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Cabinet approves Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund for space sector startups

Established as part of the 2020 space sector reforms, IN-SPACe was created by the Government of India to facilitate private sector participation in space activities.

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The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved setting up of a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund to help space sector startups, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups in the sector and will accelerate the private space industry’s growth.

It will also push advancements in space technology and strengthen India’s leadership through private-sector participation, the government said.

The capital infusion will also create a multiplier effect by attracting additional funding for later-stage development.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Excellent news for the space sector! The Cabinet’s decision on establishing a Venture Capital Fund dedicated to the space sector will have a phenomenal impact on the youth. It will give opportunities to several innovative minds and add momentum to our space programme.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said PM Modi has infused new force into the growth of the Indian space sector by deciding to set up a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund in the Union Cabinet.

The fund, under the aegis of IN-SPACe, will fortify Bharat’s leadership in the space sector by creating a multiplier effect by attracting new investments while spurring the growth of the existing companies, he said in a post on X.

As per the government’s plan, the proposed Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund is expected to have a deployment period of up to five years from the start of the fund operations.

It is anticipated that the average deployment amount could range from Rs 150-250 crore per year, depending on the investment opportunities and fund requirements.

The proposed break-up for the Rs 1,000 crore fund’s deployment on a financial year basis such as Rs 150 crore for 2025-26, Rs 250 crore for each financial year starting from 2026 till 2029, and Rs 100 crore for 2029-30.

Established as part of the 2020 space sector reforms, IN-SPACe was created by the Government of India to facilitate private sector participation in space activities.

The proposed Rs1,000 crore venture capital fund under IN-SPACe aims to support the growth of India’s space economy, which is currently valued at S8.4 billion, with a target to reach $44 billion by 2033.

This initiative is essential to address the critical need for risk capital, given the hesitation of traditional lenders to fund startups in the high-tech space sector.

Furthermore, as nearly 250 space startups have emerged across the value chain, timely financial support is crucial to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas. The proposed government-backed fund is expected to enhance investor confidence, attract private capital, and demonstrate the government’s commitment to advancing space reforms.

Additionally, it will function as an “Alternative Investment Fund” under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale for further private equity investments.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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