Pakistan and China are reportedly in advanced discussions to establish a new regional bloc aimed at replacing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been hindered by longstanding political tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan. The proposed alliance, which includes Bangladesh, is being considered as a strategic move to enhance regional connectivity, …
Starting today, a 1% increase in tax on private CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) cars has come into effect. The move, aimed at aligning green fuel vehicles with broader taxation norms, is expected to marginally impact the cost of ownership for private CNG vehicle users. While CNG remains a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, the …
The state government has introduced a bill to grant the Nashik‑Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority sweeping powers ahead of the Simhastha Mela, scheduled for October 2026–July 2027. The legislation empowers the 22‑member authority—headed by the Nashik Divisional Commissioner—to approve all development during the mela, including temporary townships, huts, tents, roads, amenities, and infrastructure. These approvals will override existing …
A Kolkata college has been directed to expel 17 students who are currently under investigation in connection with a gangrape case involving a fellow student. The incident, which allegedly took place on the college campus, has sparked outrage and prompted swift action from authorities. The college administration, acting on police inputs and preliminary findings, has …
The Odisha government has launched an urgent, high-level review of its crowd control and security protocols following the fatal stampede in the early hours of June 29 near the Gundicha Temple in Puri. The tragedy claimed three lives—Premakanta Mohanty (78), Basanti Sahu (42), and Prabhati Das (52)—and left over 50 injured amid throngs of approximately …
India remains a key driver of global growth, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Stability Report released on June 30, 2025. The central bank attributes this continued strong performance to sound macroeconomic fundamentals, prudent fiscal and monetary policies, and a resilient financial system—with healthy capital buffers across both banks and non‑bank financial companies . Despite …
The Indian Commerce Ministry is set to amend the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, aiming to breathe new life into the ailing SEZ programme. Under the proposed draft amendment bill, SEZ units would be allowed to sell domestically on a “duty‑foregone” basis, easing previous restrictions on sales into the domestic tariff area. The plan also …
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise has announced plans to hive off its pharmacy distribution and digital-health business into a new entity called “Apollo Healthtech”, to be listed on the stock exchanges in the next 18–21 months . Existing shareholders of Apollo Hospitals will receive 195.2 new shares in the new company for every 100 Apollo shares held. …
Bharti Airtel has formally requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to convert approximately ₹41,000 crore of its AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) dues—including accrued interest—into government equity, citing parity after Vodafone Idea received similar relief under the 2021 telecom reforms . However, the Union Finance Ministry has expressed reluctance, advising Airtel to pursue legal channels instead of …
Nitin Paranjpe, the non-executive chairman of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), cautioned that escalating geopolitical tensions and growing protectionist tendencies are among today’s most urgent threats to businesses — more unpredictable and immediate than known challenges like climate change or technological disruption. Speaking in Mumbai on July 1, 2025, he emphasized that while the direction of technological and environmental shifts …