National

Haryana Secures 7th Place in India’s Startup Ecosystem, Fueled by Women Entrepreneurs Driving Innovation

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

Haryana has risen to become the seventh-largest state in India for startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a significant milestone in its journey of innovation and entrepreneurship. With over 8,800 DPIIT-recognized startups, the state boasts a vibrant and growing ecosystem that fosters economic diversification and job creation.

Notably, a strong trend is the high representation of women entrepreneurs, with more than 45 percent of startups in Haryana led by women. This was emphasized during a review meeting of the State Startup Ecosystem and Incubator Schemes, chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi. The substantial share of women-led startups reflects Haryana’s commitment to inclusive development and gender equality in the realm of innovation.

Haryana’s role in India’s unicorn narrative is also significant. Out of 117 unicorns in the country, 19 originate from Haryana, highlighting the state’s favorable business climate, access to skilled talent, and increasing appeal to investors. Together, these strengths position Haryana as a key driver of innovation-led economic growth in India.

To support startups at various stages, the state has developed a robust incubation framework, establishing over 25 incubators across government and private universities. Additionally, there are more than 10 private-sector and 10 government-supported incubators in operation, providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and infrastructural support. Numerous institutions have also shown interest in establishing new incubation centers, further bolstering support for early ventures.

“Our vision is to cultivate a self-sustaining ecosystem where innovation thrives from grassroots to global stages,” stated Chief Secretary Rastogi. “By enhancing our incubators, we’re not just financing startups – we’re building the groundwork for the next generation of global enterprises from Haryana,” he added.

Commissioner and Secretary of Industries and Commerce Amit Kumar Agrawal announced plans to introduce a new series of schemes under the Haryana State Startup Policy 2022. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive financial and infrastructural support to government-owned, government-supported, and private incubators.

Key highlights include a capital subsidy covering 50 percent of capital expenditure (up to ₹2 crore for government institutions and ₹1 crore for private ones); financial assistance of up to ₹4 crore for the development of new Startup Warehouses or Innovation Campuses; recurring operational support of ₹1 crore per year for three years; funding for mobile application development centers with similar support structures; and lease rent reimbursement of 50 percent (up to ₹5 lakh per year for three years).

To stimulate innovation in academia, the government will provide up to ₹50 lakh for establishing incubation centers in government universities and ₹20 lakh annually for five years to cover recurring expenses. The scheme guidelines for incubators were approved during the meeting. These strategic initiatives are expected to significantly boost Haryana’s reputation as a startup hub, nurturing a conducive environment for future entrepreneurs.

The meeting was attended by various senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forests & Wildlife Department, Anand Mohan Sharan; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta; Director General of Industries & Commerce, Dusmanta Kumar Behera; and Chief Technology Officer, Nitin Bansal.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.