August 12, 2025
Government and Auto Company Partner to Boost Startups in Mobility, Clean Tech, and Deep Tech Innovation
A government department and a major automotive company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to support early-stage startups focused on mobility, clean technology, and deep tech. The agreement grants startups access to the company's global research and development facilities, dealer and supplier networks, and mentorship opportunities. Selected startups may engage in paid Proofs of Concept to pilot innovations and gain market exposure. This partnership aims to accelerate innovation and industrial growth in line with national initiatives promoting self-reliance and technological advancement.
August 12, 2025
Net direct tax collections fall 3.95% to Rs 6.64 lakh crore amid 10% rise in tax refunds
Net direct tax collections decreased by 3.95% to Rs 6.64 lakh crore in the current fiscal year, primarily due to a 10% increase in tax refunds totaling Rs 1.35 lakh crore. Gross collections before refunds declined by 1.87% to Rs 7.99 lakh crore. Corporate tax collections amounted to Rs 2.29 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax collections, including individuals and firms, reached Rs 4.12 lakh crore. Securities Transaction Tax collections were Rs 22,362 crore during the period. The government has set a target to collect Rs 25.20 lakh crore in direct taxes and Rs 78,000 crore from Securities Transaction Tax for the fiscal year.
August 12, 2025
Supreme Court reviews rules on summoning lawyers in investigations under ED directives, calls for uniform guidelines
The Supreme Court addressed concerns over probe agencies summoning lawyers during investigations, emphasizing its role as custodian of all citizens. The court reserved its decision in a suo motu case involving the summoning of lawyers by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering probes. The court acknowledged the need to protect lawyers as part of the justice administration but clarified that immunity does not extend to lawyers involved in criminal activities such as evidence tampering. The court noted it cannot create different classes of lawyers and called for uniform guidelines. The ED had issued a directive restricting summons to lawyers without prior approval, following criticism from bar associations. The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association had petitioned against the summoning practice, asserting it undermines legal profession foundations. The court instructed parties to file written submissions before delivering its final order.
August 12, 2025
Supreme Court reviews Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls under Section 14
The Supreme Court has begun hearing multiple petitions challenging the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of upcoming elections. Petitioners allege discrepancies, including instances where deceased individuals were listed as alive and vice versa. The Election Commission defended the exercise as a draft process subject to corrections, aimed at removing ineligible voters to ensure electoral integrity. The Court instructed the Commission to provide detailed data on voter numbers, including deceased voters, before finalizing the rolls. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on September 30. Various political leaders and civil society groups have jointly challenged the Commission's June 24 decision, fearing the revision may disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. The Court has emphasized its readiness to intervene if mass exclusion is detected during the revision process.
August 12, 2025
Global Specialty Glass Maker Starts High-Precision Tubing Production for Injectable Biologics in India
A global specialty glass manufacturer has commenced local production of high-precision glass tubing for syringes and cartridges at its facility in India, marking the first such manufacturing in the country. This expansion aims to meet increasing demand for injectable biologics used in diabetes and weight management, supporting pharmaceutical self-reliance under a national initiative. The production technology was transferred from the company's German operations, ensuring high-quality standards with tight tolerances critical for drug delivery systems. The move also enhances supply chain stability for primary pharmaceutical packaging in India and Asia, leveraging the country's growing pharmaceutical industry and regulatory environment. This development reflects a strategic investment to bolster local manufacturing capabilities and contribute to economic growth while maintaining zero-defect quality through advanced monitoring systems.
August 12, 2025
Rs 3,500 Crore Liquor Scam Chargesheet Details Money Laundering Under PMLA Section
A chargesheet filed by Andhra Pradesh police in a Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam alleges systematic laundering of kickbacks through low-profile employees acting as couriers to deposit illicit cash into multiple bank accounts linked to the syndicate. The laundering involved layering and circulation of cash to conceal the crime's proceeds, with some kickbacks paid as salaries to these individuals who then transferred funds to other accused. The Special Investigation Team arrested several persons, including a political party member, and the Enforcement Directorate filed a related money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The chargesheet referenced alleged monthly kickbacks to a former chief minister but did not formally accuse him. A senior political leader denied the allegations as baseless.
August 12, 2025
Annual Design Festival Showcases Innovation, Sustainability, and Cultural Storytelling with 120+ Brands and 80 Speakers
An annual design festival will be held in Hyderabad, featuring over 120 brands and 80 speakers from the design industry, showcasing furniture, lighting, home furnishings, and fine art. The event includes exhibitions, talks, and immersive installations focused on Indian design innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. It aims to position Hyderabad as a creative hub by uniting professionals across architecture, interiors, and visual culture. The festival is supported by multiple sponsors and includes thematic pavilions and cultural exhibitions exploring materiality and ethical design practices. It also offers public art installations and culinary experiences, emphasizing the integration of design with everyday life. The event serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and promotion of India's evolving design identity on a global stage.
August 12, 2025
Non-Profit Uses Geo-Informatics to Build 100,000 Recharge Structures Boosting Water, Crops, and Incomes
A non-profit organization has implemented large-scale water conservation initiatives across multiple Indian states to address severe groundwater depletion and water scarcity. Utilizing scientific methods such as geo-informatics and remote sensing, the organization constructed over 100,000 groundwater recharge structures and rejuvenated numerous rivers and streams. Their flagship project involves creating farm-level recharge pits combined with tree planting, resulting in significant improvements in water tables, crop yields, and farmer incomes. The approach integrates community participation, including youth and women empowerment, and employs a holistic 4R strategy: reduce, reuse, recharge, and recycle water resources. Government agencies have verified the positive impact, with formerly critical water regions now classified as safe. The organization collaborates with governmental and corporate entities, promoting a replicable model aimed at making India water-positive and sustainable.
August 12, 2025
Easy EMI Financing on Washing Machines with Zero Down Payment and Instant Approval
A financial services company registered as a non-banking financial company with the Reserve Bank of India offers easy financing options for purchasing washing machines during a promotional Independence Day sale. The company provides flexible repayment plans, including zero down payment and instant approval through a proprietary EMI card, facilitating consumer access to a wide range of home appliance models from various brands. The promotion highlights benefits such as partner store discounts, energy-efficient products, and convenience features. The company maintains high domestic credit ratings and operates across urban and rural markets with a substantial customer base. All product features, pricing, and availability are subject to change, and consumers are advised to verify details before purchase.
August 12, 2025
Regional Government Boosts Domestic Computing Power with National Strategy and Green Energy Initiatives
A regional government has advanced its position as a leading hub for intelligent computing by leveraging a national strategy aimed at redistributing data processing capacities across the country. The region has significantly expanded its computing power infrastructure, with a majority of capacity domestically produced, supported by numerous data centers and enhanced energy supply systems, including renewable energy sources. Policy measures provide financial incentives for domestic computing power adaptation and model training services, facilitating substantial computing power transactions. Ongoing projects, including major cloud computing centers, aim to further strengthen the region's computing capabilities and promote integrated networks coordinating electricity and computing resources. This development reflects a strategic shift toward high-quality, green computing power to drive coordinated regional economic growth.
August 12, 2025
Global GxP Digital Solutions Provider Celebrates 25 Years Advancing Pharma 4.0 with AI and Compliance Tools
A global provider of GxP-compliant digital solutions for the life sciences industry marks its 25th year by unveiling an anniversary logo and highlighting its contributions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple countries. The company specializes in enhancing quality systems, streamlining operations, and ensuring regulatory compliance through a suite of digital tools integrating AI and next-generation technologies. Its products support real-time insights, predictive analytics, and AI-driven document generation to improve decision-making and audit readiness. The company emphasizes its role in advancing Pharma 4.0 and delivering measurable improvements in compliance, productivity, and business outcomes, helping clients reduce manual errors and accelerate production in a challenging regulatory and technological environment.
August 12, 2025
Global AI Leader Excels in Retail Analytics, Boosts Efficiency with Agentic AI and AI/ML Accelerators
A global data science and AI solutions provider was recognized as a leader for the second consecutive year in a technology research firm's 2025 assessment of retail and consumer packaged goods analytics services. The firm was noted for its expertise in Agentic AI, enabling rapid deployment of data models across pricing, promotions, assortment, and inventory management. Its AI/ML accelerators reportedly reduce time-to-value by 50%, supporting major retailers and CPG companies worldwide. The recognition highlights the provider's role in advancing AI maturity and facilitating real-time, intelligent decision-making to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement in dynamic market conditions. This follows prior industry awards affirming its leadership in data and AI modernization for retail and CPG sectors.
August 12, 2025
Global Leader in AI-Powered Digital Accessibility Solutions Recognized for WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 Compliance
A global digital accessibility solutions provider has been recognized as a Representative Vendor in a leading 2025 market guide for digital accessibility. The company offers AI-powered platforms combined with expert human insight to deliver scalable, inclusive digital accessibility services that prioritize usability and compliance with regulations such as WCAG, ADA, EAA, and Section 508. Its core platform integrates automated scanning, issue tracking, and expert support to manage accessibility conformance across web, mobile, and document formats. Employing a diverse workforce including a significant percentage of people with disabilities, the firm provides end-to-end services including audits, remediation, consulting, and training to help organizations embed accessibility into their software development lifecycle. This recognition underscores the company's leadership in advancing inclusive digital ecosystems beyond mere compliance.
August 12, 2025
Criminal Lawyer and International Author Appointed Vice President of Political Party Transport Cell to Drive Reform
An individual with a background in criminal law and international authorship has been appointed Vice President of a major political party's Transport Cell in Maharashtra. The appointment aims to leverage her legal expertise and leadership to address challenges in the state's transport sector, focusing on commuter experience, safety, public transport reforms, traffic management, and road safety. The appointee emphasized using politics as a tool for meaningful change rather than power acquisition and plans to initiate policy reforms starting in Mumbai before expanding statewide and nationally. Her professional history includes involvement in high-profile criminal cases, social justice advocacy, women's rights campaigns, and legal education workshops. The appointment has been welcomed by senior party officials who anticipate positive impacts on transport policy and administration.
August 12, 2025
Indian Pharma Firms Build FDA-Approved Oncology Plants Following IQ, OQ, PQ Protocols Under GMP Standards
Indian pharmaceutical companies are increasingly establishing FDA-approved oncology manufacturing plants to meet stringent US and EU regulatory standards. These facilities require advanced containment, cleanroom design, and rigorous validation processes including IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols to ensure compliance with international GMP standards. The approval process involves multiple regulatory steps such as state licensing, CDSCO approval, and FDA registration, often taking two to three years from planning to inspection. Companies must invest heavily in infrastructure, staff training, data integrity, and quality systems to avoid FDA inspectional observations under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Successful FDA approval grants access to lucrative global oncology markets, reflecting significant commercial and credibility benefits. The development of such plants represents a strategic shift beyond generic drug manufacturing, emphasizing long-term compliance and quality to support the expanding global oncology drug market.
August 12, 2025
Non-Profit Launches Full Scholarships for 100 High-Achieving, Economically Disadvantaged Students
A non-profit organization dedicated to educational development in a specific Indian state launched a scholarship program providing full undergraduate funding for 100 high-achieving, economically disadvantaged local students. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in post-secondary education access for underprivileged youth and builds on the organization's prior success in improving infrastructure and learning environments in over 20 rural and semi-urban government schools, benefiting more than 6,000 students. The launch event featured prominent public figures who highlighted education's transformative power and encouraged support through donations, mentorship, and partnerships. The scholarship application process will open soon, with the first group of recipients expected to begin studies in the 2026-27 academic year. The organization continues to focus on creating equitable educational opportunities and fostering community involvement to empower future leaders.
August 12, 2025
Rs 3,500 Crore Liquor Scam Involves Money Laundering via Employee Couriers, Multiple Arrests Made
A chargesheet filed by Andhra Pradesh police in a local court alleges that kickbacks from a Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam were systematically laundered through low-profile employees acting as couriers and mules to deposit illicit cash into a network of bank accounts. The Special Investigation Team found that these individuals facilitated structured money laundering by layering and circulating cash to conceal its criminal origin. Some employees received portions of the kickbacks as salary and were instructed to transfer funds to other accused persons. Several arrests have been made, including a member of parliament. The Enforcement Directorate has also initiated a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to irregularities in liquor sales. The chargesheet referenced substantial monthly kickbacks allegedly received by a former chief minister but did not formally accuse him. A senior political leader denied all allegations as baseless.
August 12, 2025
Government passes National Sports Governance Bill 2025 centralizing sports control, exempting cricket board from RTI transparency
The government passed the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 through the Lok Sabha despite opposition requests for referral to a parliamentary committee for detailed review. The opposition criticized the bill for causing extreme centralization of sports administration and alleged preferential treatment for the national cricket board, exempting it from transparency laws like the Right to Information Act. The bill, described by the Sports Minister as a major reform, was passed amid protests and without extensive consultation. The National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill was also passed simultaneously by voice vote.
August 12, 2025
Content Company Launches Four New Vertical Microdrama Series with Fast Production Model and Multilingual Plans
A Mumbai-based content company specializing in vertical microdramas has expanded its production with four original series scheduled for release on new digital platforms. The company, which pioneered India's first vertical web series, operates through five dedicated divisions covering scripting, production, sound, visual effects, and color grading, enabling rapid content creation within 15 days. The new series involve debut directors and award-winning filmmakers from its core creative team, with executive production and concept development managed by experienced personnel. The company aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of short-form vertical storytelling, seeking partnerships with larger distributors to produce multilingual original content and establish dominance in this emerging format.
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