Thriving initiative to set up 150 rural enterprises across Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam: IIMV Field, the incubation and startup hub of the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, has partnered with the Andhra Pradesh government to strengthen women-led Self Help Group (SHG) enterprises across the state through the ‘Sampannakari’ initiative. As part of this, 150 women-led SHG enterprises from all 26 districts will be developed through a structured program over a period of two years to help them scale up and grow sustainably. IIMV Field recently presented Chief Minister N. An MoU was signed with SERP (Society for the Eradication of Rural Poverty), the state level implementing agency of the AP government, in the presence of Chandrababu Naidu. The project is being implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development. It is based on similar initiatives taken in states such as Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal with a focus on promoting non-agricultural rural enterprise development. The main objective of the program is to strengthen rural livelihoods by encouraging entrepreneurship beyond agriculture, including sectors such as food processing, small-scale manufacturing and service-based enterprises within the rural ecosystem, thereby reducing dependence on agriculture alone. Speaking to TOI, Professor M Chandrasekhar, director of IIM Visakhapatnam, said the thriving initiative was taken by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur”. “This program focuses on grassroots entrepreneurship by moving beyond the urban startup ecosystem to support rural families. It is being launched as a pilot initiative to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Additionally, it will generate insights that can inform future policy interventions and enable scale-up to larger groups in later stages. The objective of the program is to create a structured ecosystem for rural enterprise development by combining financial assistance, capacity building and sustained guidance, ultimately contributing to sustainable livelihoods and rural economic development.“Professor Chandrashekhar said. IIMV FIELD Directors Dr. M. Shamim Javed and Dr. R. Sai Shiva Jayanti said the program aims to identify and support 150 rural enterprises across Andhra Pradesh. “These enterprises can operate in a wide range of sectors including food processing, small-scale manufacturing and other livelihood-oriented activities. The primary focus is on businesses that are already operational and having a minimum annual turnover of around Rs 12 lakh. A small proportion (about 10%) may also be selected from early stage or nascent enterprises to encourage new entrepreneurial ideas,” he said. “The selected enterprises will undergo a structured incubation program for two years, during which they will receive ongoing support. This includes guidance on improving revenue streams, strengthening branding and market position, optimizing cost structures and increasing overall profitability. The program aims to enable these enterprises to achieve a targeted annual growth rate of around 15%, thereby transforming them into scalable and high-growth enterprises,” said Dr Javed and Dr Jayant. “In addition to capacity building, the program provides access to financial support mechanisms. These include performance-based ‘challenge grants’, awarded based on milestones achieved, as well as linked financing schemes such as subsidies or zero-interest loans to support expansion and working capital needs. Extensive outreach efforts have been made to ensure participation of rural communities. Pamphlets and digital resources have also been distributed in the districts to facilitate awareness and engagement,” said Dr Javed and Dr Jayant. Eligibility, Application Process and Selection Criteria for Enrichment Program• Eligibility for the program is closely linked to the Self-Help Group ecosystem. • Enterprises should be led by or associated with SHG members, ensuring strong participation of women in ownership or leadership roles. • The program primarily targets rural-based enterprises, including informal or family-run businesses. • The application process is currently open, with the closing date set for April 15. • To improve accessibility, the process is supported by a mobile-based application platform, along with AI-enabled assistance features such as chatbots and voice support to guide applicants in filling the form. • Helpline support available to resolve queries. • Initially, around 500 to 1000 applications will be shortlisted based on eligibility and professional potential. • This will be followed by detailed ground verification to assess the authenticity, scale and operational status of the enterprises. • Based on this evaluation, 150 enterprises will be finalized ensuring balanced representation across districts and regions. • To apply for the completion program – https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/bN1lgH3D • To know more about the program – iimvfield.com/sampannakaari/

A month after Donald Trump-designed war with Iran, Washington is quietly expanding its military footprint in the Middle East, sending several hundred thousand additional troops to join a growing force of Marines and Army paratroopers. US military officials told The New York Times on Sunday that the deployment was intended to give the president broader options amid rising tensions with Tehran.At present, the newly arrived commandos, which include Army Rangers and Navy SEALs, remain without any defined mission. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials said their roles were still taking shape, underscoring the fluidity of a conflict that is constantly evolving.

A video of a man dancing to a Bollywood song went viral after his private emails were hacked by an Iran-linked group, with many online speculating that it was FBI Director Kash Patel. Despite initial AI suggestions of similarity, verification revealed that the clip predates the hack and shows an unrelated man celebrating his wife’s departure.

Call it a benefit or a downside of the digital age, but content can go viral in a matter of seconds – creating laughter, outrage or confusion overnight. Right now, FBI Director Kash Patel finds himself at the center of just such a storm.As a key figure in US national security under the administration of President Donald Trump, Kash Patel’s every move is intensely scrutinized, especially amid rising tensions with Iran. Recently, a video of a man dancing to a classic Bollywood track has taken the internet by storm, with many speculating whether the dancer is Patel, as his appearance is very similar.

Snapshot of the viral video (Photo: X)

The hack that started it all

An Iran-linked hacker group called Handala Hack Team recently claimed that they have broken into the private email of FBI Director Kash Patel. According to their website, Patel “will now find his name on the list of successfully hacked victims.” They released over 300 emails, photos and documents from 2010-2019. A Justice Department official confirmed the breach, and said that the leaked material “appears to be authentic.”This has come amid America-Iran tensions. The New York Times reported that the files were posted on a site claiming Iranian ties but hosted in Russia. AP News said the hack targeted Patel’s Gmail, which had previously been flagged in a 2024 alert. None of the leaked videos match the viral clip.

It is being speculated on social media that the person seen in the viral dancing video is Kash Patel.

Following the hack, a video circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showing a bearded man dancing barefoot to the song “Sun Sahiba Sun” from the 1985 film Ram Teri Ganga Maili. Users captioned it, “The only video leaked from Kash Patel’s Gmail account.” It garnered views with humor and ridicule amid the scandal.The man is seen dancing happily in a homely environment, with food on the table and friends cheering him on. Online users immediately speculated, “Is this Patel letting loose?” Even AI tools like Grok initially pointed out “strong facial similarity (beard, hair, features, texture)”, suggesting it could fit into the so-called “personal leaked narrative”.

But what is the truth?

However, verification revealed that the video is old and has been viral on YouTube since at least 2021. It depicts an unrelated man celebrating “going to his wife’s parents’ house”. Grok later clarified, “The guy in the video… doesn’t match Kash’s known professional look in the official pictures (short styled hair, suit, FBI settings). Probably a meme clip attached to the hack story for laughs.”

Pakistan is preparing to host talks between the United States, Iran and Israel after a month-long war amid military escalation, diplomatic backchannels and competing claims of progress towards a ceasefire. Islamabad has emerged as a potential mediator, while Iran has toughened its rhetoric against potential US ground operations and President Donald Trump has claimed talks are moving forward.Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected proposed talks in Pakistan following the arrival of about 2,500 US Marines trained in amphibious landings in the Middle East. He accused the United States of preparing to deploy troops as well as sending messages about possible negotiations, and said Tehran was prepared to respond if American troops were deployed. At the same time, Donald Trump said that Washington is directly and indirectly negotiating with Iran.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Iran has paid the United States a “tribute” of 20 oil tankers, which are expected to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Monday morning. He also claimed that there have already been two “regime changes” in Iran, saying that all members of both the first and second regimes have died, while the third regime has been “very fair”. More than 3,000 people have been killed so far in the conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran and escalated into retaliatory attacks across the region. The war has disrupted global energy markets, endangered key shipping routes and spread to multiple theaters, including Lebanon and the Red Sea.

Amidst the silence of America and Iran, Pakistan came forward as a mediator.

Pakistan announced that it would host talks between the US and Iran and position itself as a diplomatic bridge between the two adversaries. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “Pakistan is very pleased that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate the talks. Pakistan will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in the coming days.”The announcement was made after a meeting of regional powers including Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad. Egypt’s foreign minister indicated that the effort was aimed at starting “direct dialogue” between Washington and Tehran.However, there has been no official confirmation from the US or Iran, and it is unclear whether the talks will be direct or conducted through mediators. Pakistan’s emergence comes after several weeks of quiet diplomacy, taking advantage of its relations with both sides.

Iran rejects talks, warns US troops will be targeted

Even as mediation efforts intensified, Iran publicly rejected the basis for negotiations under pressure. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected the proposed talks in Pakistan under the cover of US military deployment.He said Iranian forces were “waiting for US troops to arrive on the ground so they can open fire and punish their regional allies once and for all.”Iran also escalated threats, warning that it could target the homes of American and Israeli officials in the region. Military spokesman Ibrahim Zolfaghari cited attacks on Iranian residential areas as justification for the retaliation.

The situation on the ground has worsened as strikes intensified across the region

The hostilities on the battlefield became more intense. Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing plans to escalate the offensive and expand the security buffer zone targeting Hezbollah.In Iran, Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran, dropping more than 120 munitions on sites linked to weapons development. Power outages were reported before being partially restored.The conflict has displaced more than one million people in Lebanon. Civilians are bearing the brunt of this, with one displaced resident describing Israel as “an expansionist state”.Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels entered the conflict, launching missiles and drones toward Israel and threatening shipping routes near the Red Sea.

Strait of Hormuz tensions have shaken global energy markets

The strategically important Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a significant flashpoint. Iran’s control over the route has disrupted global oil and gas supplies, while the disruption has spread to air travel and fertilizer markets.Iran signaled limited de-escalation by allowing select ships to pass through the strait. The ships allowed included Pakistani-flagged ships, which some analysts saw as a diplomatic gesture amid ongoing tensions.At the same time, the risks of further escalation remain high, particularly with the Houthis threatening the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another vital global shipping route.

Iran proposes alternative peace terms, rejects US framework

Diplomatically, both sides appear far apart. The US has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, but Iran has rejected it and presented a five-point proposal instead.According to Iranian state media, Tehran’s plan includes stopping the assassination of Iranian officials, guarantees against future attacks, compensation and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.Iran has also publicly rejected talks under pressure, indicating that negotiations, if any, would require significant concessions from Washington.

Trump claims progress, hints at oil flow agreement from Air Force One

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone on the negotiations, even as he issued a stern warning.He said Iran had agreed to allow 20 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “as a sign of respect.”“I would just say we’re doing very well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Trump said.He said Iran responded to the US ceasefire proposal by saying, “They gave us most of the points. Why wouldn’t they do that?”“They agree with us on the plan,” Trump said, though he did not provide details.

Trump claims ‘regime change’ in Iran amid war

Trump also suggested that the conflict has reshaped Iran’s leadership structure.“I think we’ll make a deal with them, I’m sure…but we’ve had a transition,” he said.“We are working with different people than anyone before. It’s a completely different group of people. So I will consider that regime change.He further claimed that Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei “may be alive but he is obviously in very serious trouble. He is seriously injured.”

Civilian fear and displacement are increasing in conflict areas

At the ground level, fear continues to grow among citizens. In Iran, residents described frequent air strikes and uncertainty.“We don’t know at what moment our homes could be targeted,” said Razzaq Saghir al-Moussawi, who fled to Iraq. “I’m definitely scared.”Humanitarian losses are increasing in many countries due to displacement, infrastructure damage and shortages of essential goods.

Regional powers insist on guarantees and de-escalation

Gulf countries have demanded security guarantees as part of any peace agreement. UAE adviser Anwar Gargash said any agreement should ensure that Iranian attacks on neighboring countries do not happen again.He described Iran as the “main threat” to regional security and demanded compensation for damage caused to civilian infrastructure.

The war extends beyond the battlefield to cyber and economic fronts

Beyond traditional warfare, the conflict is also playing out digitally and economically. Cyber ​​operations have intensified, while sanctions and supply disruptions continue to weigh on global markets.With multiple actors involved and no clear breakthrough yet, the conflict remains fluid, with diplomacy and escalation unfolding simultaneously.