A chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final roleA chance to set a precedent: Mercedes Kilmer on father Val Kilmer’s AI-powered final role Apr 30, 2026, 14:19:13 IST PTI Share via Copy link Los Angeles
There was "no meaningful shift" away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the immediate wake of Australia's world-leading teen social media ban, government documents obtained by AFP show.Australia in December banned under 16s from a raft of popular social media platforms
Do the 2026 exit polls signal a comeback for the Congress, or do they underline its shrinking footprint? Projections across key states point to a familiar, uneven story—pockets of resilience in the South, particularly Kerala, but continued struggles in high-stakes battlegrounds like Assam and
For six seasons of Game of Thrones, one phrase defined the looming sense of dread across Westeros — “Winter is coming." When it finally arrived, it brought widespread destruction and one of the deadliest winters in the world, created by George R.R. Martin.For six seasons of Game of Thrones
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sharad Kalaskar, one of the convicts in the murder of anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar, Live Law reported. A bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale also expressed doubts about Kalaskar being identified as the assailant
Yami Gautam says Dhurandhar's success tells ‘it was always about scripts’; reveals Aditya Dhar is ‘unaffected’ by itYami Gautam emphasised that Dhurandhar's success reflected a shift towards quality storytelling, while she and Aditya remain humble and grateful. Apr 30, 2026
In a time when wellness and mindful eating are reshaping everyday kitchens, the focus is shifting from restrictive diets to nourishing, balanced meals that support long-term health. Today’s approach to food is less about cutting out ingredients and more about choosing what truly fuels the body
US-Iran War: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump and warned of “inevitable and extremely damaging consequences" if the United States and Israel resume military action against Iran, the Kremlin said after the call
Revealed: The billions given to charity by ordinary Indians every year
India's philanthropy story is usually told from the top down.
It features corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, billionaire pledges and splashy foundations. But a new report argues that the real engine of Indian generosity is far more prosaic - and vastly larger.
The How India Gives 2025 report, produced by the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP) at Ashoka University, challenges the conventional narrative that organised, institutional money dominates the country's giving landscape. Instead, it points to a quieter colossus: households.
According to the report, India's total household giving is estimated at 540bn rupees ($6bn) annually, including cash, in-kind contributions and volunteering.
About 68% of respondents report giving in some form. Of this, 48% is in kind - such as food, clothing or other household goods - followed by cash donations (44%) and volunteering (30%) with non-profits, religious institutions or community groups.
Much of the food given goes to communal free kitchens. Volunteering most commonly takes the form of service at religious institutions, including activities such as disaster relief organised by them.
"India is a very generous country. Our findings suggest that ordinary households play a much larger role than is commonly acknowledged. Generosity appears widespread and culturally embedded," Jinny Uppal, head of Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University, told the BBC.
The headline insight: Indian philanthropy is not elite-led but mass, local and relational - driven by faith, face-to-face appeals and everyday obligation, cutting across income levels.
The survey draws on more than 7,000 interviews across 20 states, spanning urban and rural India.
The analysis is anchored to India's National Sample Survey (NSS) consumption data - a large, government-run household expenditure survey - to build income-segmented profiles of everyday givers. Respondents self-reported how often and how much they gave over a three-month recall period. The findings were then extrapolated to produce annual estimates.
The survey looks at "everyday giving" which includes both direct, personal help - to beggars, family or friends, often seen as charity - and donations to organised, non-religious institutions, which are typically described as philanthropy.
It also examines "retail giving", typically defined as donations by ordinary individuals - not high-net-worth donors - to registered nonprofits. The survey adopts a broader lens, including informal, direct help to individuals as well as donations to religious institutions.
A lot of giving is shaped by proximity and faith, the survey found.
Roughly 40–45% of giving flows to religious organisations, with a comparable share directed to beggars and destitute people, especially in urban areas. In rural India, religious institutions take the lead.
"We asked behavioural questions about motivation. For more than 90% of respondents, the underlying driver is a sense of religious duty - a moral obligation that shapes and sustains their giving," says Krishanu Chakraborty, head of research at the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University.
The most common way people encounter giving opportunities is in-person requests or canvassing - meaning direct appeals at homes, religious sites or public spaces, rather than digital campaigns or formal fundraising drives.
The survey found education correlates with generosity: donor participation peaks among graduates and postgraduates.
Yet, giving is not confined to the affluent. Even at low consumption levels (4,000–5,000 rupees per month), about half of households report giving; as incomes rise, participation climbs to 70–80%.
Gender patterns are subtle but telling: male-headed households are slightly more inclined toward religious giving, while female-headed households lean marginally toward supporting destitute individuals.
"The most important takeaway [of the survey] is that everyday generosity in India is systemic rather than sporadic," Uppal says.
It cuts across income groups, age, gender and urban/rural regions and is embedded in everyday social life.
The second key takeaway: estimates suggest that everyday giving makes up about 15% of total giving in India, yet accounts for nearly a third of private donations to the organised social sector.
"Even with the small cheque size from everyday givers, this is a sizeable contribution from the citizenry towards social impact," says Uppal.
The final takeaway, according to the researchers, is more methodological.
The survey responses were anchored to consumption data, allowing researchers to examine how spending patterns relate to giving. As household consumption rises, both participation in giving and the amount donated tend to increase, the survey found.
"India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and consumption is a major component of GDP. As household consumption expands over time, this segment of everyday giving is likely to evolve and potentially grow alongside it," says Uppal.
In mature markets, everyday individual giving is the financial backbone of NGOs - formal, tracked and institutionalised.
In 2024, individuals gave $392bn in the US, accounting for 66% of all charitable donations. In the UK, public donations reached $20.7bn, with legacies and individual giving making up roughly 30% of charitable income.
This is not surprising, say experts. Across much of the Global South, person-to-person, informal giving often exceeds formal donations. In advanced economies, by contrast, giving is largely channelled to registered nonprofits - helped by tax incentives and older, more organised charitable sectors.
The US Generosity Commission's 2024 report noted an apparent decline in everyday giving. But it tracks only audited donations to registered nonprofits made through tax channels.
As giving shifts toward informal routes - online transfers, crowdfunding and other unaudited platforms - much of this behaviour goes uncaptured. Even in the US, the way people give is changing, experts believe.
In India, says Uppal, the "real headline" isn't the percentage - it's the breadth of participation.
The survey, she says, was conducted in March–April, months with relatively few religious events or festivals. "Given the high percent of giving to religious organisations, it is safe to assume that during other months with religious occasions, a larger percent of the population gives."
In other words, in India generosity is possibly not a trickle from the top. It is a daily tide from below.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: The World Cup draw is usually a spectacle Most flowers usually pick one father and stick with him BCCI told to hold Vaibhav Suryavanshi's India call-up Chris Broad Claims He Was Told To Spare India From Slow Over-Rate Fine BCCI Told Sack Gautam Gambhir If India Fail To Win T20 World Cup And Appoint… Two UK tourists told to leave India for allegedly pasting pro-Palestine posters in Pushkar Israel threatens national film awards after Palestinian story wins top prize Renuka says Ashutosh Rana's friend told her to lose weight a day post childbirth Muslims in UP’s Moradabad told not to name wedding bands after Hindu deities Virat Kohli's brother told me to focus on singing post controversy
Priyanka Chopra has opened up about the many phases in her career, starting from being a pageant winner to becoming a global star who has conquered both Bollywood and Hollywood. Priyanka made her debut in 2002 in Thamizhan. In 2003, she was seen in both The Hero: Love Story of a Spy and Andaaz
7 hours ago
Cristiano Ronaldo moved a step closer to the elusive 1000-goal milestone after scoring in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Ahli SFC on Wednesday. The goal took his official tally for club and country to 971, underlining his remarkable longevity. Kingsley Coman added the second to seal a result that
7 hours ago
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the results of the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations on Thursday (April 30, 2026) at 11 a.m., officials said. Parents and students can access the official CISCE websites for downloading the
7 hours ago
What is ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’? All about US sting that led to arrest of ‘for-hire Santa Claus’ & 18 othersAs many as 19 people have been arrested during an undercover operation – ‘Operation Child Protector VIII’ – that focused on child predators. Published on: Apr 30
7 hours ago
One of Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated releases, Patriot, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on May 1. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the spy action thriller has already generated significant buzz, largely due to its star-studded cast and gripping premise
7 hours ago
Strong demand for in China has nearly doubled prices for 's B300 servers to about 7 million yuan ($1 million) each, industry sources said, as a crackdown on chip smuggling dries up black-market supply.Prices of Nvidia's most advanced and powerful server
7 hours ago
At Jus Drums, there is a variety of percussion to choose from at their 24th annual summer camp; the drums, konakkol or the art of vocal percussion which has its origins in South India, cajón which is a box-shaped instrument from Peru played by slapping its hide, and the djembe
7 hours ago
Nepal Airlines on Thursday (April 30, 2026) apologised for what it described as cartographic inaccuracies in the wake of a furore showing Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in a “network map”. The airlines had deleted the social media post on Wednesday (April 29) following the backlash
7 hours ago
Was Nancy Guthrie crime scene ‘staged’ to mislead authorities? Experts's chilling theory, ‘Killed somewhere else…’A renowned forensic psychologist has suggested that the physical evidence left at Nancy Guthrie’s home may have been “staged.” Updated on: Apr 30
7 hours ago
Skeptical Democrats confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) for the first time since the Trump administration went to war with Iran, touching off tense exchanges over a costly conflict with unclear objectives that has been waged without congressional approval
7 hours ago
Anti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: StudyAnti-stigma campaign, digital tool help mitigate mental health problems in slums: Study Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
7 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) that it should "get smart soon" and capitulate to Washington's demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a U.S. naval blockade turned the screws on Iran's economy
7 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Power cuts this summer are unavoidable: These 10 inverter and battery combos keep you preparedPower cuts during summer can disrupt daily life
7 hours ago
Supreme Court reserves order on Cong leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail pleaSenior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Congress leader Pawan Khera, argued that the case did not justify arrest Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:42 PM IST By Ayesha Arvind Share via Copy link The Assam
7 hours ago
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) appointed Care Ratings Ltd. to function as the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA), according to a circular released 29, April 2026. The agency will vet Investment advisors and research analysts for their past performance and risk
7 hours ago
China will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday. Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the
7 hours ago
‘He didn’t stop because he accepted my ride’: Bengaluru woman gives T-shirt to drenched auto driver, internet movedA Bengaluru woman shared how she helped a drenched auto driver during rain, winning hearts online. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:07 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy
7 hours ago
India’s agricultural transformation has long been driven by technological shifts—from the Green Revolution’s high-yielding varieties to the widespread use of synthetic fertilisers. Today, nano urea is being positioned as the next leap: a precision input that promises higher efficiency
7 hours ago
Exit polls are revealing potential political shifts across India. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress faces its toughest challenge yet from the BJP. Assam shows continued BJP dominance. Tamil Nadu sees a complex scenario with the DMK alliance ahead but Vijay's new party disrupting the scene
7 hours ago
Kara Twitter review: Best Dhanush film ‘in recent years’ floors viewers, internet hails Vignesh Raja's gripping thrillerKara Twitter review: Dhanush plays a small-time thief who specialises in robbing the rich in this crime thriller directed by Vignesh Raja. Apr 30, 2026
7 hours ago
The IPL 2026 season isn’t just heating up on the pitch; it’s practically boiling over on social media. A new video released by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has fans convinced that the franchise just took a massive, “pink-tinted" swipe at RCB icon Virat Kohli
7 hours ago
‘Ghost’ claim leads Guj officials to skeletal remains in 30-yr-old caseThe remains are suspected to belong to Farzana alias Shabnam, a Mumbai resident who had come to Ahmedabad to meet her partner, Shamshuddin over three decades ago Published on: Apr 30
7 hours ago
Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities to face charges alleging that an image he briefly shared on social media posed a threat to the life of US President Donald Trump. The case stems from a 2025 Instagram post shared by Comey
7 hours ago
Can autism or ADHD be diagnosed in adulthood? Psychologist shares what they look like in adultsExpert debunks common myths and discloses how ADHD and autism can be masked for years, well into adulthood. Published on: Apr 30, 2026 2:40 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Austism is usually
7 hours ago
AP SSC 10th Class Results 2026 Link, results.bse.ap.gov.in Live Updates: The Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) has announced the AP SSC Results 2026. The overall pass percentage has seen a rise this year. A total of 85.25% of the students passed the AP SSC exams 2026 up from 2025
7 hours ago
When temperatures climb past 40°C, staying cool is no longer about comfort, it’s about survival. In Indian households, two traditional favourites often take centre stage: buttermilk (chaas) and lassi. Both are made from curd, both are refreshing but when it comes to beating extreme heat
7 hours ago
Hyundai has taken its compact SUV and added a sporty twist with the Venue N Line N10 DCT Dual Tone, priced at Rs 15,66,000 (ex-showroom). This is the top model in the Venue N Line range and is aimed at buyers who want a small SUV that is not just practical, but also fun to drive
7 hours ago
