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.
August 12, 2025
Global Skincare Brand Launches Turmeric Clay Face Pack for Oily Skin with Niacinamide and Vitamins C, E
A global skincare brand launched its first turmeric and mineral clay face pack in India, combining traditional Indian skincare ingredients with modern, science-backed formulations. The product targets oily and combination skin, featuring turmeric, bentonite and kaolin clays, niacinamide, vitamins C and E, and glycerin, while excluding parabens, sulphates, and silicones. Offered in single-use sachets and 50ml tubes, the face pack aims to address pollution, oil imbalance, and dullness with a simple, effective routine. The launch reflects a strategic focus on ingredient transparency, safety, and minimalism, catering to evolving consumer preferences in smaller Indian cities. The product is exclusively available in India through online and offline retail channels.
August 12, 2025
Beverage Company Launches Cultural Platform to Support Artisans, Sustainability, and Social Causes
A beverage company launched a cultural platform aimed at promoting collective progress and creative collaboration among artists, athletes, and innovators. The initiative features projects blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, supporting sustainable artisan communities, and advocating social causes such as gender equality and environmental sustainability. Proceeds from certain collaborations are directed to NGOs preserving cultural heritage and aiding artisan livelihoods. The platform emphasizes community impact, creativity, and purposeful action, aligning with the company's brand philosophy. The company, a subsidiary of a global beverage corporation, continues to expand its cultural engagement while promoting responsible consumption and sustainability within its industry.
August 12, 2025
Software Company to Acquire Mobile Workflow Platform, Expanding Sales Automation and Field Execution Capabilities
A software company specializing in distribution management and sales force automation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a mobile-first workflow automation platform provider. The acquisition aims to create a comprehensive route-to-market and field execution platform across multiple industries by combining sales automation, distribution digitization, and workflow automation capabilities. The merged entity will offer an integrated platform covering sales, onboarding, servicing, and warranty management, enhancing innovation cycles, platform integration, and customer support. This strategic move supports the acquiring company's expansion into new geographic markets, including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and strengthens its ability to deliver AI-enabled, scalable, and secure solutions tailored to diverse regulatory environments and complex business needs.
August 12, 2025
Nationwide Online Appliance Exchange Program Offers Discounts on New Health and Hygiene Products with Doorstep Pickup
A company specializing in health and hygiene products has launched a nationwide online appliance exchange program allowing consumers to trade in various old small home appliances for discounts on select new products. The program covers a broad range of appliances and offers additional discounts on new water purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and air purifiers purchased through the company's official website. The initiative includes doorstep pickup of old appliances and delivery of new items, promoting convenience and sustainability. This cross-category exchange program is the first of its kind in the country, enabling customers to exchange appliances from different categories rather than the same category, encouraging responsible disposal and eco-conscious consumer behavior. The offer is available exclusively online across the country.
August 12, 2025
National Summit Highlights Climate-Smart Agriculture and Farmer Welfare for Sustainable Growth
A national summit on sustainable agriculture emphasized the integration of environmental sustainability with farmer welfare to support inclusive economic growth. Key stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, highlighted the need for increased investment in climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure beyond short-term crop loans. District administrations were recognized for implementing innovative crop diversification and sustainable farming practices that improve farmer incomes and environmental outcomes. Financial institutions committed to leveraging resources for climate mitigation projects and promoting rural entrepreneurship. Science-driven innovations and responsible resource management were identified as critical to advancing climate-smart agriculture. The event aligned with the government's vision for sustainable economic development through agriculture, recognizing exemplary contributions from various organizations and officials working to scale successful models nationwide.
August 12, 2025
Tech Company Launches Autonomous No-Code AI Platform for Enterprise Automation and Workflow Optimization
A Chennai-based technology company has launched an autonomous, no-code AI platform designed for enterprise automation that operates without human prompts or pre-trained data. The platform integrates with major enterprise systems and automates critical workflows by learning from real-time behavior, aiming to reduce downtime and optimize operations. The company, known for its suite of automation and governance tools, emphasizes scalability and integration with global business environments. It also highlights its commitment to social responsibility through inclusive hiring and community initiatives. The new AI solution is already deployed with leading international clients and is positioned as a transformative tool for business efficiency and resilience.
August 12, 2025
Central bank cuts benchmark interest rate to 3.6%, marking third reduction this year under monetary policy guidelines
A central bank reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 3.6%, marking the third cut within the year. This decision follows previous reductions from 4.35% in February and 4.1% in May. The rate cut aims to address slowing economic growth and declining inflation. This adjustment represents the lowest interest rate level since March 2023.
August 12, 2025
Government delays tariff hike under Section 301 for 90 days to ease trade tensions and boost negotiations
A government executive order postponed the scheduled increase of tariffs on imports from a major trading partner for 90 days, averting an immediate escalation in trade tensions and potential retaliatory tariffs. This extension aims to facilitate further negotiations toward a comprehensive trade agreement but maintains ongoing uncertainty for businesses affected by the trade dispute. Market reactions included gains in regional stock indices and fluctuations in commodities and currency values. The decision also intersects with broader economic concerns, including inflation and monetary policy, as officials await updated inflation data to guide interest rate adjustments. The tariff delay temporarily eases trade conflict pressures but does not resolve underlying disputes, leaving the economic outlook contingent on forthcoming negotiations and data.
August 12, 2025
Supreme Court Reviews Advocate Summoning, Election Plea, Environmental Issues, and High-Profile Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court is addressing several legal issues, including a suo motu case concerning the summoning of advocates by probe agencies during investigations, a plea against the Election Commission filed by a politician, and cases related to demolition of structures and environmental concerns involving tree felling in a Mumbai forest. Additionally, a convict in a high-profile murder case has filed a plea. The High Court is handling petitions such as a jailed parliamentarian's request to modify travel restrictions, a former chief minister's plea to quash an FIR in a land-for-jobs corruption case, and a member of parliament's plea to quash a CBI FIR related to alleged illegal relief to an alcoholic beverage company. Other regional legal and political developments include court appointments and protests related to electoral roll revisions.
August 12, 2025
Domestic currency edges up on local market gains amid tariff concerns and upcoming US inflation data
The domestic currency experienced a slight appreciation against the US dollar in early trading, influenced by positive movements in local equity markets. However, market participants remain cautious due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding trade tariffs between two major economies and upcoming inflation data from the US. The currency is trading within a narrow range, facing resistance and support levels that could determine its short-term stability or further depreciation. Concurrently, crude oil prices increased marginally, and the US dollar index showed a minor decline. Foreign institutional investors continued to divest significant equity holdings, reflecting cautious sentiment amid geopolitical and economic developments.
August 12, 2025
Stock Market Rises on Tech Gains and Asian Trends Despite US Decline and Foreign Selling Pressure
Stock market indices opened higher driven by gains in information technology stocks and positive trends in Asian markets. The benchmark indices showed notable increases, with certain major companies leading the gains while others lagged. Despite a decline in US markets, domestic mutual funds recorded record inflows, particularly through systematic investment plans, reflecting strong investor confidence amid ongoing market volatility influenced by international trade tensions. Foreign institutional investors, however, sold equities worth a significant amount. Market participants remained cautious ahead of upcoming key economic data releases and international summits.
August 12, 2025
South Korea and US Presidents to Discuss Trade, Defense, and Security Cooperation on August 25
The President of South Korea will meet with the US President in Washington on August 25 to discuss trade, defense cooperation, and regional security concerns related to North Korea. This follows a recent trade agreement reducing US tariffs on South Korean goods and commitments by South Korea to invest significantly in US energy and industries. Discussions will likely address expanding cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors and shipbuilding. The meeting also aims to strengthen the defense alliance amid US demands for increased South Korean financial contributions for American troops stationed there and potential shifts in US military focus toward China. The alliance may be restructured to have South Korea assume greater responsibility for North Korean threats, potentially altering the size and role of US forces in the region and impacting the balance of costs and risks for South Korea.
August 12, 2025
India and Singapore to finalize 10 MoUs on tech, connectivity, skilling, and green energy collaboration
India and Singapore are set to finalize approximately 10 memorandums of understanding covering advanced technology, connectivity, skilling, and digitization during a ministerial meeting. Key proposals include laying an undersea cable to transmit solar energy from India to Singapore, which would also provide data connectivity, despite challenges posed by the Andaman Trench. They are also exploring the export of green ammonia and green hydrogen from India to Singapore. Discussions will address skill development in sectors like aviation, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to train around 100,000 Indians annually. The meeting will consider the impact of U.S. tariff policies and strategies to increase Singaporean investments in India. The collaboration includes a financial data regulatory sandbox at Gift City, Gujarat. This engagement builds on the comprehensive strategic partnership established last year and aims to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
August 12, 2025
US-China Trade Truce Extended 90 Days, Halting Tariff Hikes and Supporting Ongoing Negotiations
The United States and China have extended their trade truce for an additional 90 days, postponing potential tariff increases and easing tensions between the two largest economies. The extension maintains existing terms, preventing the US from raising tariffs beyond 30 percent on Chinese imports and halting retaliatory measures by China. This pause allows further negotiations aimed at resolving disputes over market access, intellectual property rights, and industrial subsidies. Despite previous high tariffs and retaliatory levies that threatened bilateral trade, both countries have agreed to reduce some tariffs and ease export restrictions, including on rare earth minerals and technology. While limited agreements on agricultural purchases and fentanyl-related chemical controls are anticipated, significant issues remain unresolved, suggesting ongoing trade tensions and negotiations will persist in the foreseeable future.
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