The Monsoon Session of Parliament starts on July 20 amidst protests over government's invitation to rebel MPs. The government wants a smooth session, but rebel alignments have changed the lower house arithmetic. Key bills on income tax, Supreme Court judges, birth and death registration, national honor, and MSME will be discussed.
The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has approved a package of Rs 7,834 crore for four comprehensive schemes to improve infrastructure, power, education, and rural connectivity. These schemes will bring together central and state initiatives to bridge development gaps.
The Kasheli Depot for Mumbai Metro Line 5, which is currently 23% complete, will support the operation of trains on the 32-km Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar corridor. It will have facilities such as a workshop line, inspection bays, a test track, and a Depot Control Centre. The depot will also play a crucial role in maintaining and ensuring the safety and reliability of services.
The Aadhaar app has been downloaded 4 crore times and has recorded 11 lakh address changes and 49 lakh mobile number updates. It offers features like biometric lock/unlock and e-Aadhaar download, making it a convenient platform for managing personal details and accessing Aadhaar services.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) accused the police of preparing for a crackdown at Jantar Mantar, where supporters of Sonam Wangchuk's protest have been gathered. The group claimed that the presence of water cannons was a warning sign of authorities planning to disperse the peaceful demonstrators.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Argentina and Lionel Messi aim to defend their title by defeating Spain. However, their biggest challenge may not be on the field as Drake has placed a $1.5 million bet on Argentina to win, reigniting fears of the "Drake Curse" and his history of losing large sums of money on sports bets.
Sonam Wangchuk urges supporters to join a march to Parliament on July 20, calling it "India's second freedom movement." His handwritten note was shared through his wife, who alleges his "illegal detention" at Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk's message seeks to mobilise support for the planned march, which he describes as "India's 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT."
Indian military to fly domestically assembled Airbus C-295 transport aircraft as part of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu visited Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s Vadodara plant and praised the project, highlighting India's growing capability to manufacture sophisticated military and civil aircraft.
Spain and Argentina, the champions of Europe and World/Copa America, will meet in the FIFA World Cup final. Spain, known for their ball possession skills, beat France in the semis, while Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has made impressive comebacks. Both teams have had a tough journey to the final, with Spain facing a tactically disciplined Argentina.
PNB's MD & CEO Ashok Chandra reveals plans to attract $2.5 billion in FCNR(B) deposits and expand their NRI customer base. The bank is confident in achieving its target and has seen a 17% growth in current account deposits. PNB also aims to enter the wealth management business, but will not offer higher leverage for deposits.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's India 2.0 project, launched with a 1 billion euro investment, faces hurdles in achieving its 5% market share goal by 2025. The Skoda Kylaq has been a success, but the group's overall market share is only 2.44%. Obstacles like tough competition and operational challenges have hindered the project's progress.
AI plays a crucial role in maternal healthcare, but it cannot replace qualities like clinical judgement, compassion, and trust. Fernandez Foundation has been successfully using AI for over 20 years to predict high-risk pregnancies. CEO Samir Vieira believes that AI should support, not replace, clinicians and patients are now more involved in their healthcare decisions.
India's bar scene is transforming with the emergence of speakeasy-style bars, known for their secrecy and exclusivity. These hidden bars are gaining popularity in the country's premium nightlife industry, as the demand for unique experiences and top-notch cocktails grows. They are also expected to contribute to the country's projected increase in alcohol consumption.
The government has extended the exemption for solar photovoltaic cells from the ALMM List-II until 2026, to protect investments and ease the transition for net-metering and open access renewable energy projects. However, this exemption will not apply to other solar power projects, as the government aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
Peptides, short chains of amino acids, have a significant impact on health including muscle growth, skin health, and energy. However, experts advise caution as there is no substantial scientific evidence to support their use as over-the-counter options.
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke to entrepreneurs in Madurai, highlighting India's potential as the world's fastest-growing major economy and its ability to contribute significantly to global growth. She encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace risks in the rapidly changing economy.
The WHO predicts a 70% rise in cancer cases by 2050, due to lifestyle and environmental factors. Prevention through addressing risk factors like tobacco use and obesity is possible. Early detection through screening can improve treatment outcomes. In India, head and neck, lung, breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer are common. Healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of cancer.
The Karnataka government has extended food service hours in Bengaluru until 3:30 am, giving bars and restaurants an opportunity to capitalize on the FIFA World Cup final. Popular chains like Domino's and McDonald's are offering special promotions, while businesses like Underdoggs Sports Bar & Grill and BeeYoung Brewgarden are expecting record revenues.
"Desi Disruptors" by Vispy Doctor and Vikrant Pande highlights successful Indian brands and their strategies for turning consumer insights into successful businesses. The book offers practical advice and real-life examples, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer pain points and executing with emotional resonance and operational discipline.
The Pitt, a medical drama series, leads in nominations for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. It highlights healthcare workers' struggles and has gained renewed attention during the pandemic. Popular medical dramas in India include Mumbai Diaries 26/11 and InsidER.
The umbrella, a centuries-old design, is getting a digital makeover with the rise of "smart umbrellas." These umbrellas use weather data, Bluetooth tracking, advanced materials, and even autonomous flight to make them more functional. They also address common issues such as forgetting the umbrella, dripping water, and poor durability.
Celebrities' ability to transform mundane items into coveted collectibles is exemplified by Justin Gignac's sale of trash from Taylor Swift's wedding for a high price. This trend is driven by the power of internet culture and fan devotion, as even garbage holds sentimental value when connected to idols. Rapper Cardi B's microphone is another example of this phenomenon.
Corn, a versatile grain that has been around for over 9,000 years, is consumed in various forms globally. In India, it is used to make dishes like makki ki roti, pankhi, and barfi. Chef Anahita Dhondy's recipe for Mexican polenta cake, featured in her book The Grain Kitchen, combines the sweetness of cinnamon sugar with savory bacon and fresh berries.
The football world is experiencing a shift as the Messi-Ronaldo era concludes. Rising stars like Mbappe, Haaland, Bellingham, Yamal, and Junior are becoming the new global brands. They are not only excelling on the field, but also crafting their personal stories, connecting with fans on social media, and securing non-traditional partnerships.
Gen Z, known as the ‘snowflake generation’, are turning to analogue hobbies, also known as the ‘grandmacore’ movement, to escape the constant consumption of screens and algorithms. These hobbies, such as painting, pottery, and calligraphy, are gaining popularity through social media and ticketing platforms.
Spain will witness a total solar eclipse on August 12, the first since 1905. Other countries like Greenland, Iceland, and Portugal will also see it, but Spain is the ideal destination due to its warm weather, cultural scene, and transport links. Visitors can enjoy tapas, wine tasting, coastal walks, and island escapes.
Bollywood is undergoing a structural transformation as studios expand into vertically integrated ecosystems, controlling every aspect of storytelling. This trend is similar to global giants like Disney and Warner Bros, with companies like Red Chillies Entertainment, YRF, and Dharma Productions building end-to-end entertainment empires.
Disney, Universal, Sony, and Paramount are major players in the entertainment industry due to their vertical integration and successful franchises. Paramount's purchase of Warner Bros Discovery for $111 billion has caused concern among Hollywood's creatives, who worry about limited opportunities and increased expenses. This deal reflects the industry's focus on streaming and data-based content.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 successfully reached orbit on July 18, marking India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket and a major milestone for the country's space industry. Named 'Mission Aagaman', it launched from Sriharikota and completed its planned sequence of flight stages, injecting payloads into a 450-km orbit.
Steven Spielberg is the top-earning director with a $7.1 billion fortune from smart deals, real estate, and a disciplined lifestyle. His unique negotiation style has earned him $250 million from one movie and he has ongoing revenue-sharing deals with Universal Studios. He also has partnerships with Netflix and Apple, but remains focused on his craft with a full slate of projects.
Christopher Nolan's new film, The Odyssey, has had a successful opening weekend, surpassing records set by other blockbusters. With a star-studded cast and large budget, the film has already earned over $40 million in its first day and is expected to make over $200 million globally. Critics and audiences are raving about the film, solidifying its place as a top summer box office hit.
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is set to launch India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1, named 'Aagaman', from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 18 at 11:30 am.
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and education reformer, was hospitalized after a 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. His condition had worsened, and Delhi Police cited medical advice for the move. Wangchuk was demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities and received support from various groups.
The rise of AI has created a game of snakes and ladders for Gen Z, with automation taking away jobs but also creating a surge in net worth for young entrepreneurs. The latest Forbes Billionaires list includes a record number of under-30 billionaires, many of whom have made their fortunes through AI startups like Aman Sanger, Scale AI, and Mercor.
India has confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran's Chabahar Port, which is developed and operated by India, was not damaged after the United States carried out an airstrike on a surveillance tower at the neighbouring Shahid Kalantari port earlier this week.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, built by former Isro scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, represents the moment when India's private space sector can build a sustainable launch business. Their journey mirrors the evolution of the sector, from an idea viewed with scepticism to one attracting billion-dollar valuations and global investors.
Carmakers are shifting their focus from electric-only to electric-first approach, as seen in the ADAPT display by JSW MG. ADAPT is India's first platform that supports four electrified powertrains: BEVs, HEVs, PHEVs, and REEVs. BEVs are traditional electric cars, while HEVs have a small battery and a petrol engine for fuel efficiency.
The journey from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La pass is a must-visit, historically rich and diverse region. It was captured by the Indian Army from Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak War and is now home to the Balti people with their unique language and culture. While tourism has brought prosperity, it has also caused pollution, making cleanliness a key concern.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting on July 20, will focus on passing key bills such as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and the Income-Tax (Amendment) Bill. The session will also introduce new bills, including the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, aimed at improving ease of doing business and addressing delayed payments to MSMEs.
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu topped the Investment Friendliness Index released by NITI Aayog, highlighting the importance of states in creating a business-friendly environment. Bihar ranked last, while Uttarakhand, Goa, and Delhi were top performers in their categories. The IFI aims to promote reforms, encourage peer learning, and attract private investment for economic growth.
Rystad Energy forecasts a $15-20 per barrel geopolitical risk premium in crude prices due to the escalating conflict between the US and Iran. The chances of sustained fighting have risen to 20% and the likelihood of no agreement has reached 55%.
The government is releasing a revised Index of Core Industries (ICI) on Monday, including iron ore and increasing the number of industries tracked to nine. The base year has been updated to 2022-23 from 2011-12. This marks the first revision since 2017 and follows similar exercises for other macro-economic data.
PM Modi launches India's first hydrogen fuel train, a symbol of the country's expertise in eco-friendly rail transport. The train, built under "Make in India," boasts a 3,200-horsepower engine and 10 coaches, making it the world's strongest hydrogen train. With a top speed of 75 kmph and a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage and refueling facility, it promises economic growth and job opportunities.
Parametric insurance is a fast way to recover from climate-related events, paying a pre-agreed amount based on measurable parameters. It is beneficial for gig workers and farmers who can lose income due to extreme weather. However, it is not a substitute for traditional insurance and has limitations such as fixed payouts and limited event coverage.
The Pension Fund Regulator's new digital toolkit, PRIDE-DISHA, allows National Pension System subscribers to make informed retirement planning decisions by comparing performance of different pension fund managers. It uses an extended internal rate of return (XIRR) to display accurate returns and accumulated corpus based on historical net asset value (NAV) growth.
The inclusion of foreign income and investment data in the Annual Information Statement (AIS) will improve tax compliance and reduce errors. Taxpayers must reconcile the information with their records and disclose all foreign assets to avoid penalties.
EPFO launches "VISHWAS, 2026" to settle disputes through a digital and time-bound process. The scheme aims to promote voluntary compliance, reduce litigation, and resolve long-pending disputes related to penalty/damages. Concessional rates of 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1% per month will be applied for defaults.
India's thermal power capacity saw a significant increase of 1.6 GW, but execution delays and stranded projects are still a concern. With peak power demand expected to reach 300 GW next year, only 22% of the FY27 target has been met. The government plans to add 97 GW of coal-based capacity by 2034-35 to meet the growing demand.
India's export growth in April-May was not just due to higher commodity prices, as 72 out of 100 product categories saw an increase in export volumes. While petroleum exports rose due to crude prices, engineering goods, agriculture, and high-growth sectors like drug formulations and steel products were the main drivers.
The central drug regulator has exempted half of low-risk bioequivalence studies, making it easier for domestic generic drugs to be launched. This has reduced burden on pharmaceutical companies and freed up regulatory resources. Digitization of processes and development of a digital platform to streamline drug value chain have also been implemented.