Top 10 Richest People in the World – 9 from the US, 1 from Abroad

Top 10 Richest People in the World: 9 Are Americans, Only 1 Is from Another Country – Here’s the List

Nine of the world’s ten richest billionaires are from the United States, highlighting America’s dominance in creating wealth. The only exception is Bernard Arnault from France, who runs the world’s biggest luxury goods empire. From tech innovators like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to investment legend Warren Buffett, these billionaires have built fortunes that shape industries, markets, and the global economy. Here’s the full updated list.

As of July 1, 2025, the world’s ten richest people are:

1.Elon Musk – The mind behind Tesla and SpaceX.

2.Mark Zuckerberg – Co-founder of Facebook (now Meta).

3.Jeff Bezos – Founder of Amazon.

4.Larry Ellison – Co-founder of Oracle.

5.Bill Gates – Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist.

6.Steve Ballmer – Former Microsoft CEO and owner of the LA Clippers.

7.Larry Page – Google co-founder.

8.Warren Buffett – Legendary investor and head of Berkshire Hathaway.

9.Sergey Brin – Google co-founder.

10.Bernard Arnault – French luxury goods tycoon, head of LVMH.

 

Elon Musk – $408.5 Billion

Age: 54 | Country: United States | Co-founder & CEO: Tesla

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, thanks to his bold ventures in electric cars, space travel, and artificial intelligence. He owns about 12% of Tesla, the electric vehicle giant worth hundreds of billions, and a 42% stake in SpaceX, one of the biggest names in commercial space technology.

In 2022, Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion and rebranded it as X, expanding his influence in social media and AI-powered communication. He’s also behind other futuristic projects like Neuralink, which works on linking the human brain to computers, and The Boring Company, focused on high-speed underground transport. His ultimate vision is to promote clean energy, make life possible on other planets, and merge AI with human life.

Mark Zuckerberg – $241.6 Billion

Age: 41 | Country: United States | CEO & Chair: Meta Platforms

Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook in 2004, turning it into one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. Today, the company is called Meta Platforms and is focusing heavily on artificial intelligence and the metaverse — a virtual reality version of the internet.

Zuckerberg owns about 13% of Meta, which makes up most of his massive wealth. Over the years, he has faced criticism and government scrutiny over privacy and data issues, but he remains one of the most powerful figures in technology, shaping how billions of people connect, share, and interact online.

Jeff Bezos – $243.6 Billion

Age: 61 | Country: United States | Founder & Executive Chair: Amazon

Jeff Bezos changed the way the world shops by building Amazon — which started as a small online bookstore and grew into a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing. He stepped down as CEO in 2021 but still owns about 9% of the company, keeping him among the richest people in the world.

Bezos also owns Blue Origin, a space exploration company, and is passionate about advancing space travel. Recently, he married Lauren Sánchez, beginning a new chapter in his personal life. Alongside his business ventures, he’s committed to philanthropy, supporting causes like climate change action and education. His journey shows how bold ideas and risk-taking can lead to extraordinary success.

Larry Ellison – $296.1 Billion

Age: 80 | Country: United States | Co-founder, Chair & CTO: Oracle

Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle, one of the world’s leading software companies, best known for its database and enterprise solutions. He owns about 40% of Oracle, which makes up the bulk of his fortune.

Beyond technology, Ellison has a passion for real estate. His most famous purchase was 98% of Lanai Island in Hawaii, which he bought for $300 million. He also served on Tesla’s board until 2022 and continues to play a big role in the tech world through his investments and strategic insights. With his vast wealth, impressive properties, and influence in technology, Ellison is among the most powerful figures in the industry.

 

Bill Gates

Age: 69 | Country: United States | Co-founder: Microsoft

Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen while studying at Harvard. After the success of their first software for early microcomputers, Gates left Harvard to focus on building Microsoft.

Today, Microsoft is the world’s largest software company. It not only develops software but also makes personal computers, runs email services, sells video game consoles, and has recently invested heavily in cloud computing. Gates’s vision and innovation helped shape the modern tech industry, making him one of the most influential figures in technology history.

Steve Ballmer – $144 Billion

Age: 69 | Country: United States | Owner: Los Angeles Clippers

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, led the company from 2000 to 2014, helping it grow its software business and expand into enterprise services. After retiring, he bought the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team for $2 billion, adding sports to his portfolio of investments.

Most of Ballmer’s wealth still comes from his Microsoft shares, which have continued to rise in value as the company remains a global leader in software and cloud computing. His career reflects both business success and a passion for sports ownership.

Larry Page – $160.8 Billion

Age: 52 | Country: United States | Co-founder & Board Member: Alphabet

Larry Page co-founded Google in 1998 with Sergey Brin, building it into the world’s most popular search engine. He later served as CEO of both Google and its parent company, Alphabet, before stepping down in 2019.

Although no longer running day-to-day operations, Page is still a major shareholder and board member, giving him strong influence over the company’s future. He also invests in cutting-edge projects like flying cars and AI technology, showing his passion for bold, disruptive ideas that could shape the future.

Warren Buffett – $142.1 Billion

Age: 94 | Country: United States | CEO: Berkshire Hathaway

Warren Buffett, often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” is famous for his smart and disciplined approach to value investing. As CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, he oversees a collection of businesses that include Geico, Duracell, and Dairy Queen, making it one of the most powerful companies in the world.

Buffett is also a major philanthropist, having pledged to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge. Known for his modest lifestyle despite his immense wealth, he focuses on long-term, ethical investments that have earned him global respect.

Sergey Brin – $153.5 Billion

Age: 51 | Country: United States | Co-founder & Board Member: Alphabet

Sergey Brin co-founded Google with Larry Page, creating the world’s most powerful search engine and a highly successful ad-based business model. In 2019, he stepped away from day-to-day management but kept significant voting power as a major shareholder.

Most of his wealth comes from Alphabet’s strong position in search, online advertising, and cloud computing. Brin also invests in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and robotics, showing his passion for innovation beyond the traditional internet.

Bernard Arnault & Family – $147.9 Billion

Age: 76 | Country: France | CEO & Chair: LVMH

Bernard Arnault is the head of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company, which owns over 70 prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Sephora. He’s the only non-American among the world’s top ten richest people, representing the global luxury fashion industry.

Arnault’s five children are also deeply involved in running the business, helping to secure its future leadership. His immense fortune shows that the luxury market, built on brand prestige and global appeal, can compete with the wealth generated by the tech industry.

                               

Together, these billionaires represent more than just personal wealth — they highlight the industries driving the 21st-century economy, from technology and artificial intelligence to luxury goods and finance. Their impact goes far beyond money, influencing global markets, shaping public policy, driving innovation, and supporting major philanthropic causes. In many ways, they’re helping define how the world works today and how it will evolve in the future.                                                       

                                                               

 Who has $400 billion?

Right now, only Elon Musk’s fortune crosses the $400 billion mark. 

Asia Cup 2025: 5 players who could be dropped as selectors

Asia Cup 2025: 5 players who could be dropped as selectors

After the conclusion of the five-match Test series against England, all eyes are on the 2025 Asia Cup, which will begin from September 9 in the T20 format.

India will be without their senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to lead the side.

However, the biggest challenge now lies with the selectors, who will have to finalise the 15-member squad while striking a balance between recent performances, fitness and workload management. Some players may be rested or dropped from the squad depending on various factors.

Mohammad Siraj can be rested

After a stellar performance in the England Tests, Mohammed Siraj emerged as India's highest wicket-taker. His match-winning spell at the Oval was a memorable moment. Given his heavy workload during the IPL and the England tour, the selectors are busy

They might opt to rest Siraj to improve his fitness ahead of the event.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to take care of Mohammed Siraj after the pacer led his team to a thrilling six-run win over England in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Siraj, 31, took nine wickets in the series decider, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, as Shubman Gill's side levelled the five-match series.

Ashwin, who will retire from international cricket in December 2024, said Siraj has not been recognised for his efforts in the past and it is time the pacer gets all the recognition he deserves.

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj led the fast bowling attack very well and was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets.

"We didn't recognise Mohammed Siraj. It's time to recognise him. He raised his hand once again; he has given a great reason. Look at his celebration, it's like he's saying, 

This is not a trailer. This is the real picture.' He's saying, Consider me a match winner.' He's reminding us what a champion bowler he is.

His bowling action, his technique and his way of working is giving him an opportunity to play all five Test matches in a series,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He further said, "He is also getting older. It is important for the team management to give him rest even from unimportant matches. He can be your No. 1 Test bowler. 

he can be your favourite Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akashdeep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. We have to build it around Mohammed Siraj and his experience."

Shubman Gill impressed with his captaincy in the England series, but his role in the T20 format is under question. With Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma already competing for top-order spots, it may be difficult for Gill to find a place in the playing XI.

The Indian cricket team is preparing for an important match against Australia in the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. On Thursday, December 26, the prestigious Melbourne Cricket

The match, which will be played as the Boxing Day Test at the ground, is expected to be a thrilling contest.

As discussions about the final XI are gaining momentum, it seems that changes are likely in the visiting team. According to reports, captain Rohit Sharma is set to return to the team and he is set to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in this important match.

part from this change in the top order, KL Rahul is expected to come in at number three, which could create problems for Shubman Gill, who has been struggling to find his place.

 According to Cricbuzz, there is a heated debate about Gill's form ahead of the Test, raising questions about whether he will be able to retain his place in the playing XI.

Gill's troubles at the crease have been worrying. Ever since his blazing 91 in the last Border-Gavaskar series at the Gabba, the right-handed batsman has failed to convert good starts into big scores on foreign soil. 

His current series has not brought him any relief either, and his performances in his two matches so far have been extremely disappointing.

After missing the opening Test in Perth with a finger injury, Gill returned for the second match but struggled to capitalise on his good start, adding to the challenges he faces in overseas conditions.

In his previous outing at the Gabba, Gill got out cheaply in the first innings and unfortunately didn't get a chance to bat in the second innings as well due to rain. 

With speculations mounting, reports from the Times of India suggest that the team management is looking at including a second spinner, and Washington Sundar is being touted as a potential option.

If Sundar makes it to the team, then Shubman Gill or his fellow batsman Nitish Kumar Reddy may have to sit out of this important Test. This decision could be a big blow for Gill, who is considered by many as a key player in India's long-term batting lineup.

 There is speculation that only two of Gill, Reddy and Sundar will be able to make it to the final team for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy likely to opt out of election

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is recovering from an injury, had a mediocre performance in the England Tests. His T20 International stats (90 runs and 3 wickets in 4 matches) weaken his claim. He may be out of this edition of the Asia Cup.

Team India has suffered another major setback ahead of the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who performed brilliantly in the third and tough match played at Lord's, has suffered a serious knee injury. A day after Cricbuzz reported the injury,

It has been confirmed that the all-rounder will not play in the remainder of the ongoing Test series in England.

This revelation comes a day after it was revealed that fast bowler Akash Deep, one of India's match-winners in the second Test at Edgbaston, could be ruled out of the Manchester Test due to injury.

He and fellow pacer Arshdeep Singh will miss the fourth Test to be held from July 23 to 27. The left-arm pacer has also been officially ruled out of the match in Manchester.

Sources had earlier told Cricbuzz that Nitish (22) has suffered a left knee injury, making his participation in the series doubtful. The exact nature of the injury is not yet clear, although it is believed to have been sustained during a mobility training session.

Cricbuzz has learned that Nitish underwent scans to ascertain the severity of the injury. On Monday (July 21), the BCCI confirmed his left knee injury and said he will return home.

On Sunday, the Indian team went to Old Trafford to meet Manchester United players and Nitish was one of those Indian players who could not make it to the famous football ground.

The obvious one was KL Rahul, but the India opener is fine and there are no concerns over his fitness.

With two more Test matches left in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the team management might have to rely on Shardul Thakur, who was preferred over Nitish in the first Test at Leeds, but the Andhra all-rounder regained his place in the next two matches.

Dhruv Jurel will face tough competition

Although Dhruv Jurel was in the squad for the home T20 series against England, his participation in the Asia Cup seems doubtful. With Ishan Kishan's possible return and Sanju Samson already being a frontrunner, Jurel seems unlikely to make it into the squad.

Amid the BCCI's decision to include N Jagadeeshan in the squad in place of Rishabh Pant, the Tamil Nadu cricketer will face tough competition from Dhruv Jurel.

However, the way things are going, it seems difficult to fit the batsman into the playing XI, with Jurel being the likely choice for this role, especially considering the nature of the match.

Team India has reached this milestone after achieving a brilliant draw in the fourth match of the five-match Test series against England. Now both the teams will face each other for the series decider in the fifth Test match.

 

Team India will miss its dashing batsman Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match. The left-handed batsman suffered a leg injury while facing Chris Woakes in the fourth Test.

Jagadeesan has no experience of English conditions yet, but he has been a strong player in the domestic circuit. On the other hand, Jurel cannot be called an experienced option for this role, as he has played only four Test matches for the team.

In a situation, where a win could help India level the series, the management

The third option for India would be in-form batsman KL Rahul, but the experienced batsman has been performing consistently well in the top order and the think tank would not like to change his position.

Moreover, after keeping wicket for so many overs, it will be tiring for Rahul to once again open the innings for the Shubman Gill-led side. The biggest concern for Gautam Gambhir & Co. will be the fitness of their main pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Earlier, the fast bowler was advised not to play consecutive Test matches in view of his workload management. Following this advice, the management gave him a chance to play three matches of the series, but now the visiting team is in a situation where Bumrah's presence can prove to be ideal for victory.

If he remains out of the match, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep are the two options available for the final match. Arshdeep Singh, who has performed brilliantly for the team in the white ball format, has not yet made his Test debut. He was not available for selection for the fourth Test due to injury.

Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi in danger

Washington Sundar failed to impress in the recent T20 series, taking only three wickets and not doing much with the bat either. Similarly, Ravi Bishnoi may also be dropped from the team due to poor form. Due to the conditions in the UAE, the selectors may prefer Yuzvendra Chahal, who has experience of playing in these conditions.

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has said that Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar may not get a chance to play in the first T20 match against Afghanistan. India is all set to take on Afghanistan at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

India will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan at their home ground. India have an impeccable record against Afghanistan in the shortest format of the game, where they have won four out of five matches and one match was a draw.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra discussed India's bowling options for the first T20I and backed Axar Patel over Sundar as the spin all-rounder. Sundar has played 40 T20Is for India, scoring 107 runs and taking 31 wickets.

 

Chopra said, "Axar will definitely play. Axar is also a left-handed batsman. If you want to play Washington Sundar by mistake, you can play another left-handed batsman. However, I don't think Washington Sundar will be able to play. I think if Axar is at number seven, then you will have to play only one spinner at number eight and that will be Kuldeep Yadav."

He further said that Bishnoi and Sundar may not be able to play in the first match of the series. Bishnoi is the second-ranked bowler in T20 international cricket.

Chopra further said, "If Kuldeep plays at number eight, then India will have to go with three fast bowlers because given the fog here, I think there can be a lot of dew. So I think there should be three fast bowlers and two spinners. There may not be room for Ravi Bishnoi and Washi."

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise to Jasprit Bumrah, saying, 'Jassi bhai, who should I target after taking 5 wickets?'

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise to Jasprit Bumrah, saying, 'Jassi bhai, who should I target after taking 5 wickets?'

Mohammed Siraj fulfilled his promise made to Jasprit Bumrah at the beginning of the 5th India vs England Test at The Oval, taking a magnificent five wickets in India's dramatic comeback victory on the final day.

Bumrah, who was rested from the final Test of the series, was released from the team on July 31. Siraj took nine wickets in the match (4/86 - first innings and 5/33 - second innings), which helped India level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 by beating England by 6 runs.

Siraj revealed that when Bumrah was leaving the team before the game, the Hyderabadi asked him to stay, saying that if he wouldn't hug his Jassi brother, then who would he hug after taking five wickets.

"Just as I told Bhai, 'Bhaiya, why are you leaving? When I take 5 wickets, whom will I hug?' He said, 'I am here, just go and take 5 wickets.' (I asked Jasprit, 'Brother, why are you leaving? When I take 5 wickets, whom will I hug?' He just said, 'I am here, you go and take 5 wickets')" Siraj revealed in a video on BCCI.tv after the day's play.

And on the final day, when England needed 35 runs to win with four wickets remaining, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna ramped up the pressure to dismantle England's lower order. Siraj took out the dangerous Jamie Smith in the second over of the day and then sent Jamie Overton back as well, ultimately dismissing Gus Atkinson.

Concluded with a spectacular Indian victory. List of major records broken during the 5th Test between India and England at the Oval.

 

The fifth and final Test of the five-match series between India and England ended on Monday (August 4) with India's victory by six runs. Ollie Pope's team failed to chase the target of 374 runs at The Oval. 

Mohammad Siraj took five English batsmen for 104 runs in 30.1 overs, and Pradeep Krishna took four wickets for 126 runs in 27 overs. With India's win in the fifth Test, the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy edition ended at 2-2. During the fifth and final India-England Test, players from both teams broke several batting, bowling, and fielding records.

Here is a look at the major broken records during the 5th Test between India and England at the Oval:

• The victory by six runs at The Oval is India's narrowest win in Test cricket by runs. The previous smallest win by runs for India in Tests was by 13 runs against the Australian team at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in November 2004.

• Joe Root became the first player in the world to score 6000 runs in the World Test Championship.

• Root has become the first player in the world to score 500+ runs three times in a Test series against India. During his playing days, Everton Weekes, Gary Sobers, Zaheer Abbas, Ricky Ponting, and Younis Khan had scored 500+ runs twice in a Test series against India.

• Root has become the first player in the world to score 24 centuries in domestic Test matches. Ricky Ponting, Jack Callis, and Mahela Jayawardene are tied for second place with 23 centuries in domestic Tests.

 • Root has become only the second batsman to score 2000+ runs in home Tests against the same team. Bradman ended his career with 2354 runs in 18 Tests against England in Australia, while Root has scored 2111 runs in 20 Tests against India in England.

Root has become the first English batsman to score 13 Test centuries against the same team. During his playing days, Jack Hobbs made 12 Test centuries for England against Australia. Now only Don Bradman has scored more Test centuries (19 against England) against

 the same team than Root. Root has 7329 runs in 84 Tests played to date in England, which is more than Sachin Tendulkar's 7126 Test runs in India. Only Ponting (7578 runs in 92 matches) has scored more runs than Root in home Tests.

• Shubman Gill broke Graham Gooch's record for most runs scored in the Test series played between India and England. Gill scored 21 and 11 runs in the two innings of the Oval Test, bringing his total runs to 754. Gooch played three Tests against India in 1990 and scored 752 runs.

 During his innings of 21 runs in the first batting, Gill broke Sunil Gavaskar's record for the most runs scored by an Indian captain in a Test series. Gavaskar played six Test matches against the West Indies in 1978-79 and scored 732 runs.

 Ravindra Jadeja scored 53 runs off 77 balls in the second innings of the Oval Test. Jadeja concluded the series with six 50+ scores in five matches. He is the first player to record six 50+ scores in a Test series played between India and England.

        

India scored 224 runs in the first innings and 396 runs in the second innings of the fifth Test. A total of 620 runs at The Oval brought the Indian team's total score to 3809 runs, which is the highest runs scored by any team in a five-match Test series. Only Australia has scored more runs (3877 in the six-match Ashes series of 1993).

In the second innings, during his innings of 53 runs, Jadeja surpassed a total of 500 runs in the ongoing series. For the first time in history, three Indian batsmen have scored more than 500 runs in a Test series.

Siraj took four English batsmen out in the first innings and five in the second. He is the first Asian bowler to dismiss at least four batsmen seven times in Test matches played in England.

         

Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett added 92 runs for the first wicket in the first innings and 50 runs in the second innings. They have now added 50+ runs for the first wicket against India nine times in Tests, which is one more than the score of 8 by Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge.

           

Crawley and Duckett became the second opening pair after Hens and Greenidge to add over 1000 runs as openers against India in Test matches.

        

Akash Deep scored 66 runs for India in the second innings batting at number 4 as a nightwatchman. He is the third Indian, after Syed Kirmani (101* against Australia in 1979) and Amit Mishra (50 against Bangladesh in 2010, 84 against England in 2011), to score fifty runs as a nightwatchman.

Famous for friendship

 Famous Krishna also acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's role, stating that the mutual relationship during the game built a foundation of trust in the matches. Famous spent a considerable amount of time with Bumrah during their rehab at NCA in 2023. 'Booms (Bumrah) has been a big part of it. 

I think it's very important for us to enjoy each other's success; there should be conversations off the field so that when you are on the field, while talking to each other, you have a connection between you.'

            

Have faith. That is the only thing that will make the team better,” Praseed said. Pacers.

         

India played a leading role in winning an exciting match at the Oval.

On a small but exciting day at the Oval, 5 helped India take the last four wickets, bringing the series to a tie at 2-2.

Both teams entered Day 5 clearly seeing victory in sight - England needed just 35 runs, while India required 4 wickets. Jamie Overton quickly attempted to change the momentum, putting pressure on India with two rapid boundaries. However, Mohammad Siraj made a brilliant comeback, dismissing Jamie Smith and providing India with the much-needed breakthrough.

Siraj then spectacularly trapped Jamie Overton, getting him out LBW and strongly shifting the momentum in favor of India. Soon, Prasidh Krishna also joined the action with a fast yorker that bowled Josh Tongue, bringing India closer to a famous victory.

Chris Woakes battled valiantly despite a shoulder injury, taking to the field and keeping England's hopes alive. Atkinson hit a six against the flow of the game, reducing the target to just 11 runs. Ultimately, Mohammed Siraj knocked back Gus Atkinson's off-stump, securing a memorable win for India by a very narrow margin - just 6 runs - and excitingly leveling the series at 2-2.

 

PM Modi met with President Murmu.

 PM Modi met with President Murmu.

New Delhi, August 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu here at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday. Details of the meeting were not immediately available. The Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X, "Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan." 

This meeting took place amid a stalemate in Parliament over the opposition's demand for a discussion on a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar. Since the start of the monsoon session on July 21, there has been little action in Parliament apart from discussions on Operation Sindoor in both houses.

The Prime Minister's meeting with the President took place a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on exports from India and unspecified penalties due to New Delhi's purchase of military equipment and oil from Russia. Making the invisible visible.

 When Ila Bhatt founded SEWA in 1972, she was facing a problem that policymakers had hardly acknowledged: millions of women working in India’s informal economy were completely invisible to the formal financial system. These women—caterers, fruit vendors, tailors, domestic workers, and construction laborers—were

 the backbone of local economies yet had no access to credit, insurance, or business support. "We were nobody," recalls Kamalaben, a 58-year-old member who now runs a successful textile cooperative. "Banks did not talk to us. Government schemes were not for us. 

We were working and earning, but we did not exist." Today, SEWA represents nearly two million workers spread across 12 states, making it one of the largest trade unions for informal workers. But its true innovation lies in the fact that these women were not just laborers: they were entrepreneurs waiting for their moment.

Not just jobs, but creating businesses.

Unlike traditional microfinance organizations that only provide loans, SEWA has created a comprehensive ecosystem for women's entrepreneurship. This organization operates through an integrated model that combines union advocacy, cooperative formation, capacity building, and financial services. 

Take childcare, for example. SEWA's childcare cooperatives have helped over 400 women find regular work as caregivers. But it's not just about employment - it's about creating sustainable businesses that meet the real needs of the community while generating income. 

SEWA quickly realized that women needed more than just loans. They need skills, markets, support systems, and most importantly, they need to see themselves as entrepreneurs, not just workers.

Cooperative Revolution

The Service Cooperative Federation now empowers 112 women's groups in various sectors, ranging from traditional crafts and food processing to transportation and technology. These are not charity projects; they are legitimate businesses competing in real markets. Suman Devi's story reflects this transformation.

 There was a time when she depended on daily wage labor, and now she owns and operates an e-rickshaw service, providing employment to other women. Through the integrated support system of the federation, she transitioned from employee to employer, receiving training, financing, and ongoing business guidance.

"The difference is in dignity," Suman says. "When you work for someone else, you always ask for permission. When you own your business, you make the decisions."

Breaking banking barriers

Perhaps the most important achievement of SEWA is to prove that poor women are excellent credit risks. The Women’s SEWA Urban Cooperative Savings and Credit Committee, 

which was established after years of bureaucratic struggles, has maintained repayment rates of over 95%. This success challenges fundamental assumptions about lending in the informal and microfinance sectors. Women are seen as partners rather than mere borrowers.

Assuming, SEWA has shown that financial inclusion can be both beneficial and empowering.

Beyond personal success

Its impact is far broader than just individual entrepreneurs. When women achieve economic independence, they make significant investments in their families' health, education, and nutrition. 

This creates a multiplier effect that strengthens entire communities Government data shows that women-owned MSMEs account for 20% of registered enterprises, although this likely underrepresents the actual participation as many women entrepreneurs operate informally. SEWA's model provides a pathway to formality without stripping away the flexibility required by workers in the informal sector.

Wave effect

SEWA's approach is empowered by its recognition that economic empowerment and social change are not separate. When women are organized into cooperatives, they do not just create businesses: they create platforms to challenge traditional gender roles and claim economic rights.

provides employment to those who were completely dependent on their husbands before. Meera Patel's pickling unit is an example of this significant change. Her business employs those women.

A model for the future

As India's economy develops, the SEWA model provides important insights for policymakers and development practitioners. The organization's success demonstrates that sustainable MSME development requires not only financial support but also the creation of an ecosystem that addresses social, economic, and political barriers.

Five decades after its establishment, SEWA has consistently proven that India's economic transformation is not just about billion-dollar unicorns. It's about millions of women like Meera who are turning street corners into boardrooms with every small business. 

In a country where women's economic participation is constrained by deeply embedded barriers, SEWA's quiet revolution offers hope that inclusive development is not only possible but also profitable.

 Prime Minister Modi summoned President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu after visiting Varanasi, where he released ₹20,500 crore for 97 million farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme.

New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Sunday. On Saturday, PM Modi visited Varanasi, 

where he released the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring more than Rs 20,500 crore into the bank accounts of 97 million farmers.

 With this release, the total distribution since the beginning of the scheme has exceeded 3.90 lakh crore rupees.

The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme that was launched by the Prime Minister in February 2019 to meet the financial needs of landholding farmers. 

Under this scheme, a financial benefit of ₹6,000 is transferred annually in three equal installments through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode into the bank accounts linked to the farmers' IDs. He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth around ₹2,200 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

During his visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi for the 51st time, PM Modi inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi road and the Chittouni-Shool Tankeshwar road, along with the railway overbridge in Hardattpur, to reduce traffic congestion.

Mohan Sarai-Adalpur Road.

They laid the foundation for extensive road widening and strengthening for several rural and urban streets, including Dalmandi, Lahatara-Kotwa, Gangapur, Babatpur, among others, and built railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.

While strengthening the energy infrastructure in the area, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for various works under the smart distribution project and underground works of the electricity infrastructure costing more than 880 crore rupees.

Promoting tourism significantly, the Prime Minister inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront ghats, development works at Kalika Dham, beautification of Rangildas Kutia and ponds and ghats in Shivpur, and

 the restoration and water purification of Durga Kund. He laid the foundation stone for the restoration work at Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, developed the birthplace of several freedom fighters in Karkhiyan, established a city facility center in Sarnath, Rishi Mandavi, and Ramnagar zone, redeveloped

 the ancestral home of Munshi Premchand in Lamahi and upgraded the museum, along with undertaking other projects. He also laid the foundation stone for the development of urban Miyawaki forests in Kanchanpur and the redevelopment and beautification of Shahid Udyan and 21 other parks. (ANI)

The public broadcasting corporation will be shut down after funding is cut by Congress, according to Trump's target.

The public broadcasting corporation will be shut down after funding is cut by Congress, according to Trump's target.

Summary

The corporation will close down for public broadcasting. The Congress has cut its funding. This marks the end of a long era of public media support. President Trump has targeted this organization. The closure will affect local radio and television. Major programs like 'Sesame Street' have benefited. Funding has been withdrawn. The final effort to save it has failed. Most employees will leave soon.

The Public Broadcasting Corporation, which has been a cornerstone of American culture for three generations, announced on Friday that it will begin its own shutdown process after being budgeted by Congress - marking the end of an era of nearly six decades during which it has promoted the production of renowned educational programs, cultural content, and even emergency alerts.

The death of the corporation known as CPB is a direct result of President Donald Trump's targeting of public media, which he has repeatedly stated spreads the political and cultural ideas that America should embrace. This closure is expected to have a profound impact on journalism and the cultural landscape - particularly on public radio and television stations in small communities across America.

CPB helps fund both PBS and NPR, but most of its money is distributed to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations across the country.

The corporation has deep ties to some of the country's most well-known programming, such as NPR's 'All Things Considered' and historically 'Sesame Street,' 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' and Ken Burns' documentaries.

The corporation stated that its end, 58 years after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law, will occur in a 'systematic manner.' In a statement, it said that the decision was made after a package was passed through Congress that rescinded funding for its successor...

"Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and persuaded Congress to maintain federal funding for the Center for Public Broadcasting (CPB), we are now faced with the hard reality of shutting down our operations," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the corporation.

In a last-minute attempt, Nidhi's effort failed as Democratic members of the Senate Appropriations Committee made a final effort this week to save the funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

During the discussion of the committee on Thursday, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., introduced an amendment to restore CPB funding for the next budget year but then withdrew it. She said she still believed that 'there is a way to fix it before there are devastating consequences for public radio and television stations across the country.'

"It's hard to believe that we are in the situation we are in," she said. "And I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve it."
But Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., took a less optimistic tone.

our concerns, but we all know that we filed a lawsuit about this two weeks ago. Adopting this amendment would be contrary to what we have already voted on.

CPB said it informed employees on Friday that most staff positions will end on September 30. It stated that a small transition team will continue to work until January to complete any remaining tasks - which, it said, includes 'ensuring continuity for the necessary music rights and royalties for the public media system.'

“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunities, emergency information, civic dialogue, and cultural connections in every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving the American people.”

Its impact will be widespread, as NPR stations have used millions of federal dollars to pay for music licensing fees. Now, many will need to renegotiate these deals. This could particularly affect those outlets that build their programming around music discovery. NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher recently estimated, for example, that approximately 96% of all classical music broadcast in the United States is on public radio stations.

Federal funding for public radio and television has traditionally been allocated to the Public Broadcasting Corporation, which distributes it to NPR and PBS. Approximately 70% of the funding goes directly to 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations spread across the nation, although this is just a brief description of its potential impact.

Trump, who has called CPB "monstrous", has long claimed that there is an extreme liberal bias in public broadcasting, which has helped generate a contradictory wave against public broadcasting among his supporters in recent months, spreading across Congress and the country. This is part of a larger campaign in which he has targeted those institutions - particularly cultural institutions - that produce content or support views he considers "un-American". The downfall of CPB represents a political victory for those efforts.

His influence on the media is deepening. He has also attacked those media outlets of the US government that had charters of freedom, including the prestigious Voice of America, which ended the operations of that media

 Trump also dismissed three members of the corporation's board of directors in April. At that time, in legal action, the dismissed directors claimed that their termination was a government overreach targeting an entity whose charter guarantees it freedom.

PM Modi inaugurated and launched development projects worth ₹4,900 crores in Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening for a two-day visit, which is a significant boost for infrastructure and development initiatives in the state. "PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

 

After concluding his trip to the Maldives, Prime Minister Modi arrived at Tuticorin Airport at 7:50 PM by special aircraft. He was welcomed at the airport by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, Governor R.N. Ravi, and Union Ministers L. Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu, among others

Immediately after his arrival, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly developed terminal building at Tuticorin Airport, which cost ₹452 crore. Later, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth ₹4,900 crore in Tamil Nadu. These projects span key areas such as energy, transportation, and logistics.

Key initiatives include infrastructure projects costing Rs 550 crore in Tuticorin, power transmission works related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur railway line, power distribution system for Kudankulam Units 3 and 4, doubling of the railway line between Arivumadhi and Nalker Koil

doubling of the Nallai-Melepalayam railway section costing Rs 283 crore, four-lane road development project on the Sethiyathoppu-Cholapuram section, inauguration of the third northern cargo logistics terminal at V.O. Chidambar Anar Port in Tuticorin costing Rs 285 crore, doubling of the Nalker Koil City-Junction-Kanyakumari railway line, and railway projects costing Rs 1,030 crore.

This tour highlights the focus on enhancing connectivity, energy infrastructure, and promoting economic development in southern Tamil Nadu of the center.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in various programs on Sunday, including the celebration of the millennium of the maritime expedition of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I at Gangai Konda Chola Puram.

These projects have expanded key areas, including airports, highways, railways, ports, and energy. Among the inaugurated projects is a new state-of-the-art terminal building spread over 17,000 square meters at Tuticorin Airport, aimed at enhancing air connectivity in the southern state.

They described the railway as the "lifeline of industrial growth and self-reliant India" and stated that significant work has been done in the sector over the past decade. "The focus has been on its modernization in the last 11 years," they said."PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

Remembering the proud legacy of the state's freedom struggle, Modi paid tribute to renowned Tamil icons. 'When I am in Tamil Nadu, I feel proud of this great land. In Tuticorin, I remember freedom fighters like V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Azhagu Muthukum,' the Prime Minister said.

 

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK. He stated, 'The FTA with the UK accelerates our vision of a developed India and developed Tamil Nadu,' and added that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups would greatly benefit from such agreements.

Highlighting the NDA government's national infrastructure achievements, he said, "We have built the Atal Setu, the Sonmarg Tunnel, and the Bogibeel Bridge. These have created thousands of job opportunities.""PM Modi launches ₹4,900 crore development projects in Tamil Nadu"

 

The Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thangam Thennarasu, participated in this program, who presented a replica of the prestigious Valluvar Kottam in Chennai to the Prime Minister. Social Welfare Minister P. Geethajithwan, DMK MP Kanimozhi, and senior officials were also present.

 

The development initiative has come ahead of the 2026 assembly elections and is seen as part of the efforts of the BJP-led NDA to strengthen its presence in South India.

 

Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented a symbol of the prestigious Valluvar Kottam in Chennai to the Prime Minister on this occasion. Social Welfare Minister P. Geethanjali, Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi, and senior officials participated.

FAQs on PM Modi’s Tamil Nadu Visit and ₹4,900 Crore Development Projects

Q1. What is the total worth of development projects inaugurated by PM Modi in Tamil Nadu?
PM Modi inaugurated and launched projects worth around ₹4,900 crores in Tamil Nadu.

Q2. What sectors are covered under these development projects?
The projects focus on infrastructure, road connectivity, railways, ports, and industrial growth to boost Tamil Nadu’s economy.

Q3. Why are these projects important for Tamil Nadu?
These projects will create jobs, improve transport facilities, and strengthen industrial growth, helping Tamil Nadu emerge as a hub of economic activity.

Q4. When did PM Modi inaugurate these projects?
The projects were inaugurated during PM Modi’s official visit to Tamil Nadu in September 2025.

Q5. How will these projects impact common people?
Better connectivity, employment opportunities, and access to modern infrastructure are expected to directly benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s inauguration and launch of ₹4,900 crore worth of development projects in Tamil Nadu mark a significant step toward boosting the state’s infrastructure and economy. These initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and generate employment opportunities, making Tamil Nadu a stronger player in India’s growth story. With a focus on long-term development, the projects reaffirm the government’s commitment to balanced regional progress and economic empowerment.

₹4,900 crore development projects Tamil Nadu