RBI's reliance on forward market for rupee management has grown, with record $106.6 billion in outstanding forward dollar sales. This highlights the central bank's strategy in dealing with rupee depreciation and increased pressure. The rupee has depreciated 11.4% in the past year, closing at 96.57 against the dollar. Use of forward market gives RBI more flexibility.
The West Asia war has brought challenges for India-UK trade, with rising freight costs and logistics issues. Despite this, exporters are optimistic about the UK market and are taking new measures to overcome difficulties. While sectors like engineering face challenges, some exporters are already finding success.
The DoCA has asked the DAFC to temporarily stop selling pulses from public stocks to ensure enough supply in the future. They recommend relaxing the disposal norm for 9 months to preserve the stock due to the threat of El Nino and delayed monsoon affecting production. The government has a 4 million tonne buffer and is preparing for potential shortages.
SEBI has proposed a new MF-PMS framework to address the decline in registered investment advisers in the country. The new framework has reduced investment thresholds and net-worth requirements, which can attract affluent investors and allow for international investing and unlisted debt. This is expected to widen the market for mutual funds and encourage long-term investments.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan during Kargil Vijay Diwas event, highlighting India's defence progress and self-reliance. He criticizes Pakistan's support for terrorism and asserts that talks will only be held about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Singh praises Indian soldiers' bravery and sacrifices in the Kargil War and stresses the need for ongoing efforts.
India aims to boost nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, drawing attention to listed engineering and capital goods companies in the nuclear supply chain. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is working on three indigenous reactor designs, with Tarapur in Maharashtra as the site for two reactors. Few Indian companies have experience in reactor projects, making BHEL, Larsen & Toubro and more
Mercedes-Benz India has joined forces with PadelPark India to be the title sponsor for the Indian Padel Tour (IPT) for the 2026-2027 season. The tour will have 19 tournaments in 10 cities, including Grand Slams, City Opens, and special events. Padel, a popular doubles racquet sport played indoors or outdoors, is gaining traction in India and globally.
PM Modi honors Kargil War martyrs, showcases India's defence prowess and alliances. INS Mahendragiri commissioned, DRDO's Pinaka and Kusha missile achieve success, 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' symbolizes strength and unity. India's defence industry gains global trust, plays crucial role in national security.
CAG finds financial and operational lapses in West Bengal's 'Swasthya Sathi scheme', leading to excess payments, unpaid claims, weak grievance handling, and poor contract enforcement. These issues strain public finances, increase risk of ineligible beneficiaries and service shortfalls.
At least one person was killed and several others injured after a car drove through a park in Berlin during the city's biggest LGBTQ+ Pride event on Saturday. Police suspect it was a terrorist attack, and a suspect has reportedly been identified.
Assam is experiencing severe floods, resulting in 66 deaths and over 6.54 lakh people affected across 10 districts. The state has set up 90 relief camps and 184 relief centres, providing shelter to 18,902 people. The floods have caused significant damage to agriculture and infrastructure, with many villages submerged and roads destroyed.
The Assam Cabinet has approved a stamp duty waiver for Self-Help Group members, making credit more accessible for women and community-based livelihood borrowers. It also announced new rules for ayurvedic health services and reforms for MBBS and BDS course admissions.
Haryana government's new MSME policy aims to boost industries and exports through measures like improving ease of doing business, supporting exporters, and modernising industrial areas. Key proposals include increased export freight subsidy, special recognition for high-exporting industries, and faster approvals and payments for traders.
Anahat Singh made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian squash player to win the World Junior Squash Championships title. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in the girls' singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada.
When Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, he had little patience for long and slow trade investigations. He wanted quick results and wanted other countries to feel the pressure immediately.
The 2026 KM Chart Awards, hosted by K-drama stars Kang Tae Oh, Won Ji An, and Byeon Woo Seok, took place at Korea University's Hwajeong Tiger Dome in Seoul on Saturday. TXT dominated the trophy tally, winning the Artist of the Year title and one of the Grand Prizes. BTS also snagged a Grand Prize for their comeback album "ARIRANG." Other winners included NEWBEAT, VVUP, and LNGSHOT.
India's move towards alternative fuels is revealing a stark difference between two-wheelers and four-wheelers. While CNG is gaining traction in cars, it's facing challenges in the two-wheeler market. Bajaj Auto's CNG motorcycle, the Freedom 125, saw a decline in sales due to range limitations and competition from electric vehicles.
The male grooming industry is rapidly growing, with men incorporating makeup into their daily routine. By 2036, the global male colour cosmetics market is estimated to reach $55.1 billion, with foundations and natural/organic products being the most popular.
CKD is a major global health issue, with deaths from the disease increasing in recent years. The main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure, but age, obesity, and smoking also play a role. Detecting the disease early and making lifestyle changes can slow its progression and preserve kidney function.
India's aesthetics market has grown due to awareness and social media, but unregulated providers and clinics have also increased. CDSCO has tightened regulation on injectable cosmetic products to protect patients, increasing public awareness and promoting patient safety.
Trump supports Infantino as UN secretary-general, despite lack of qualifications. Infantino's success in organizing the 2026 World Cup is praised, but it does not guarantee diplomatic abilities. Team effort and on-field actions are more important than political involvement in the tournament's success.
India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has exempted 45% of its exports to the US from the additional 10% Section 301 duties, giving them an advantage over China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Türkiye. However, the remaining 55% will still be subject to the duties, and India has not received the textile and apparel tariff-rate quota exemption.
Honda Cars India has re-entered the premium SUV segment with the launch of the ZR-V e:HEV, priced at ₹47.99 lakh. The SUV is imported from Japan as a CBU and is powered by a strong-hybrid petrol powertrain. It comes with advanced safety features and a standard three-year warranty, with options for extended coverage.
Indulge in a diverse range of cultural events this week, including a performance by The Yellow Diary at The Grand Theatre in Mumbai, a discussion on comic-making in Bengaluru, a fusion show in Kolkata, a stand-up comedy show in Delhi, and a curated exhibition of rare works in Mumbai. Don't miss the chance to experience the best of Indian indie music, art, and collectibles.
Experience the rich history and culture of Greece beyond the popular island of Santorini. Begin your journey in Athens, where the iconic Acropolis and ancient Agora await. Explore the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion and the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. Visit Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, and the charming seaside town of Nafplio.
Italy is famous for its food, but pizza is a beloved snack worldwide. Surprisingly, Japan has a thriving pizza culture with unique variations and over 1,400 pizzerias in Tokyo alone. Japanese-inspired pizzas are now available in India at restaurants like Call Me Ten and Pizza 4P's, offering delicious options like mushroom.
Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue is a richly detailed book that chronicles the rise of the tech giant from its modest start in 1976 to its groundbreaking influence on technology and society. In The God Test, Robert Wright predicts a significant societal shift with the emergence of AI, while Brahma Prakash's Spectacle State examines the fusion of politics and daily life in India.
Award-winning Malayalam writer S Hareesh's new novel, August 17, imagines an alternate history where Travancore did not join the Indian Union in 1947. Through the eyes of a spy, the novel explores the political landscape of the time and the struggles of leaders like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer.
Corporate fashion has evolved to embrace versatility and comfort, with a focus on elevated basics that can be mixed and matched for both professional and personal settings. The fit and texture of clothing are more important than labels, and timeless shades and understated accessories are key.
Anime has gained immense popularity in India, making it a billion-dollar market with 118 million viewers and a projected annual growth rate of 11-13% until 2030. The country has become the second-largest anime market, with a strong interest from the younger generation. This has led to the rise of anime contests with lucrative prizes such as a 2-BHK house and a trip to Japan.
India is leveraging its first Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project to establish a high-speed rail network. The Railways will use a uniform design for the seven new corridors, cutting down on time and expenses while boosting engineering capabilities. The NHSRCL is creating standard designs and technical specifications, along with a design library, for these corridors.
The completion of the bridge and tunnel project in Rudraprayag is expected to provide relief to the heavy traffic on the Kedarnath-Badrinath route. With 99% of the project completed, officials are aiming to begin trial runs in August. The project includes two motor bridges and has received a sanction of ₹156 crore.
Dark mode has become the go-to for Gen Z, providing comfort, style, and personalization while reducing eye strain. Research shows it can improve accuracy and confidence, but it may not be for everyone. App developers now face the expectation to include it, reflecting Gen Z's digital culture.
Heavy rainfall in Gujarat has caused flooding and disrupted normal life, leading to the closure of the Ahmedabad-Viramgam Highway. A red alert remains in place for Ahmedabad district, with Dholka and Viramgam receiving the highest rainfall. Traffic has been suspended between Sanand and Viramgam, and authorities have advised people to stay alert and avoid travelling on flooded roads.
Ladakhi apricot farmers, including Nargis Bano, are facing challenges due to changing climate conditions. Limited research on the impact of global warming on their crop has resulted in damaged fruit, shorter drying windows, and decreased income.
The PMC is set to construct a new road connecting Keshavnagar bridge to Mundhwa, costing ₹93 crore under the PPP model. This 1,150-metre long and 24-metre wide road will improve connectivity in East Pune and reduce traffic congestion. Consultants will be hired to speed up the project, and another major road is also proposed.
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav boosts development and social welfare in Panna district with projects worth Rs 184.83 crore, Rs 210 crore for pension beneficiaries, and multiple initiatives for infrastructure, tourism, education, health, water-management, urban development, fast-track courts, and welfare disbursements. This showcases the government's commitment to progress and welfare.
The Cabinet has approved a railway expansion project worth Rs.1,264 crore on the Ballari-Guntakal route to enhance rail travel and freight movement between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The project includes adding third and fourth railway lines, benefiting industries, passengers, and villages. It is set to be completed by 2028-29 and is a part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The railways announced special trains between Tirupati and Charlapalli near Hyderabad, connecting a popular pilgrimage destination with an important railway terminal. The train will run on July 26 and 27, 2026, with stops at major stations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Multiple coach classes available for passenger convenience.
Sonam Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike ended after receiving a written assurance from the Union government on the NEET examination issue and broader reforms in the competitive testing system. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, defended his decision and criticized those questioning his sincerity. Wangchuk continues to be under medical observation as he recovers from the prolonged fast.
Southern Railway has launched a temporary special train service to manage the expected increase in passenger traffic. The bi-weekly superfast train will run between Tambaram and Tenkasi, with stops at important stations along the route. The train will operate on specific dates and provide convenient timings for passengers travelling between Chennai and southern Tamil Nadu.
The CJP protests, triggered by exam paper leaks, have become a powerful youth-led movement with political consequences. PM Modi's involvement, through a video message and talks with CJP leaders, has influenced the government's actions. National protests continue, driven by public fury and a call for accountability. Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike may be over, but the movement persists.
SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 landed successfully in the Indian Ocean, a significant achievement for the company. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the spacecraft's condition and transmission of data, while celebrating with the team. The first water landing for a Starship, the "lucky number 13" test flight was widely shared on social media.
AESL has secured a Rs 8,500 crore project in Andhra Pradesh through a competitive bidding process. The project, called transmission system for green hydrogen/ammonia projects in Vizag, will provide power to these projects and meet the increasing demand from data centers and digital infrastructure in the Pendurthi-Vizag region. The project is expected to greatly benefit the region.
The KM Chart Awards 2026 ceremony is approaching, with pre-announced winners and a star-studded lineup. Hosted by Kang Tae Oh and Won Ji An, with Byeon Woo Seok as a presenter, the event will take place at the Hwajeong Tiger Dome in Seoul. Fans can watch the live broadcast on Hello Live and ABEMA TV, with a delayed broadcast on MBC M.
China's leading role in electrolyser production presents a cost barrier for India's goal of constructing 5 MTPA of green hydrogen capacity by 2030. According to SBICAPS, using non-Chinese electrolysers in current bids may not be financially viable. The global electrolyser market is oversaturated, and slow implementation has not resulted in significant cost reductions.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the CBDT to take action to reduce the high number of pending tax appeals and emphasized the need for a balanced approach when dealing with taxpayers. Despite progress in simplifying processes, there are still 5.4 lakh appeals pending.
The poultry industry is facing a 15% increase in feed prices, driven by lower soybean meal output and higher demand for maize from ethanol manufacturers. This has resulted in higher prices for eggs and chicken nationwide, with feed costs making up 65% of production costs. The sector is also facing supply challenges for soybean meal and maize, exacerbated by a heat wave and delayed monsoon.
The Tata Sierra EV is a strong competitor in the electric SUV market, boasting impressive performance and range. Its spacious and luxurious interior, equipped with advanced technology, makes it ideal for family road trips. However, the weight may affect the ride quality and it lacks one-pedal driving. Despite these flaws, the Sierra EV is a powerful and technologically advanced vehicle.
Nissan introduces its new SUV 'Tekton' to compete with Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the midsize SUV market. With a name meaning 'master builder' in Greek, the Tekton offers powerful engines, impressive ground clearance, and advanced technology. Despite its smaller engine size, it proves to be a well-rounded and capable SUV in real-world tests.