The Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the 12th Passport Seva Divas on June 24, 2023, along with a three-day RPO Conference. The External Affairs Minister highlighted a 15% growth in passport and related services, with the use of latest technologies for citizen convenience. The MEA has 533 passport application processing centers.
Government fast-tracks inclusion of refineries in infrastructure list to provide tax benefits for Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF, and its subsidiaries. PIF may invest in two large refineries in India, with initial investments of $2.8 billion and potential to increase to $5 billion.
Flipkart's senior director, Kapil Thirani, reveals that India's e-commerce sector is experiencing a surge in consumer demand and sentiment, thanks to government policies and increased disposable incomes in lower-income households. The hyper-value platform, Shopsy, is seeing remarkable growth, with a majority of shoppers from tier-2 cities and smaller towns.
CII is creating a national framework to enhance the growth of the GCC sector in India, with a focus on tier-II and III cities. The framework suggests the establishment of a National GCC Council, Digital Economic Zones, and stronger industry-academia collaborations. This policy aims to position India as a global leader in GCCs, which have become essential drivers of the economy and innovation.
IMD has declared an early withdrawal of southwest monsoon from parts of west Rajasthan, with surplus rainfall in the north-west, central, and southern regions. More areas in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat are expected to see withdrawal soon. The monsoon arrived early this year and has brought above-normal rainfall, raising hopes for a good agricultural output.
In the financial year 2024-25, Flipkart India's net loss widened by 24% as expenses rose in line with revenue. The company's share of loss from its associate companies also increased. However, its marketplace arm, Flipkart Internet, reported a narrower net loss and an increase in revenue.
HCL Software, part of HCLTech, positions itself as a key player in the sovereign technology space by owning intellectual property. This allows for data, people, and IP sovereignty, with registered IPs in India and development hubs in Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida. The company offers a choice of deployment options and is gaining traction in regulated sectors like public sector, defence, and banking.
The global volatility, investor caution, and regulatory changes have led to a slowdown in the startup IPO momentum in 2025. Despite a surge in IPOs last year, this year has only seen five so far due to uncertain market conditions. However, there is hope for a gradual recovery with a strong pipeline of IPOs and potential foreign inflows.
Auto manufacturers are ramping up production to meet the high demand for cars and SUVs, thanks to GST cuts and compensation cess reductions making them more affordable. The passenger vehicle industry is expected to grow by 5% this fiscal year, fueled by the GST 2.0 boost and higher tax-free income limit.
Farmers becoming shareholders in FPOs has increased, resulting in local aggregation and reduced production costs. In the last 5 years, over 5 million farmers have taken equity in 10,000+ FPOs, with Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra accounting for 50% of shareholders. Women hold a 38% share in these collectives, leading to collectivization.
SEBI's move to extend relaxations to accredited investors (AIs) is likely to boost their current number of 649. The low count can be attributed to the lack of attractive features in the regulatory framework, making the AI status unappealing to high-risk investors. The recent board meeting has introduced AI-only schemes, giving more flexibility to managers and investors.
Punjab govt disburses Rs 2 crore compensation to 50 flood-affected families, remaining 6 to receive soon. Girdawari and crop damage assessment underway, full compensation promised. Extensive cleanliness and health drive launched, medical teams examining villagers and livestock, vaccination to prevent diseases. 5-day cleanliness drive in grain markets to prepare for paddy procurement.
Home loans, previously seen as secure, are now under pressure and being sold to asset reconstruction companies. In June 2025, ARCs bought stressed retail assets worth Rs 1,713 crore, a 245% jump from the previous year. Public sector banks are experiencing a surge in home loan defaults, particularly in affordable housing.
The latest GST reforms by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have simplified the tax structure and resolved classification disputes. Under GST 2.0, all food items now fall under the 5% bracket or are exempt. The 56th GST Council has abolished the 12% and 28% slabs and the compensation cess, reducing rates on over 300 items.
Samsung has a diverse range of devices for fans, including foldable phones, flagship Galaxy S series, and budget-friendly A series. The latest Galaxy Watch8 Classic is a premium smartwatch with advanced features like sleep and health monitoring, quick navigation, and Google Gemini AI assistant. It has a stylish design, water-resistance, and customizable features, but its battery life is limited.
Adventure sports like rafting, paragliding, and mountaineering are often excluded from regular medical and travel insurance policies. Adding an adventure sports rider can provide coverage for injuries or fatalities arising from these activities, at a minimal cost. Without this rider, the cost of treatment or evacuation can be exorbitant.
The recent GST rate cut and attractive financing options from banks are encouraging people to upgrade to cars and SUVs. Lower interest rates, nil processing fees, and festive discounts are making the deal even more appealing. The reduced prices of vehicles due to GST cut have made it possible for households to afford better safety and comfort.
SpiceJet, a budget carrier, is struggling as it delays paying salaries to employees, especially senior staff. With a workforce of 6,484, the airline had planned to expand its fleet by 10 planes but reported a net loss of Rs 238 crore in the June quarter. Despite raising Rs 3,000 crore last year, the airline currently has only 18 out of 53 aircraft in operation.
GE HealthCare is committed to AI and its potential to improve medical imaging, workflow, and clinical decision-making. They plan to invest Rs 8,000 crore in manufacturing and R&D by 2029 and have partnerships with top institutes to create scalable solutions for India's healthcare needs. AI is crucial in diagnostics, and GE HealthCare is working on precision-led foundation models.
FMCG companies plan to pass on GST benefits by increasing the weight of small packs and cutting prices of large packs. This move is seen as a practical solution by many players, including Dabur India's CEO Mohit Malhotra. However, vacating popular price points and cross-subsidization may pose challenges.
Nayara Energy, a 20-million tonne refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat owned by Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy, is facing operational challenges due to international sanctions. Despite this, the company has increased its imports of Russian crude in September, while shifting its exports to alternative markets.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized India for high tariffs on American exports and not accepting agricultural imports. He defended Trump's 50% duties, citing fairness and equal treatment. However, there are hopes for a trade deal as Trump's nominee for ambassador to India expressed optimism. India, with a population of 1.4 billion, does not buy any US corn.
Taxpayers struggling with frequent technical glitches while filing ITR for AY 2025-26. Chartered Accountants and tax lawyers demand extension of deadlines due to delayed release of forms and clashing timelines. Income Tax Department advises clearing cache, but errors still persist. Deadline for filing ITR is September 15, with no decision yet on extension. Belated filing can result in penalty.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash nears as calls for boycott increase due to Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. Ties worsened leading to four nights of conflict after Operation Sindoor. BCCI clarified India won't play Pakistan in bilateral tournaments but won't stop it in multi-nation tournaments. Politicians, ex-cricketers, and public express desire to boycott the match.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards 2025 ceremony is set to take place tonight in California, with nominations dominated by hit shows such as 'Severance', 'The Studio', and 'The White Lotus'. The event will honor diverse actors across categories, with 15-year-old Owen Cooper becoming the youngest person ever to be nominated.
The government has reopened the application window for the PLI scheme for white goods for 30 days, from September 15 to October 14. 83 companies have been selected so far with a committed investment of Rs 10,406 crore. The scheme aims to boost manufacturing of components for ACs and LED lights in India, with new and existing applicants eligible for up to two years of incentives.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place at the Peacock Theatre in California, with top TV stars gathering to celebrate. For fans in India, the event will be live-streamed on JioHostar at 5:30 AM IST on September 15. Hosted by Nate Bargatze, the night will feature stars like Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega, and Stephen Colbert.
At least 25 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured during a right-wing demonstration in London, UK. The violence erupted during the "Unite the Kingdom" rally, organized by anti-immigration and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, which drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 participants. The clash between right-wing protesters and counter-demonstrators resulted in injuries.
Infosys' Rs 18,000 crore buyback proposal has sparked interest in the market, but experts warn that other tech companies like TCS may not follow suit. CLSA predicts a Rs 20,000 crore buyback from TCS in Q3. TCS has a history of buybacks and dividends worth Rs 83,000 crore, but there is no guarantee of a similar move.
Uber partners with Joby Aviation to offer helicopter rides through its app in major cities worldwide. The service will be available after Joby's acquisition of Blade Air Mobility. CEO of Joby, JoeBen Bevirt, believes this partnership will usher in a new era in air transportation.
Taxpayers in India are racing to submit their income tax returns before the 15 September 2025 deadline. To assist, the Income Tax Department has provided a detailed set of FAQs covering ITR forms, filing methods, e-utility, necessary documents, and penalties for late filing. Filing on time is crucial to avoid penalties, receive refunds, and maintain a clean record.
At a Coldplay concert, Chris Martin urged fans to send love to those in need, including the family of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead. Despite previous criticism from Kirk, Martin emphasised the importance of sending love to all by raising their hands above their heads.
The Asia Cup 2025 will see an intense match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium, despite boycott calls. This will be their first meeting since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. With both teams starting the tournament with a win, AI platforms predict India as the likely winner due to recent form, squad strength, and head-to-head record.
Aryan Khan makes his directorial debut with 'Bads of Bollywood', a satirical series set to release on Netflix on September 18. The star-studded series features Shah Rukh Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Bobby Deol, and Raveena Tandon, and follows the story of an outsider navigating through the mysterious world of Bollywood.
Karan Aujla, the first Canadian-Punjabi artist to perform on The Tonight Show, announced his new album P-Pop Culture and gifted Jimmy Fallon a custom Patron tequila bottle. His album Making Memories debuted in the top 5 on the Billboard chart. The luxurious Patrón tequila, with a bee emblem, is known for high-quality and celebrity endorsements.
Jaismine Lamboria, hailing from Haryana and with boxing in her blood, became the ninth woman to claim a world crown by winning the women's 57kg featherweight gold medal at the 2025 World Boxing Championships. She defeated Paris Olympics silver medallist Julia Szeremeta of Poland 4-1 on points. This was her third World Championship and she credits her consistent work for the victory.
Tejashwi Yadav slams NDA govt in Bihar over deplorable state of GMCH Purnea, calling Health Minister Mangal Pandey incompetent and rhetoric-spouting. He highlights issues such as no ICU, multiple patients on a single bed, and vacant doctors' posts. Tejashwi accuses NDA of corruption in building structures and purchasing medical equipment.
The political battle in Tamil Nadu is heating up as actor Vijay challenges established politicians. Rajinikanth supports Chief Minister MK Stalin, while TVK leader Vijay criticizes the DMK government. With the upcoming assembly elections, all parties, including BJP and Congress, are gearing up for a tough fight as the new player TVK enters the fray.
Sushila Karki, Nepal's first female Prime Minister, was chosen by Gen Z protesters and is known for her integrity and independence. She is currently forming a Cabinet with input from Gen Z members for the upcoming parliamentary polls in March 2026.
India's capital markets are experiencing a significant change as a surge of Gen Z investors has led to a 600% increase in ITR-3 filings by those under 25. This trend aligns with a rise in market activity, with 37 million new demat accounts added in FY 2023-24.
A 22-year-old student, Tyler Robinson, was arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk, and his transgender roommate, Lance Twiggs, tipped off the FBI and assisted in the investigation. Twiggs has been labelled the "black sheep" of his family, and it is unclear if he is transgender. Some speculate that transgenderism may have been the motive for the shooting, as Kirk was against the LGBTQ+ agenda.
Tommy Robinson, a far-right figure, has gained notoriety for his anti-immigrant and Islamophobic views. His rallies, with over 100,000 supporters, push for stricter border control and prioritize native Britons. Robinson has allied himself with Hindu nationalists in the UK, showcasing a growing alliance between far-right groups in Europe and Hindu nationalist networks.
India and Pakistan's upcoming international cricket match has caused controversy due to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Some fans are calling for a boycott, while the president of IFTDA is strongly against the match and urges broadcasters not to air it. Despite political tension, the Indian team has been given permission to play.
Hindi Diwas, celebrated on September 14, is a day to honor India's official language and promote its development. With over 20 regional languages, Hindi has the power to unite and foster nationalism. Its significance dates back to 1949 when it became the official language of India. This day is marked with events and celebrations that showcase the pride and love for Hindi.
US lawmakers are proposing a Bill to impose 500% tariffs on India, China, and Brazil for purchasing cheap oil and gas from Russia. President Trump's attempts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine issue have failed, prompting him to urge NATO and Europe to sanction China. Senator Lindsey Graham plans to push the Bill with bipartisan support to pressure these countries to stop buying Russian oil.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a spot in the Asia Cup final after a thrilling Super 4s phase in Hangzhou. Despite a 1-1 draw with Japan, India's place in the final was confirmed after China beat Korea 1-0. The final will be played on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Hangzhou, China, at 5:30 PM IST. The winner will also secure qualification for the 2026 Women's World Cup.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has sparked controversy once again as he led a rally against immigration in London. Despite his legal and financial issues, Robinson remains a divisive figure, with supporters hailing him as a defender of British values while critics condemn him for promoting xenophobia.
American Airlines has reprimanded pilots for celebrating the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The company emphasised that any hate or hostile actions contradict their mission of caring for people. The US Transportation Secretary also denounced the pilots' actions, calling them unacceptable to glorify political violence.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has seen a 30% surge in its stock since Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a 5 million share investment in mid-August. Despite ongoing challenges and regulatory scrutiny, the health insurance giant has reaffirmed its 2025 earnings guidance. Analysts believe Berkshire likely bought shares closer to the low, and recent endorsements have bolstered sentiment.
CBIC clarifies that post-sale discounts will not impact tax liability or ITC under GST. Financial or commercial credit notes for discounts will not decrease original transaction value or tax liability. Manufacturers' discounts to dealers should not be seen as extra consideration. GST applies separately for discounts included in overall consideration or for promotions.
The India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup 2025 faces challenges due to political tension and boycott calls, resulting in a decrease in advertising rates. The ban on real money gaming also affects ad demand. However, digital streaming rates for the rivalry remain high.