Lenders are finding that women are less likely to default on loans than men. In FY23, women had a loan default rate of just 1.9%, while men’s rate was 2.5%. The number of women taking out loans and the size of their loans both grew in 2023. Government programs and better access to e-commerce have helped more women become part of the financial system. Banks are focusing more on offering loans to women, especially in self-help groups and joint liability groups, where women’s involvement in deposits and credit is rising.

The US has returned over 1,400 stolen antiquities worth $10 million to India, including sculptures taken from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The items, seized from New York’s Metropolitan Museum, were recovered as part of investigations into criminal trafficking networks. Around 600 more antiquities are expected to be returned soon.

The Punjab Police, working with authorities in Maharashtra, have arrested Akash Gill, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Gill, from Fazilka, Punjab, is accused of helping the shooters involved in the October 12 killing. He is now in Mumbai Police custody for further investigation.

The Congress party has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government after videos showed preparations to welcome Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak to a Jhansi hospital where a fire killed 10 newborns. The Congress accused the government of being insensitive, claiming hospital staff cleaned the compound and sprinkled lime on the road just to prepare for his visit. Meanwhile, the fire has sparked calls for accountability, with expired fire extinguishers and poor safety measures being uncovered.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming has introduced a bill that would sell part of the Federal Reserve’s gold to buy 1 million Bitcoin, aiming to reduce the national debt. The purchase would cost about $90 billion. Lummis argues that the plan wouldn’t impact the U.S. balance sheet since gold certificates could be swapped for Bitcoin. Despite support from Trump and some crypto-friendly lawmakers, critics are concerned about Bitcoin’s volatility and whether the bill will pass in Congress.

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy expresses disappointment over India’s shift to a five-day workweek, which happened in 1986. He believes hard work is key to the country’s growth, pointing to Prime Minister Modi’s strong work ethic as an example. Murthy, who worked long hours throughout his career, argues that Indians need to work hard to help the nation move forward, even though some people criticize his views on work-life balance.

The new fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire brings a fresh design, better safety features, and updated technology. It now comes with a 1.2-litre engine, six airbags as standard, and a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The cabin is spacious and feels premium, while the driving experience is smooth. With a focus on comfort and safety, the Dzire remains an affordable family car, starting at ₹6.79 lakh.

A huge fire at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, killed 10 newborns in the NICU, leading to a blame game between the ruling BJP and the opposition. The fire, caused by a short circuit, spread quickly in the oxygen-rich ward. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered an investigation and announced financial support for the victims’ families. Prime Minister Modi and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak shared their condolences and called for quick relief efforts.

India needs 2,500 universities to get 50% of students enrolled in higher education, says NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. Right now, the country has 1,200 universities, but only 29% of eligible students are enrolled. He also highlighted India’s growing digital and financial infrastructure, with plans to turn the country into a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.

Actor Disha Patani’s father, Jagdish Singh Patani, was cheated out of Rs 25 lakh by scammers who promised him a government job. The fraudsters pretended to have strong political connections and threatened him when he asked for his money back. An FIR has been filed against five suspects, but no arrests have been made yet.