Delhi announces collateral-free loans for women-led startups up to ₹10 crore
The Delhi government announced collateral-free loans up to ₹10 crore for women self-help groups and women-led startups on 17 May 2026, with the government acting as guarantor. The policy was unveiled at the Mega Self Help Group Mela-2026 in northwest Delhi and aims to widen institutional credit access for women entrepreneurs. Eligible enterprises span handicrafts, food processing, home-based manufacturing, khadi products, fashion, small-scale retail, and digital businesses. The scheme seeks to bolster women’s livelihoods and micro-enterprise growth by simplifying access to formal credit, expanding market opportunities and strengthening financial inclusion for women-led enterprises.
Policy announced on 17 May 2026; collateral-free loans up to ₹10 crore.
Delhi government acts as guarantor for loans to women SHGs/startups.
Event: Mega SHG Mela-2026 in Rohini; 24 SHGs participated.
Sectors covered include handicrafts, food processing, khadi, fashion, and digital services.
Aim: enhance access to formal credit and women-led enterprise growth.
May 12, 2026
Tamil Nadu forms Singappen Special Task Force for women’s safety
Tamil Nadu announced the Singappen Special Task Force on 11 May 2026 to enhance women’s safety. The unit operates under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who took office on 10 May 2026. The task force has 36 sanctioned posts and is led by an Inspector General of Police, with officers and staff at various ranks. Its mandate is to identify vulnerable and crime-prone areas, conduct surveillance, and deploy personnel in places frequently visited by women, such as bus stands, railway stations, and educational institutions. The force will handle complaints and coordinate rescue and awareness initiatives with government departments and NGOs.
Singappen Task Force formed on 11 May 2026 in Tamil Nadu.
36 sanctioned posts; led by an Inspector General of Police.
Focus on women’s safety and preventive protection.
Operations include surveillance near bus stands and stations.
Will coordinate with departments and NGOs for awareness.
May 11, 2026
Delhi launches Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Aftercare Scheme for Young Persons on 10 May 2026. The Delhi government has allocated Rs 3.5 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. The scheme applies to young persons leaving childcare institutions and orphanages after attaining 18 years. It functions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and will be implemented by the Women and Child Development Department. Eligible beneficiaries receive support for higher education, skill development, vocational training, internships, and employment opportunities, plus a monthly stipend, mentoring, counselling, career guidance, and rehabilitation. A State Aftercare Committee will oversee policy-making, with district committees; Delhi has 88 Child Care Institutions and two aftercare homes.
Implementation under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 by WCD Department.
Budget for 2026-27: Rs 3.5 crore; 88 institutions and two aftercare homes.
Benefits include education, skills, internships, stipends, mentoring, and career guidance.
May 09, 2026
World Thalassemia Day 2026 highlights undiagnosed cases
World Thalassemia Day 2026 is observed on 8 May to raise awareness about this inherited blood disorder, with a focus on prevention, early detection, and quality care. The theme is 'Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen.' The day underlines the burden borne by carriers and patients who are often invisible to the healthcare system until a crisis occurs. Campaigns emphasize screening, genetic counseling, accessible treatment, and psychosocial support. Health authorities, NGOs, and communities coordinate awareness programs, newborn screening, and education for families to reduce severe disease and improve outcomes for those living with thalassemia.
Observation date: 8 May 2026
Theme: Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen.
Focus: Early detection, prevention, and quality care
World Asthma Day 2026 was observed on 5 May 2026 worldwide. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) set the theme: Access to anti‑inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need. Health experts highlight that inhaled corticosteroids are essential for controlling airway inflammation and improving quality of life, not just quick‑relief inhalers. The day calls for awareness, early diagnosis and affordable, widely available treatments. Antimicrobial stewardship and patient education remain critical to reducing severe asthma outcomes and improving long‑term disease management.