May GST collections grew by 3.2% to Rs 1.94 lakh crore, indicating economic resilience despite external shocks. Sequentially, collections decreased by 20.16% from April's all-time high, but excluding a one-time payment last year, gross GST revenue grew by 9%. Net GST revenue increased by 3.3% to Rs 1.66 lakh crore, with refunds rising by 2.6%.
The US launched military strikes on Iran after an Iranian attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned against Tehran and mediators tried to revive peace talks. This was the third strike this week and raised doubts about the previously signed memorandum of understanding. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.
Indian and Indonesian cuisine both value fire and charcoal cooking, with dishes like satay and rendang influenced by the Chola Empire's ties to Indonesia. Charcoal adds tradition and character to food, and while precision and instinct are crucial, honoring local culture is essential for balance.
Swimwear in India has evolved from a utilitarian purchase to a year-round fashion category. The market is expected to nearly double by 2034, driven by the growing demand for versatile pieces that work for both leisure and fitness activities. The pandemic has also fueled the growth, with a shift towards wellness and travel.
India and New Zealand have joined forces to increase bilateral trade to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030 through a strategic partnership. The implementation of a Free Trade Agreement will open up new opportunities in market access, investment, and skilled mobility.
India's passenger vehicle exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 79,967.35 crore in FY26, with top markets being South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Japan. This 30.59% growth in export value is six times that of India's total commodity exports, driven by the export of high-value electric cars like the Suzuki eVitara.
A humped neck can be caused by lifestyle and medical factors like poor posture, aging, obesity, and hormonal conditions. While exercise and posture correction can help, it may not completely reverse it if caused by structural changes. Women are more prone to it due to menopause and osteoporosis, leading to pain and reduced flexibility.
Electrolyte supplements are gaining popularity, but a balanced diet and enough fluids are usually enough to maintain electrolyte balance. Overconsumption can be harmful, especially for those with health issues. The market is growing, but labeling, regulation, and education are needed. Consult a healthcare professional before using them.
India's 1.5 billion population's obsession with the FIFA World Cup is driven by FOMO, despite the country's inability to qualify. The focus on international stars like Messi and Ronaldo overshadows the neglect of the Indian team and domestic league. As their chances for qualifying are slim, India's priorities lie elsewhere, resulting in a low FIFA ranking.
Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have decreased for four days in a row, hitting a low of 34 on July 9. Inbound traffic has improved, particularly for LNG carriers. However, security and navigation issues remain a concern, with one-third of crossings in the dark and US President Trump warning of a possible blockade on Iranian ports and vessels.
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey brings the ancient Greek epic to life on the big screen, but the real adventure lies in retracing the journey yourself. From Troy to Ithaca, Tunisia to Sicily, and even Scotland and Iceland, travellers can explore the real locations tied to the legend. With a stunning backdrop and delicious cuisine, this is a trip that shouldn't be missed.
"Experience a night of poetry, music, and storytelling with actor Piyush Mishra and his band Ballimaaraan at Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai on July 12. Actor Ashish Vidyarthi will also captivate audiences with his live storytelling performance, Kahanibaaz, at Bhavan's Cultural Academy and Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad on July 17.
Seaweed is gaining popularity in the culinary world as chefs experiment with its unique flavor and versatility. It is being incorporated into dishes like ponkh bhel and pani puri, as well as cocktails. This umami-rich ingredient is becoming a staple in fine-dining menus and is also being used in home kitchens for salads, flatbreads, and seasoning blends.
Europe is facing a paradox as its heatwave reveals the continent's struggle to cope with scorching summers despite being built for harsh winters. Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France, and Balkan countries are heavily affected, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and disrupting daily life.
Contemporary homes now showcase statement pieces that are both functional and artistic, like bookshelves that also provide ambient lighting. These luxury furniture pieces are in demand for their originality, craftsmanship, and versatility, using unique materials like stone and hand-dyed fabrics.
Antony Beevor's "Rasputin: And the Downfall of the Romanovs" delves into the life of Grigori Rasputin, a Siberian peasant who played a crucial role in the fall of the Russian empire. Through detailed research, Beevor shows how Rasputin's influence and manipulation of the ruling dynasty ultimately led to their downfall.
India is experiencing a shift towards self-investment, with people focusing on communication, appearance, fitness, mental health, and food. This has led to a growing market for coaching, styling, and skilling services, driven by social media, lifestyle learning, and a focus on foundations.
BJP leader Narottam Mishra's supporters caused chaos on National Highway-44, protesting his exclusion from the Datia assembly by-poll. The demonstration turned violent, disrupting traffic in four districts. Mishra appealed for calm and the administration tried to resolve the situation.
Microsoft is facing criticism and racist attacks towards its Indian-origin CEO, Asha Sharma, and Xbox division. The company's layoff plans received backlash and calls to end the H-1B visa program, with reports of visa applications filed by tech giants. Sharma was selected for a Federal Reserve task force, but faced hateful comments. Microsoft has denied replacing employees with foreign workers.
President Trump has warned of a potential military strike against Iran as threats against his life increase. Israel has shared intelligence about Iran's plans to eliminate Trump. Despite a recent ceasefire, tensions between the two countries have resumed. Iran has accused the US of violating their previous agreement.
India and New Zealand have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, with a goal to increase bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion by 2030 and a NZD 20 billion investment in India. They have also pledged to enhance cooperation on defense, counter-terrorism, and maritime security, as well as address concerns such as supply chain resilience, energy security, and the Pacific Islands.
Odisha government has given Rs 20,648 crore to 1 crore women under Subhadra Yojana in 4 instalments in 2 years. 5th tranche of Rs 5,000 will be released on Raksha Bandhan. Pravati Parida urges officials to complete field verification by July 25 for the scheme to be successful in empowering women.
A Ryanair plane traveling from Greece to Germany experienced an uncontained engine failure, causing severe damage and a chaotic scene as a piece of the engine broke off and injured a passenger. This rare incident brought back memories of a similar tragedy in 2018, but the 61-year-old Serbian man was saved.
Defence Minister issues a stern warning to the Indian Navy, stressing the importance of being prepared and technologically advanced to counter evolving threats in the Indian Ocean Region. He highlights the need to anticipate and neutralise hybrid forms of warfare, such as piracy and cyber attacks, while emphasizing the strategic significance of the IOR for India's economic growth.
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees for stealing trade secrets. Tensions between the two companies have risen after OpenAI announced plans to enter the hardware industry and acquired Jony Ive's startup. OpenAI denies the allegations, but Apple claims that over 400 former employees now work for them.
Tamil Nadu government signs MoU with Vikram Solar to boost clean energy goals, with a massive investment of Rs 15,037 crore at SIPCOT Gangaikondan Industrial Park. The project is expected to create 2,670 jobs and strengthen the local supply chain. The state is committed to expediting clearances, land allotments, and utility connectivity to support the initiative.
The Siachen Base Camp is India's highest battlefield where soldiers sacrifice their lives for independence. The treacherous road is made possible by the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey. Operation Meghdoot in 1984 marked the start of the longest military operation. The soldiers' journey is tough, but they draw strength from the legend of OP Baba.
Government's ethanol blending programme has helped pay cane arrears to farmers and made sugar industry financially viable. Blending 20% ethanol with petrol has saved Rs 1.9 lakh crore in foreign exchange. Sugarcane arrears have reached a record low, with no subsidy for sugar exports since 2021.
In June, the mutual fund industry saw a surge in SIP participation, with 5.55 million new SIPs registered and a record high monthly contribution of Rs 31,781 crore. Equity funds rebounded by 26%, with mid-cap and small-cap funds receiving the highest inflows. Gold ETFs gained popularity, while debt funds faced outflows due to institutional redemptions.
The Indian government supports the use of E20 petrol, a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, as a means of reducing reliance on imported oil and promoting energy security. While there may be concerns for older vehicles, the government emphasizes the advantages of higher octane, lower emissions, and a reduced carbon footprint.
An account aggregator can assist investors in identifying and capitalizing on key opportunities to increase retirement savings, such as salary increases, bonuses, and the end of EMIs. Technology can help prompt timely retirement decisions and make building a stronger retirement fund more integrated with everyday financial choices, ultimately leading to greater long-term financial security.
The Assam government has allocated a budget of Rs 55,000 crore for infrastructure development in partnership with the Government of India. Major projects include a metro rail system, new high-speed roads, and a greenfield airport. Other road projects and a feasibility study for the metro rail project are also included in the budget.
India has introduced RAINMUMBAI, the country's first exchange-traded weather derivative on NCDEX, to mitigate climate risks. This financial contract is based on Mumbai's rainfall data and helps businesses transfer risks associated with abnormal weather. Mumbai's reliable rainfall record makes it an ideal location for this initiative.
A new report shows that extreme heat is a growing danger in India, causing income loss and higher medical expenses for workers. By 2030, agriculture and construction laborers could lose 22.5 working days per year due to heat stress. India must take action to protect its vulnerable workers and households, especially those in informal employment without social safety nets.
India is expanding its emergency crude buffer by adding a 1.75-million-tonne reserve at Mangaluru and approving the second phase of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves programme. This will increase emergency coverage to over 20 days of consumption and the government is making efforts to make the reserves financially viable.
State-run oil marketing companies are expected to report a combined loss of ₹60,000-62,000 crore in Q1FY27 due to factors such as the West Asia supply shock, elevated crude prices, weaker rupee, and high retail fuel under-recoveries. Refining margins were strong, but retail fuel losses led to a decline of 301% YoY and 251% QoQ in EBITDA.
Benchmark equity indices, including Sensex and Nifty, saw a surge on Friday due to strong buying in PSU banks and IT stocks. TCS and Indian Bank's positive quarterly results also contributed to the rally. Geopolitical tensions and falling crude oil prices added to the positive sentiment.
OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Work, an AI agent that can handle complex tasks in enterprise applications and files. This signals a move towards autonomous AI and is expected to increase its use in businesses. They also introduced GPT-5.6 and a redesigned desktop app, which will have a big impact on India's IT services industry by expanding use cases and changing opportunities.
Gujarat is actively developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem, with 10 ancillary units seeking land and discussions with 15 more underway. The state is also prioritizing the establishment of a strong network of suppliers, service providers, and skilled manufacturers to support major chip projects.
The DGFT has implemented the automotive import provisions of the India-UK CETA, allowing for concessional-duty imports of UK-built passenger cars. The notification outlines quota allocation, eligibility, customs procedures, and utilisation conditions for importers. Only authorized OEMs or dealers can apply for TRQ allocations, and under-utilisation may affect future allocations.
KMRL, with support from SCMS Water Institute, aims to extend Water Metro service from Aluva Metro Station to CIAL via Periyar River. A feasibility study will be conducted to assess flood conditions, water flow patterns, and technical factors. The new route will offer a seamless airport commute for Kochi residents.
Assam government presents ambitious Budget for 2026-27, prioritizing infrastructure, connectivity, and support for farmers, tea garden workers, and small entrepreneurs. Heavy investments in connectivity and transformational projects, as well as measures for agriculture, tea sector, and households. Focus on job creation, education, entrepreneurship, and urban-rural connectivity.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. has emerged as a top wealth creator in India's public sector defence companies in the last five years. Despite a dip in stock price, the company's focus is now on execution pipeline, manufacturing capacity, and India's naval modernisation programme for future growth.
Gujarat has launched a 'Data Centre Policy' to attract Rs 6 lakh crore of investment and become a national hub for cloud, AI, and digital services. The policy offers incentives and streamlined approvals to enable 7.5 GW of data centre capacity.
India's government has launched pilot trials on ten routes to test the viability of hydrogen as a future fuel for transportation. These routes cover long-distance and regional corridors and aim to evaluate the performance, safety, and cost of using hydrogen for buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
Microsoft's Building 87 in Redmond, Washington boasts the world's quietest place, an anechoic chamber that holds a Guinness World Record. Its "onion-like" design and soundproof surfaces provide a near-total absence of external noise, making even the slightest human sounds audible. Visitors are left with a strange sensation in this unique and isolated space.
Vedanta Aluminum, India's largest pure-play aluminium company, is expected to enter its next growth phase according to brokerage house Motilal Oswal. With a 'Buy' rating and a target price of Rs 540 per share, the company has emerged as a compelling structural story in the global aluminium space.
Indian Railways has upgraded the Brahmapur-Surat Amrit Bharat Express to a daily service, improving travel options for passengers between Odisha and Gujarat. The train will now offer more flexibility and better connectivity between eastern and western India. The new schedule and route have been announced, bringing relief to those who had to plan around its limited operating days.
Indian stock market extends winning streak, led by IT stocks. TCS' strong earnings and hiring boost sector. Sensex and Nifty record strong gains, crude oil prices ease and rupee strengthens. Broad-based buying seen across sectors, with analysts predicting improved domestic outlook and FIIs investing in select sectors. Top gainers on Sensex include Adani Ports, IndiGo, Tech Mahindra.
The Solapur Division of Central Railway has installed the Standard KAVACH system on the 149 km Solapur-Wadi section, which uses advanced technology to enhance safety and reliability. The system underwent successful trials and is equipped with 1,254 RFID tags to prevent collisions and generate emergency alerts for passenger and freight trains.
The government has given the green light for Dixon Technologies and Vivo Mobile India to form a joint venture to produce smartphones and other electronic devices in India. Dixon will have a majority stake of 51%, while Vivo will hold 49%. This venture is expected to boost Dixon's growth and revenue, with the brokerage firm predicting strong potential.