In a shocking turn of events, the Amarnath Yatra, one of India’s most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, has been suspended temporarily after 36 continuous hours of intense rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods along the pilgrimage routes. This abrupt suspension comes as a response to rapidly deteriorating weather and dangerous terrain conditions, putting thousands of lives at risk.

The incident has already claimed the life of a 55-year-old woman pilgrim from Rajasthan and left several others injured. Heart-wrenching visuals circulating online show pilgrims being swept away by fast-moving mud and water currents in the mountainous terrain.

What Led to the Suspension?

The Kashmir Valley experienced unrelenting torrential rain from July 15 to July 17, severely affecting both Baltal and Pahalgam routes, the two main access points for the cave shrine.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region received record-level precipitation, causing:

• Landslides near Railpathri (Baltal route)
• Flooding of footpaths and makeshift tents
• Washed away safety railings and bridges
• Falling rocks and mudslides at multiple locations

Casualties and Rescue Operations

• One woman pilgrim, identified as Sona Bai, was killed after being hit by a falling rock near Railpathri.
• At least three to five others were injured due to debris and landslides.
• Shocking videos showed pilgrims struggling against the force of muddy water, some clinging to rocks and others being swept away.

Rescue operations began swiftly:

• Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF personnel launched immediate missions.
• Choppers, sniffer dogs, and thermal cameras were deployed to locate those stranded.
• Heavy machinery from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was brought in to clear debris and stabilize paths.

Yatra Suspension Details

Amarnath Shrine Board and J&K Administration ordered the suspension of:

• All upward pilgrim movement from Jammu, Baltal, and Pahalgam
• Evacuation of pilgrims from vulnerable camps, including Panjtami, Sheshnag, and Domail
• Tents and food langars were shifted to higher and safer ground

Over 10,000 pilgrims are reported to have been moved to base camps or military shelters, and no new registrations are being allowed until weather improves.

Weather Forecast and Future Plans

The IMD has predicted continued heavy rainfall in the region till July 23, warning of:

• More landslides
• Waterlogging in valley areas
• Cloudbursts in upper reaches

As of now:

• Yatra may resume partially on July 18 if weather permits.
• Restoration of routes is underway, especially focusing on the critical Baltal sector, where most damage occurred.

Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly accessible in India—now, you can start investing in Bitcoin with as little as ₹100. Here’s how the landscape has evolved and why this is a game-changer:

Fractional Ownership of Bitcoin

Unlike a whole Bitcoin, which costs around ₹1.05 crore today, the cryptocurrency can be bought in fractions (called satoshis). This allows investors to enter the market with minimal amounts. Platforms like CoinDCX, Mudrex, Unocoin, WazirX, Flitpay, and CoinSwitch support purchases as low as ₹100

How to Buy with ₹100: Step-by-Step

Here’s a simplified guide using any of the major Indian exchanges:

1. Choose a Crypto Exchange
   Select a trusted platform like CoinDCX, WazirX, or Unocoin—all allow ₹100 minimum purchases
2. Sign Up and Complete KYC
   You’ll typically submit your PAN, Aadhaar, and a selfie to comply with Indian regulations
3. Deposit ₹100 INR
   Use UPI, IMPS, or net banking to deposit the money into your exchange wallet
4. Buy Bitcoin
   Go to the Bitcoin (BTC) page, enter ₹100, and buy. You’ll receive a fraction of a Bitcoin accordingly
5. Store Securely
   Keep your BTC in the platform’s wallet or transfer to a cold wallet for enhanced security.

Start a Systematic Bitcoin Plan

Many exchanges like Unocoin and Mudrex offer Systematic Buying Plans (SIPs) or recurring buys, letting you invest ₹100 daily, weekly, or monthly. This helps average out volatility and build holdings over time

Benefits of Micro-Investing

• Beginner-Friendly: Low-risk entry for crypto newcomers
• Portfolio Diversification: Helps spread investments across assets
• Dollar-Cost Averaging: Reduces market timing risks
• Build Discipline: Start small and gradually scale

ZebPay highlights that fractional ownership empowers individuals to invest even with limited funds

Points to Watch

• Platform Fees: Small investments could be disproportionately affected by transaction fees—choose low-cost platforms
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrencies aren’t legal tender in India, though buying/selling is allowed; tax rules apply
• Volatility Risk: Bitcoin prices are highly volatile—invest only what you can afford to lose

Why ₹100 Matters in the Big Picture

Even tiny investments can compound over time. For example, ₹100 monthly SIPs could grow significantly during bull cycles. Plus, they help new users get comfortable with the market mechanics before scaling up.

Final Takeaway

Thanks to fractional Bitcoin and user-friendly Indian platforms, you no longer need large capital to start. With just ₹100, you can:

• Start building crypto exposure
• Experience hands-on how buying, storing, and selling works
• Leverage SIPs to manage volatility and grow steadily

Just choose a reliable crypto exchange, do your KYC, invest ₹100, and begin your crypto journey today!

In a landmark decision to boost innovation, the Government of India has extended one of its most powerful benefits for new businesses — a 100% income tax exemption for three consecutive years.

This tax holiday, offered under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, is aimed at encouraging the growth of genuine, innovation-led startups by allowing them to reinvest profits into expansion without tax burdens during their critical early years.

What is Section 80-IAC?

Section 80-IAC provides eligible startups a 100% deduction of profits and gains from business for any 3 consecutive assessment years out of 10 years since incorporation. This means:

No income tax on profits
Applicable for 3 years (chosen by the startup)
Effective for businesses incorporated till April 1, 2030

It’s one of the few schemes that provide a direct financial benefit rather than just credit access or subsidies.

What’s New in 2025?

The Union Budget 2025 brought key upgrades:

• Deadline Extended: The window to qualify has been extended from March 31, 2025 to April 1, 2030
• Encourages more startups to apply under DPIIT
• Boosts innovation in sectors like AI, deep tech, agritech, climate tech, and fintech

Who is Eligible?

To avail the tax break, your startup must meet all of the following criteria:

Why Is This a Game-Changer?

Startups usually operate on thin margins and need every rupee to build, hire, and expand. This tax relief allows founders to:

• Reinvest profits without tax burdens
• Improve investor confidence
• Scale faster during their most vulnerable years
• Focus on product-market fit instead of tax liabilities

How to Apply

Here’s a step-by-step guide to claim the tax holiday:

1. Register on Startup India Portal
2. Get DPIIT Recognition Certificate
3. After recognition, apply to CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) for Section 80-IAC approval
4. Choose any 3 consecutive years in your first 10 years of operations to claim the exemption The benefit is not automatic — you must apply and receive confirmation from CBDT before filing for deductions

Real-World Example

Startup A was incorporated in 2023, registered with DPIIT, and hit ₹4.5 crore turnover in 2024, ₹9 crore in 2025, and ₹15 crore in 2026.

• It chose FY 2024–26 for tax exemption
• Filed Section 80-IAC claim
• Saved nearly ₹2.8 crore in total income tax over those 3 years
• Reinvested in talent and R&D

Expert Opinions

Nitin Kaushik, Chartered Accountant:
Section 80-IAC is not a loophole — it’s a fully legal benefit designed to nurture the startup ecosystem. If you’re compliant and innovative, there’s no reason to skip this

Priya Desai, VC Investor:
This tax holiday makes Indian startups more attractive to investors. More net profits = better runway and higher valuations

What Happens After 3 Years?

Once the 3-year exemption is used up:

• Startups are taxed as per regular corporate tax slabs
• Currently:
  • 25% for startups with turnover < ₹400 crore
  • Or 22% for companies opting out of other exemptions

Planning is key. Use your 3 tax-free years strategically (early growth, product pivots, or major hiring)