 crore, covering up to 85% of the project cost.

The scheme covers manufacturing, services, trading, and agriculture-allied activities, thereby providing opportunities for entrepreneurs across different sectors.

Rs 62,370 crore fertiliser subsidy approved for Rabi 2026–27

In another significant decision, the Union Cabinet has approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the Rabi 2026–27 season, covering the period from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

The tentative budgetary requirement for the season has been estimated at approximately Rs 62,370.02 crore. This is around Rs 24,417.73 crore higher than the budgetary requirement of Rs 37,952.29 crore for the Rabi 2025–26 season.

The approved subsidy rates will apply to P&K fertilisers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and NPKS grades, to ensure their smooth availability to farmers at affordable and reasonable prices.

The government said the decision would help rationalise subsidies on P&K fertilisers in view of recent trends in international fertiliser prices and the cost of inputs.

At present, the government makes 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, available to farmers at subsidised prices through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.

The subsidy on these fertilisers is governed by the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme, which has been in operation since April 1, 2010.

Considering recent international price trends for fertilisers and inputs such as Urea, DAP, MOP and Sulphur, the government has approved the NBS rates for the upcoming Rabi season.

Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum to come up at Rs 3,230 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the North and South Block Complex in New Delhi.

The project has an estimated total cost of Rs 3,230 crore and has been appraised by the Public Investment Board.

The proposed museum is envisioned as a major cultural institution showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of India’s civilisational heritage through an integrated presentation of tangible and intangible cultural traditions.

The historic North and South Block Complex will be adapted for the museum while preserving its architectural character and heritage significance. The transformation will turn the historic buildings into a public cultural institution.

Noida Metro Aqua Line extension approved with five elevated stations

The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Noida Metro Aqua Line from Noida Sector-51 to Greater Noida Sector-04 under the Noida Metro Rail Project.

The proposed corridor will cover 8.449 km and feature five elevated stations. Once operational, the extension will increase the active metro rail network in Noida and Greater Noida to 71.878 km.

The project is expected to improve public transportation and connectivity between important residential, commercial, educational and healthcare locations across the two cities.

Asika Municipality secures second position nationally in Swachh Survekshan 2025-26

November 11, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Asika Municipality in Odisha’s Ganjam district has secured the second position nationally among Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the 20,000–50,000 population category under the Swachh Survekshan 2025–26, bringing recognition to the district and the state for its efforts in urban cleanliness and sanitation.

The national award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Municipal Chairperson Binita Swain received the recognition along with Special Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department and Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Binay Kumar Dash, Project Director of Ganjam District Urban Development Agency Sameer Kumar Jena, and Asika Municipality In-charge Executive Officer Ashalata Rachamala.

The President presented the delegation with a Mahatma Gandhi statue and a certificate of recognition in acknowledgement of Asika Municipality’s performance in the national cleanliness assessment.

The achievement highlights the collective efforts of sanitation workers and the active involvement of local residents in maintaining cleanliness and improving sanitation standards across the municipality.

Their continued participation and cooperation have played an important role in strengthening the town’s sanitation practices and securing national recognition.

The achievement has also received appreciation from public representatives and district officials. Congratulating Asika Municipality, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan described the national recognition as a matter of pride for the district.

He expressed confidence that the accomplishment would provide further momentum to the district’s cleanliness and sanitation initiatives under the “Ama Ganjam, Swachh Ganjam” campaign. He also emphasised the importance of sustainable waste management and the development of clean, healthy and inclusive urban and rural areas.

The recognition is particularly significant as it reflects the importance of community participation in achieving sustainable improvements in sanitation. The contribution of sanitation workers, combined with the cooperation of residents, has been central to the municipality’s efforts to maintain cleanliness and improve local sanitation standards.

Organised under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban, Swachh Survekshan 2025–26 marks the 10th edition of India’s annual cleanliness assessment. It is recognised as the world’s largest urban sanitation survey, providing a platform to assess cleanliness and sanitation efforts across Urban Local Bodies.

The theme for this year’s survey, “Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhaayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath”, places particular emphasis on citizen participation and healthy competition among cities. It seeks to encourage collective responsibility for cleanliness and strengthen urban sanitation through greater public involvement.

Odisha para archer Payal Nag receives Rs 10 lakh cash award

November 11, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Odisha para archer Payal Nag on Wednesday received a cash award of Rs 10 lakh from the State government in recognition of her silver medal-winning performance at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026.

The award was presented to her at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, and Director of the department, Dr. Yeddula Vijay.

Congratulating the archer, Poonia said her performance had brought pride and recognition to Odisha and inspired other sportspersons in the state. He also wished her success in future competitions and reiterated the department’s commitment to promoting sports and supporting athletes.

Hailing from Balangir district, Payal has emerged as a promising name in international para archery. She made history in December 2025 by becoming the first quadruple amputee archer to compete internationally at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.

Her achievements include two gold medals at the 6th National Para Archery Championship in Jaipur in January 2025 and a silver medal at the 2nd Khelo India Para Games in March 2025.

In 2026, she won two gold medals at the World Archery Para Series in Bangkok, claiming titles in both the women’s compound individual and team events. She also secured a bronze medal at the World Archery Para Series in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.

At the 7th National Para Archery Championship in 2026, she added a silver and a bronze medal to her record.

Payal partnered Sheetal Devi in the women’s compound doubles final, where the Indian duo finished runners-up after a 141–150 defeat to China’s Xu Xueqing and Zhao Jing. The silver medal marked Payal’s international breakthrough at the senior Asian Para Games, adding another achievement to her growing career.

Payal was also honoured with the Biju Patnaik Best Upcoming Athlete of the Year Award 2025 by the Odisha government.

Odisha extends Cyclone Arnab relief to all blocks in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal

November 11, 2026 by Deepak Acharya

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has extended emergency relief assistance to families affected by Cyclone Arnab across all blocks of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts as part of the continuing relief package announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Under the latest decision, every eligible family in all blocks of these three districts will receive 50 kg of rice along with Rs. 2,500 in financial assistance.

The government has directed the District Collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal to begin identifying and verifying eligible families across their respective blocks immediately, ensuring relief reaches beneficiaries smoothly, transparently and without delay.

To facilitate the distribution of food grains, the district administrations will coordinate with the District Civil Supplies Officers and the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation for the immediate requisition and lifting of rice stocks.

The financial assistance of Rs. 2,500 per family will primarily be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer system. However, in areas where banking services have been disrupted, authorised alternative methods of disbursement will be adopted, with proper records maintained to ensure accountability.

The government has also put in place a daily monitoring mechanism to track the implementation of the relief programme. The respective District Collectors have been instructed to submit block-wise progress reports covering both rice distribution and cash disbursement to the State Emergency Operation Centre by 5 pm every day until the relief distribution drive is completed.

The latest directive, issued by the Special Relief Commissioner, aims to ensure the timely delivery of food grains and financial assistance to cyclone-affected households across the three districts.

Hijack threat note found on Air India flight at Kolkata airport; aircraft isolated

November 11, 2026 by India Verve Desk

A threatening message discovered in the aircraft’s lavatory prompted the evacuation of 93 passengers and five crew members from the Mumbai-bound flight as security agencies launched a thorough inspection.

Kolkata: A Mumbai-bound Air India flight was taken to an isolation bay at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday morning after a handwritten hijack threat was discovered inside the aircraft’s washroom, triggering security protocols and an investigation.

The flight, AI 772, operated by an Airbus A320neo, was scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 10.20 am. The threatening message, found on the mirror inside the aircraft’s lavatory shortly before departure, warned that the plane would be hijacked at 11.10 am, Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said.

According to reports, the pilot alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) after the threat came to light. Airport authorities subsequently ordered all passengers to disembark and moved the aircraft to an isolation bay for a detailed security inspection. The flight had 93 passengers and five crew members on board, according to reports.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), along with specialised airport security personnel, initiated a search of the aircraft to check for any suspicious objects or potential security risks. Security agencies and police have also begun investigating the incident to identify the person responsible for writing the threat message. Officials have not reported any suspicious object or confirmed that the threat was credible as of now.

The Kolkata incident comes days after a Bengaluru-Lucknow IndiGo flight was forced to return to Kempegowda International Airport following the discovery of a handwritten hijack threat inside its toilet.

IndiGo flight 6E451, carrying 178 passengers, had departed Bengaluru at 5.50 pm when a passenger reportedly spotted a note warning that the aircraft would be hijacked at 6.30 pm.

The passenger alerted the cabin crew, following which the pilot informed ATC and decided to return to Bengaluru as a precaution. After the aircraft landed, all passengers were deboarded and security personnel conducted a thorough inspection.

The two incidents have prompted security responses at airports in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with investigations underway to establish the origins of the threatening messages.

Five coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail in Assam, passengers safe

November 11, 2026 by IndiaVerve Staff

New Delhi: Five coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru railway station in Assam at 6.54 am on Wednesday, disrupting the train’s journey from Kolkata to Mizoram.

The Railway authorities confirmed that all passengers were safe, although a few sustained minor injuries.

According to the Railways, the incident occurred when the train was attempting to give passage to another train. However, the locomotive pilot reportedly failed to maintain control of the speed, causing the engine and five coaches to go off the tracks.

Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the accident, with railway officials reaching the spot to oversee the response. The affected passengers are being transported to their destinations through an alternative train arranged by the Railways.

Authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the derailment.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that all passengers are safe.

In a post on X, he said: “4 sustained minor injuries and are receiving care. We’re working closely with @RailMinIndia on this situation. All stranded passengers have been provided with basic necessities and alternative travel train has been arranged for the journey.”