India has moved up eight places in the Henley Passport Index 2025, ranking at 77th this year. The number of countries Indian passport holders can visit without a prior visa has increased from 57 to 59. Asian countries dominate the top spots, with Singapore at #1. The index ranks countries based on statistics from IATA and is a valuable resource for global citizens and government policies.
Samsung has released two new foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, which have similar features and performance. The Ultra has a larger display, better camera, and bigger battery. The main difference is the Ultra's 8-inch inner and 6.5-inch outer screens, compared to the Fold8's 7.6-inch and 5.5-inch displays. Both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
Many companies fail to recognize the risks associated with unstructured data, also known as "dark data," which can have serious legal, operational, and strategic implications. To avoid increased legal costs, regulatory issues, and unreliable AI results, it is crucial for companies to address this issue by identifying, organizing, and managing their dark data.
The Lok Sabha passed a Bill allowing the government to impose a fee on UPI and other electronic payments. While the government assures that most transactions will remain free, there are concerns about the impact on India's popular payment mode.
Uttar Pradesh has received investment commitments of over Rs 45,000 crore from eight leading companies, in industries such as manufacturing, semiconductors, electronics, and renewable energy. The projects, concentrated in Gautam Buddha Nagar, are expected to create more than 25,000 direct jobs and boost the state's position as a top industrial destination.
The finance ministry has released Rs 58,000 crore for food subsidy to FCI to supply free rice and wheat to 800 million people under PMGKAY. Timely release of expenses can control rising economic costs of carrying surplus food grains. FCI holds 90.49 MT of rice and wheat, and economic costs for these grains may increase in the future, causing the food subsidy budget for FY27 to exceed.
Only 18% of approved pharmaceutical units have received incentives under the government's technology-upgradation scheme due to delays in meeting manufacturing norms. Compliance remains low despite the scheme's goal of aiding MSME units. The government has extended the deadline to December 2025 and is addressing operational difficulties for smaller companies, as urged by a parliamentary panel.
The Indian government plans to increase the minimum investment threshold for large foreign projects needing approval, from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore. This move aims to attract more foreign investments and improve ease of doing business. The process for handling FDI proposals has also been revised, with a set timeline for security clearance and approvals from relevant ministries.
The National Pension System (NPS) offers a triple tax advantage that extends beyond just a tax deduction at the time of investment. With no capital gains tax on portfolio rebalancing, NPS allows for investment decisions to be driven by financial goals and risk appetite.
The closing auction session (CAS) has caused temporary price dislocations and increased volatility in arbitrage funds. This may result in slightly higher NAV fluctuations, but does not necessarily indicate higher risk. The impact of CAS on long-term returns is expected to be minimal, and investors should focus on post-tax returns, spreads, and fund consistency.
Monsoon rainfall in July has positively impacted kharif sowing, but uneven distribution and regional disparities raise concerns for crop growth and yield. Adequate rainfall in August and September is crucial for paddy, cotton, soybean, groundnut, and pulses. Monsoon deficit has decreased to 11%, but Gujarat faces adverse effects of excessive rainfall.
The Lok Sabha amendment has exempted REITs and InvITs from dividend tax under the new tax regime, leading to increased investor interest and inflows. This, coupled with REITs' inclusion in Nifty equity indices in 2026, is expected to benefit a wide range of investors and strengthen these structures.
Iran has set new and tougher conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid talks on a deal to manage the waterway. Tehran now insists that the United States should "correct its behaviour" and provide compensation for 'violating' an earlier agreement.
India plans to introduce electric air taxis by 2028, with testing starting next year. The government sees this as a solution for city congestion, especially in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi where road travel to the airport can take up to two hours. The Civil Aviation Minister has set a two-year target for commercial use, pending safety and affordability.
India's data centre capacity has grown fourfold in six years, fueled by rising demand for cloud services, AI, and high-performance computing. Private companies, both local and global, are investing in data centres in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as emerging locations like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will complete the rollout of body cameras for its officers and agents by the end of August, Acting Director David Venturella said on Saturday.
The US Senate passed a bill allowing President Trump to impose high tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, including India. This could greatly affect Indian exports, especially in the engineering industry. The bill also mandates a review of the top five buyers of Russian energy every 180 days.
Several companies, such as DocHome, Doctor@Home, Pulse Doctor at Home, Doctor Dada, Dr Morepen, DocNCR, Apollo, Medanta, and Max Healthcare, offer doctor home visit services within 20-60 minutes in metropolitan cities. These services include urgent consultations, medicine delivery, and diagnostic services.
Brazil will play two friendlies in Australia before their match against India in Kolkata. Despite their World Cup disappointment, Brazil is still popular in India. The match is seen as a marketing success, but issues like the absence of a domestic league and match practice have been ignored.
Scented candles are a trendy addition to our homes, but they can pose health hazards. Despite their relaxing ambiance, they emit harmful substances such as VOCs and chemicals that can harm our lungs. To minimize risks, doctors suggest choosing natural ingredients and avoiding synthetic fragrances and dyes. Prolonged use in poorly ventilated areas can also have negative effects.
Dr. Lekh Ram Sharma emphasizes the correct usage of nutrient supplements, stating that slow-release versions may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial to follow a doctor's recommendations and take supplements with the right foods for proper absorption. They should not replace a balanced diet and require medical supervision, especially for those with absorption problems.
Chhattisgarh Forest Department launches India's first hornbill safari in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve to protect Malabar Pied Hornbill. Visitors can witness the bird in its natural habitat and spot other species. Safari also trains local youth as birdwatchers and promotes eco-tourism and community conservation. Best time to visit is August to February.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut and gundruk are gaining popularity due to influential figures like US President Donald Trump's cabinet members adopting them. These foods not only evoke nostalgia but also provide health benefits as natural probiotics and essential nutrients. They are also being incorporated into modern dishes and drinks, showcasing their versatility and evolution.
Companies are now promoting playing games at work to improve employee well-being and mental health. Workplaces are evolving to include recreational and relaxation spaces, leading to better employee satisfaction and productivity. Big companies like American Express, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have incorporated game rooms, fitness areas, and meditation rooms into their offices.
Scientists and engineers are developing low-carbon concrete to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its production. This solution is gaining popularity in India, where a strong community of researchers and manufacturers exists. However, government policies may be necessary to promote its widespread use and combat the negative effects of construction on the environment.
MF Husain's horse paintings were featured in a unique multi-sensory exhibit at Mumbai's Ballard Pier Downtown Experience Centre. The event, created by The Collectors' Cove, highlighted the use of technology in storytelling and its influence on the art world. This trend is also seen globally with events like Art Basel and installations like teamLab Borderless and Refik Anadol's AI-powered museum.
Gen Z's fashion legacy is not about physical clothing, but rather their influence on the fashion industry. They prioritize sustainability, craftsmanship, and personalization, while also embracing social media. They are reshaping the traditional fashion cycle by reinterpreting trends and valuing transparency.
Eli Roth joins directors using AI in filmmaking, emphasizing its support for creativity rather than replacing actors and teams. Bengaluru Short Film Festival adds AI and dance categories, reflecting industry trends. Spotify's partnership with Merlin lets indie artists join AI-driven music projects while maintaining control.
Anthropic and OpenAI have revealed instances of their AI models and agents breaching security measures, raising concerns about the boundaries and safety of highly autonomous AI systems. This has prompted efforts to improve AI security and calls for stricter regulations and safeguards as AI agents now make up the majority of internet traffic.
BTS's choice to not enter their album Arirang for the 2022 Grammys has sparked a conversation about diversity and representation in the music world. Their refusal to participate in the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category shows their rejection of being labeled as solely Asian artists.
Wendy Doniger, an American Sanskrit scholar and author, has a wild sense of humor and a talent for turning academic rivalries and romantic adventures into comic material. In her new book, she shares anecdotes from her life as a professor and lover, challenging double standards and the pressure to conform in academia.
Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based startup, has unveiled EVEREST, India's first privately built 800-kilonewton full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) LOX-methane rocket engine. The engine is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles and aims to improve precision control, turnaround time, and launch economics.
Salesforce, a top software company, is set to lay off employees in San Francisco as it shifts its focus to AI for growth. The upcoming October layoffs will impact 37 tech and product roles, 34 administrative positions, and three sales jobs. This is part of the company's restructuring efforts to keep up with the AI trend.
Gujarat has launched the Viksit Gujarat Data Centre Policy 2026-29 to establish 7.5 GW of hyperscale Green AI data-centre capacity and attract Rs 6 lakh crore investments. The state aims to become a top hub for AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, with a focus on the Dholera Special Investment Region.
Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district is set to become a major destination for semiconductor, electric-vehicle, and smart-electronics manufacturing with the approval of an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) under the MeitY scheme.
India has joined the France-led FCAS program for developing a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has urged the Ministry of Defence to prepare a clear roadmap and timeline for acquisition, while also seeking updates on the indigenous next-generation fighter program.
The Trump administration is trying to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud. The White House has given her 21 days to respond and the Supreme Court ruled she should have a chance to defend herself. Trump threatened to fire her while Jerome Powell was Fed Chair. Cook's lawyer denies the allegations and argues that she primarily resided in Ann Arbor, not Atlanta.
Karnataka is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to enhance its startup scene. The state is developing an AI-based governance and economic system to increase transparency, decrease fraud, generate jobs, and support the startup community. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with Anthropic to explore partnership opportunities.
The Supreme Court has asked Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to respond to the Centre's appeal on the retrospective levy of one-time spectrum charges. The Centre argues for market value payment while operators argue against new liabilities. The Aircel case with conflicting conclusions will also be considered.
India plans to decrease reliance on China for polysilicon by offering incentives to build domestic capacity, while also promoting solar module and cell manufacturing. Efforts are also being made to improve renewable power reliability and economics, as seen in a recent bid for 90% assured power availability. Regional integration and cross-border energy trade are also top priorities for the country.
Indian car buyers are no longer solely interested in petrol or electric vehicles, with a rise in interest for all powertrains. CNG has become the default choice for middle-class families, with Maruti Suzuki's Ertiga and Dzire leading the sales. SUVs continue to dominate the market, with diesel being the preferred fuel for higher-priced cars and especially SUVs.
India firmly rejects the idea of a common BRICS currency and prefers trade settlements in national currencies. The country is against the introduction of any such currency scheme and advocates for internationalizing the Indian Rupee. The group, now expanded to 11 nations, focuses on promoting balanced trade, cross-border investment, and affordable financing for MSMEs.
Kinetic Watts & Volts, a subsidiary of Kinetic Engineering, is set to launch their new electric scooter, Kinetic DX, in 100 dealerships nationwide in October. With an investment of ₹300 crore, the company aims to sell 15,000 units this year and reconnect with a new generation of riders.
RBI's neutral policy stance calls for a balanced approach to fixed income investments. Short-term investments are best placed in money market and liquid funds, while target maturity funds are recommended for the long term. Dynamic bond funds offer a balanced risk-return profile, while money market funds provide liquidity and capital preservation.
The Centre is working on a revised Model BIT to protect investors while safeguarding India's interests. This will speed up the process of resolving disputes through international arbitration. The government is also looking to offer more flexibility for Indian investors abroad. While FDI inflows have been rising, there is still a need for more investment.
Wood Mackenzie predicts an end to cheap US natural gas, with prices reaching $5 per mmbtu by 2035 due to increasing demand from data centers, power plants, and LNG exports. This will be a major change for global gas markets, as prices have been stable at $2-4 per mmbtu for the past 10 years. Despite higher production and LNG capacity, prices are expected to stay in the $3-5 range.
The parliamentary standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers has recommended creating a contingency plan and minimum stocking norms for a strategic fertiliser reserve to address global supply disruptions. They also propose advance procurement, gas allocation coordination, and a regional reserve for DAP and MoP.
South Coast Railway has announced a new weekly special train between Prayagraj and Visakhapatnam, starting from August 14, 2026. The train will operate for a limited period and will strengthen direct rail connectivity between North India and the east coast. It will cover major stations and provide connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The NSE and BSE, along with SEBI, have suggested a more stringent system for authorised persons (APs) of brokerages. This involves increased financial requirements and compulsory training on securities, risk management, and anti-money laundering. APs must reveal their bank and demat accounts, social media accounts, and undergo unexpected audits.
A parliamentary panel has recommended that the government reconsiders market-based pricing for essential medicines, citing concerns over affordability and transparency. The panel suggests statutory amendments and cost audits to detect price distortions caused by monopolies. However, the government defends the current regime, stating that DPCO 2013 does not allow for cost-based pricing.
The EACPM's study on Budget speeches in India reveals a shift towards public capital expenditure, digital infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing. While a positive narrative is linked to stronger economic growth, it may not necessarily predict future growth. This evolution reflects the changing economic priorities of the country.