fund diversion

Edtech giant Byju's founder Byju Raveendran received a six-month prison sentence in Singapore for contempt of court over asset disclosure non-compliance. This latest setback adds to the company's mounting legal woes, including fund diversion allegations and creditor claims, marking a significant downfall for the once-celebrated startup.

Marine science researchers from Berhampur University have discovered a new shrimp-like species, Elasmopus arjyaensis, from Arjyapalli, Odisha. This marks the 126th species in its genus globally and the first for Odisha, highlighting the region's rich marine biodiversity. The discovery, published in Marine Biodiversity, emphasizes the need for further study of marine amphipods along Indian coasts.

As Tasveer hosted the only official South Asian panel at the Cannes Marché du Film, Co-Founder and Executive Director Rita Meher reflects on a defining moment for the region's storytellers. She discusses why South Asian creators are moving from seeking representation to claiming space, the growing global appeal of Indian regional and independent cinema, and the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Meher also explains why access, not talent, remains the biggest barrier facing filmmakers and how Tasveer is building long-term infrastructure through funding, mentorship and distribution pathways to help creators thrive on the global stage.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library offers a new model for celebrity giving. Instead of grand events, it focuses on routine book deliveries to children. This approach tackles early literacy gaps by providing free books monthly. Public institutions now see this as vital infrastructure. The program's success lies in its consistent, community-focused delivery, building educational momentum for families.

Tech pioneer Reed Hastings and his wife donated $120 million to historically Black colleges, bypassing traditional university funds. This human-centered approach targets systemic student debt, enabling scholars to graduate debt-free and boost career momentum. The flexible funding addresses immediate needs, fostering institutional stability and unlocking student potential over building legacies.

India's market regulator is exploring ways to deepen the corporate bond market by potentially easing disclosure rules for debt-only firms. A pilot project on bond tokenisation will also be launched to boost settlement speed and transparency.

Philanthropist Jim Simons revolutionized education giving by channeling funds directly to public school teachers through fellowships. This approach combats teacher burnout and isolation, transforming teaching into a sustainable career. By investing in educators, this model fosters long-term scientific literacy and strengthens public schools, proving that empowering human potential, not just building infrastructure, yields the greatest philanthropic impact.

State-run oil companies gear up for production; CSIR scientist says airfares will rise by only Rs 100-200

President Droupadi Murmu will present 66 Padma Awards today, including two Padma Vibhushan and six Padma Bhushan honours, at Rashtrapati Bhawan. This marks the first phase of conferring the nation's highest civilian honours for 2026. A total of 131 Padma Awards have been approved this year, recognizing exceptional service across various fields.

Ronda Stryker and William Johnston's $100 million endowment to Spelman College shifts college fundraising from building-centric models to direct student support. This trust-based capital strategy prioritizes scholarships, housing, and democratic initiatives, aiming to reduce debt and enhance student mobility. The donation focuses on human equity and institutional stability, empowering students and fostering academic advancement.

Maharashtra is establishing six Destination Management Organisations to boost its global tourism competitiveness. This initiative, part of the World Bank-funded MahaSTRIDE program, aims to professionally manage and sustain the state's diverse tourism potential, from heritage to wildlife. The focus is on creating experience-driven ecosystems that benefit local communities and enhance visitor experiences, marking a significant step in coordinated tourism development.