ShuruKar: Your next business could start in your hometown

What if the next big startup came from beyond the metros? ShuruKar, a nationwide district-level movement launched in Patna on Saturday, wants to make that possible by nurturing local entrepreneurs, supporting aspiring founders and building a stronger startup culture. The initiative aims to connect people with the resources and opportunities they need to turn ideas into businesses, bringing startup support closer to aspiring entrepreneurs beyond India’s established innovation hubs.

And it’s not just about building startups—it’s about helping them find customers, too. Uttar Pradesh has approved its Startup Procurement Scheme 2026, which will give eligible startups a pathway to sell their products and services to government departments. A dedicated UP Startup E-Marketplace will list startup-built solutions for procurement, opening up potential new customers and growth opportunities for businesses across the state.

In other news, Ayurvedic personal care brand Nat Habit has raised Rs 142 crore in a Series C round led by Trident Growth Partners, with participation from existing investors and new backers Physis Capital and Hero Family Office. Founded in 2019, the startup will use the funds to expand its product portfolio, strengthen manufacturing and scale distribution across quick commerce and offline retail.

From startup funding to the big screen, Silicon Valley is also drawing Hollywood’s attention. Films are increasingly exploring the power and controversies surrounding tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Sam Altman. As AI and Big Tech face growing scrutiny, tech CEOs are becoming more complex characters on screen.

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about

Here’s your trivia for today: What is the maximum number of individuals who can share a single Nobel Prize? (Scroll down for the answer)

Women founders are often expected to stay strong, project confidence, and keep going, even when they are struggling. But behind the milestones lie anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, and the pressure to balance business with caregiving and societal expectations. On World Mental Health Day, women entrepreneurs share why resilience also means setting boundaries, asking for help, and allowing themselves to pause.

Amazon India and Flipkart have reported a strong start to their flagship festive sales, with record traffic and rising demand across categories. Shoppers from smaller cities and towns drove a significant share of activity, while electronics, appliances, fashion, and beauty emerged as key growth drivers. Flexible payment options and growing adoption of quick-commerce services also shaped shopping trends.

Answer: A maximum of three individuals can share a single Nobel Prize.

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