The Delhi government has announced collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore for women-led startups and self-help groups (SHGs), with the government set to act as guarantor for eligible applicants. The announcement was made by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the inauguration of a two-day Mega SHG Mela in Rohini.

The initiative is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs and small home-run businesses that often face difficulties in securing institutional credit due to the lack of collateral or financial guarantees.

According to the Chief Minister, the Delhi government itself will stand as guarantor for the loans extended to women-led startups and SHGs.

The announcement was made at the Mega SHG Mela organised near Rohini West Metro Station in northwest Delhi, where around 24 self-help groups showcased products including handicrafts, khadi items, crochet work, food products and household goods.

Focus on women entrepreneurship

The scheme is expected to benefit women entrepreneurs operating small businesses in sectors such as tailoring, handicrafts, beauty services, food processing and retail ventures. Many such businesses rely heavily on personal savings or informal borrowing because access to formal bank credit remains limited.

The Delhi government also said it plans to create dedicated retail opportunities for locally made products in malls and major shopping complexes across the capital to improve market access for women-led businesses.

During the event, Rekha Gupta highlighted initiatives such as “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” encouraging the promotion of indigenous products and local manufacturing.

Congress leader V. D. Satheesan takes oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala on Monday along with a 20-member cabinet, as the United Democratic Front (UDF) prepares to formally assume power in the state after ten years.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge attended the ceremony.

The swearing-in marks the UDF’s return to government in Kerala following its victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Satheesan, who served as Leader of the Opposition during the previous term, has been credited with strengthening the Congress-led alliance’s grassroots campaign in the state.

According to reports, the new ministry includes several first-time ministers, with the UDF aiming to balance experience and fresh leadership in the cabinet.

Reports also said the incoming government plans to introduce measures aimed at reducing VIP culture and limiting official extravagance.

Cabinet formation and political significance

The Congress-led alliance secured a decisive mandate in the Kerala Assembly elections, defeating the Left Democratic Front government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.

Satheesan’s elevation to the top post comes after days of internal consultations within the Congress leadership over the chief ministerial choice.

The incoming administration is expected to finalise portfolio allocations shortly after the oath-taking ceremony.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced that students in Classes 9 and 10 will be required to study three languages from July 1, 2026, as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.

Under the revised structure, students will study languages under the R1, R2 and R3 format. The board has clarified that two of the three languages must be Indian languages.

However, CBSE has stated that there will be no Class 10 board examination for the third language, also referred to as R3, during the initial phase of implementation.

What the new language structure means

According to the updated curriculum framework, students will choose three different languages. The same language cannot be selected at more than one level simultaneously.

The board has explained the structure as:

• R1: Any language offered by CBSE
• R2: A language different from R1
• R3: A third language different from both R1 and R2

The move is aimed at promoting multilingual education in line with NEP 2020 recommendations.

No board exam for third language initially

CBSE has clarified that although the third language will become mandatory for Classes 9 and 10, students will not immediately face a board examination for R3 in Class 10.

Reports said the full implementation of the three-language board examination structure is expected to happen gradually over the coming years.

Schools asked to prepare for rollout

The board has already directed schools to finalise language options and upload details on the OASIS portal to ensure smooth implementation of the revised policy.

CBSE has also indicated that temporary textbook arrangements and interim measures for language teacher shortages may be introduced during the transition phase.