When starting a business, having a solid business plan is important, but securing funds can be challenging with bad credit. Alternative options include using a business credit card, exploring alternative funding options like merchant cash advances, seeking help from family and friends, applying for Small Business Administration loans, and improving credit score. These steps can increase the chances of obtaining the financing needed for a successful business.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that he lit a “diya” (earthen lamp) to embrace the spirit of Diwali. Mr Biden shared a video of the festivities on X (formerly known as Twitter) and can be seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.

“Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali’s message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light,” he posted.

Today, Jill and I lit the Diya to symbolize Diwali’s message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division.

May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light. pic.twitter.com/eHjfQ68rXU

— President Biden (@POTUS) November 14, 2023

Mr Biden’s Diwali celebration video was widely acknowledged.

A user wrote, “Congratulations America, wish you strength and prosperity. Wish you good health.”

Congratulations America, wish you strength and prosperity. Wish you good health

— Tôi Yêu Viêt Nam ( love Viet Nam) (@ebookingvn) November 14, 2023

“Diwali as a festival spreads a lightning positiveness. Happy Diwali,” said a person.

Diwali as a festival spread a lightening positiveness..
Happy Diwali..✨????

— Sachin Yadav (@imsachinyadav1) November 14, 2023

“We pray for light, peace, unity and love” echoed a few on social media.

Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating. We pray for light, peace, unity and love.

— Ella Madu (@Ellamadu3) November 14, 2023

“May Diwali bring you hope and peace,” read a comment.

May Diwali’s brings you hope and peace

— ENK (@WMKonsulting) November 14, 2023

US Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian roots, also celebrated the festival of lights on Tuesday at her official residence.

During the event, she emphasised the significance of observing the festival of lights, especially in the current global context marked by the Israel-Hamas war.

Wishing everyone a blessed Diwali. pic.twitter.com/h6JcHrxlBm

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) November 12, 2023

“We celebrate Diwali at a time when there’s a lot happening in our world. I think it’s important that as we celebrate Diwali, which is about celebrating the light, we understand it is always in the context of understanding the contrast between light and dark moments” Ms Harris stated in her brief remarks to predominantly Indian American guests, as per a PTI report.

In India, people marked the festivities on November 12, Sunday. 

The University of Strathclyde in United Kingdom’s Glasgow is offering various scholarships for postgraduate programmes in Humanities and Social Sciences for the academic year 2023-24. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications through the university’s official website at strath.ac.uk. Students enrolled in postgraduate degree courses have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship equivalent to a 15 per cent reduction in tuition fees, ranging from 2,500 pounds to 3,000 pounds (Rs 2.55 lakh – Rs 3 lakh). 

Additionally, the university is presenting Dean’s International Excellence Awards, worth between 4,000 pounds (Rs 3.70 lakh) and 5,000 pounds (Rs 4.63 lakh), exclusively for exceptional postgraduate applicants.

Also Read | UK University Offers 75 Undergraduate Scholarships Worth ₹ 10 Lakh Each

Applicants need to submit only one application, which will be considered for all levels of postgraduate scholarships. There are a total of 285 scholarships available, ranging from 2,500 pounds (Rs 2.31 lakh) to 5,000 pounds (Rs 4.63 lakh). The deadline for the January 2024 intake is November 30. Candidates seeking the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences International Scholarship must hold a 2:1 (or equivalent) in their undergraduate degree.

Also Read | UK University To Grant 125 Scholarships Worth ₹ 5 Lakh Each. How To Apply

This scholarship, valid for one year, provides financial assistance for tuition fees. Eligible subjects include Education, English, History, Law, Languages, Politics, Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Journalism, Social Policy, International Relations, and Social Work.

To be eligible for the Dean’s International Excellence Award, students must demonstrate academic excellence, holding a UK first-class undergraduate degree or its international equivalent.

For detailed information about admission process and scholarships, visit the official website strath.ac.uk.