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.

A passenger train bound for Patna caught fire at Sasaram railway station in Bihar on Monday morning, with officials suspecting a short circuit as the likely cause of the blaze.

According to initial reports, the incident took place around 6 am when the Sasaram-Patna fast passenger train was stationed at platform number six shortly before its scheduled departure. Thick smoke was seen billowing out from one of the coaches as railway personnel and firefighters rushed to contain the fire.

The fire created panic among passengers present at the station, but no injuries or casualties were reported. Railway Police and fire brigade teams managed to bring the situation under control after emergency efforts at the spot. One coach of the train was reportedly completely damaged in the incident.

Railway authorities have started procedures to detach the damaged coach and conduct a detailed inspection before the train resumes operations. Officials said the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, though preliminary findings point towards a suspected electrical short circuit.

The incident comes a day after another fire was reported in a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam region. In that case too, passengers were evacuated safely and railway authorities later initiated a wider review of fire safety systems in coaches and railway infrastructure.

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.