funding winter

North Korea's Naegohyang Women's FC arrived in South Korea for the Asian Champions League semi-finals, marking the first sports delegation visit in eight years. The team will face South Korea's Suwon FC Women, with high public interest despite ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

Fintech startup Parker, known for its corporate credit cards and banking services for e-commerce businesses, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Despite raising over $200 million, the company reportedly shut down abruptly after acquisition talks failed. This leaves its small business customers in a difficult situation regarding access to funds.

For the first time in 72 years, the BBC will not broadcast the Commonwealth Games. Channel 5 will air daily highlights of the Glasgow 2026 event, following TNT Sports securing live rights. This shift reflects the BBC's financial pressures and a strategic pivot towards digital content, while Channel 5 expands its sports offerings.

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to end funding for LIV Golf after 2026 has sparked wider scrutiny of its global sports spending. However, TKO Group executives insist Saudi backing for UFC, WWE and boxing remains secure, with planned events in the Middle East continuing. The move reflects a possible strategic shift within the Public Investment Fund amid rising costs and changing priorities.

Jaisalmer now boasts year-round air connectivity with the launch of a summer-schedule flight from Jaipur, a Public-Private Partnership initiative. This service, operating twice weekly, aims to boost off-season tourism by reducing travel time and promoting new experiences, positioning the desert city as an all-weather destination.

99 Household Units Set Up Across Panchayat

The critically endangered mountain pygmy possum, weighing as much as a golf ball, faces extinction due to climate change impacting its alpine habitat and food sources. Researchers are implementing a radical breeding program in a warmer lowland sanctuary to re-acclimatize the species, offering a new approach to conservation in the climate era.

Jaisalmer's tourism is set for a year-round boost as Alliance Air launches summer flights from May 3, breaking seasonal limitations. A unique public participation model, the "Jaisalmer Model," revives services by local stakeholders covering potential airline losses. This initiative aims to transform the desert city into a consistent tourist hub, benefiting various local businesses and communities.

India is experiencing extreme heatwaves, with temperatures soaring and heatwaves arriving earlier and with greater intensity. This is exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to strengthen. The heat poses significant health risks and economic challenges, impacting daily life and livelihoods across the nation. Adaptation and mitigation strategies are crucial for navigating this growing crisis.

In a landmark decision, the European Union has greenlit an impressive €90 billion loan to Ukraine alongside a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia, effectively breaking a prolonged deadlock. This vital financial support, designated for military and fiscal stability, follows Hungary and Slovakia's recent agreement to resume oil flows through a major pipeline.

The government is reportedly planning to raise the foreign direct investment cap in the pension sector to 100%, mirroring the insurance industry's recent liberalization. A bill to amend the PFRDA Act is anticipated in upcoming parliamentary sessions. This move aims to boost foreign investment and potentially separate the NPS Trust from the PFRDA, according to sources.

Raising a child in India is a significant financial undertaking, with costs escalating due to inflation and education expenses. Parents face the challenge of balancing everyday needs with long-term savings for their child's future, often requiring sacrifices and careful financial planning from early on.

A year after a devastating terror attack claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, the valley grapples with lingering fear and a fractured tourism economy. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military action, and extensive diplomatic efforts. While security has been bolstered, the region's recovery remains fragile, with businesses and residents still navigating the profound impact of the violence.

A significant portion of funds allocated for India's National Clean Air Programme remains unspent in over half of the 130 non-attainment cities. Despite worsening air quality, many cities, including those in the NCR, have utilized less than 50% of their grants, raising concerns about administrative delays and accountability gaps. Experts warn this inefficiency jeopardizes tangible improvements in air quality.

Harvey Weinstein faces a new rape trial in New York, focusing on an alleged 2013 incident with Jessica Mann. Prosecutors may introduce a controversial remark Weinstein allegedly made. This retrial, expected to last six weeks, follows overturned convictions and a mixed verdict in a previous case. Weinstein denies all accusations.

India's annual PM2.5 levels dipped slightly in 2025 but remain nearly ten times the WHO guideline, ranking the country sixth most polluted globally. Despite incremental gains, cities like Mumbai still face pollution far exceeding safety norms, with Loni in Uttar Pradesh emerging as the most polluted.

Things are getting worse at India’s oldest private airline. As its operational capacity has reduced significantly, people are being furloughed, salaries are delayed by up to two months or more and outstanding dues including GST, TDS and PF are piling up.

Oracle is laying off at least 10,000 employees—potentially up to 30,000—as it struggles to manage the cash demands of a $300 billion cloud computing deal with OpenAI. The cuts, Oracle's largest-ever restructuring, span divisions including Oracle Health, Cloud, Sales, and NetSuite. With debt exceeding $100 billion and free cash flow deeply negative, the company is slashing its workforce to fund Larry Ellison's AI data centre ambitions.

Four pioneers, the "Godfathers" and "Godmother" of AI, built the foundations of deep learning through decades of persistent research. Their work on neural networks, despite initial skepticism, revolutionized fields like computer vision and natural language processing, leading to today's AI-powered world. Their journeys highlight the impact of believing in overlooked ideas.

Across the US, from small towns to big cities, protesters turned out in millions over war, prices and immigration crackdowns. Does this moment signal a real shift?

NCR cities, led by Loni, dominated India's 2025 pollution charts with high PM2.5 averages. Despite some improvements, Gurgaon and other regional centers remained severely polluted, exceeding safe limits. Global and national reports highlighted persistent air quality issues, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital for the eighth consecutive year.

Leos, get ready for a day filled with soaring self-assurance and promising financial opportunities! Your older siblings will be there to lend a helping hand, while social engagements will call for your most graceful demeanor. When it comes to romance, it’s the little things that matter most today—singles, remember to be upfront yet gentle.