August 11, 2025
Taxation Laws Amendment Bill 2025 proposes pension tax exemptions and updates to income tax assessment rules
A new Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to extend tax exemptions to subscribers of the Unified Pension Scheme, aligning its benefits with those of the New Pension Scheme. The Bill also proposes amendments to the Income-tax Act, 1961, and the Finance Act, 2025, including modifications to the block assessment process in Income Tax search cases and provisions for direct tax benefits to public investment funds from Saudi Arabia. These changes aim to enhance tax incentives and streamline assessment procedures under the updated pension and investment frameworks.
August 11, 2025
Lower House Passes National Sports Governance and Anti-Doping Bills Amid Opposition Protests
The lower house of the legislature passed two sports-related bills after a brief discussion despite opposition protests concerning electoral roll revisions in a specific state. The bills, addressing national sports governance and anti-doping regulations, were considered and approved by voice vote while many opposition members were absent or engaged in protests outside the chamber. Opposition members returned to raise slogans during the proceedings, but the bills were enacted before the house adjourned.
August 11, 2025
Government Introduces Revised Income Tax Bill Incorporating Select Committee Recommendations and Stakeholder Suggestions
The government introduced a modified Income Tax bill in the legislature to replace the existing Income Tax Act, 1961. The new bill incorporates nearly all recommendations from a Select Committee, along with additional stakeholder suggestions to clarify legal language. Due to necessary drafting corrections, phrase alignments, and cross-referencing adjustments, the original Income Tax Bill was withdrawn and replaced by this revised version. The bill aims to consolidate and amend income tax laws comprehensively.
August 11, 2025
Engineering Firm Wins Contract to Build 500,000L/Day Ethanol Plant Using Sugarcane Syrup and Grains
An engineering, procurement, and construction firm specializing in distillery projects has secured a contract from a major sugar producer to design and implement a multi-feed ethanol plant with a capacity of 500,000 liters per day in Maharashtra. The project involves the use of sugarcane syrup and grains as feedstocks to produce fuel-grade ethanol in line with national biofuel policies. The plant will incorporate energy-efficient technologies such as low-pressure distillation and vapor-based evaporation systems to optimize power generation and minimize energy consumption. The contractor has prior experience delivering similar ethanol plants across India and has commenced execution of this project with notable progress.
August 11, 2025
Caribbean Medical School Tackles Global Physician Shortage with Affordable, Accessible Training Programs
A global shortage of physicians is reaching critical levels, with projections indicating a deficit of up to 10 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030, disproportionately affecting developing countries. The United States and Canada face significant physician shortfalls, impacting access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In response, a Caribbean medical school is addressing this gap by offering affordable, accessible medical education aimed at producing skilled physicians prepared to serve high-need regions globally. The institution emphasizes reducing financial barriers through transparent tuition, scholarships, and flexible payment plans. Its graduates have successfully matched into competitive residency programs and are contributing to healthcare systems in various countries. The school focuses on training physicians who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate and community-oriented, aiming to alleviate the global healthcare workforce crisis.
August 11, 2025
Tech Platform Partners with Fraud Intelligence to Block Fake Accounts Using Device ID Tech
A technology distribution platform specializing in AI, gaming, and consumer apps has partnered with a fraud intelligence provider to implement a device-based fraud detection system. This collaboration enables real-time blocking of fake accounts, bots, and fraudulent activities by using device identification technology with over 99.99% accuracy. The platform has significantly reduced fake accounts by 99.8% and bot-driven abuse by 98.7%, ensuring reward integrity and protecting user acquisition campaigns from fraud. The integration detects multi-accounting and fraud syndicates, preventing large-scale bonus abuse and maintaining account integrity. This partnership aims to sustain trusted growth and legitimate user engagement in a digital ecosystem plagued by fraudulent activities.
August 11, 2025
Furniture Fittings Company Revamps Linear Drawer Systems with Minimalist Design and Advanced Technology Features
A leading furniture fittings company has repositioned its linear drawer systems to align with current design trends favoring minimalism and clean lines. The company offers an extensive range of products featuring advanced technology such as minimalist profiles, integrated illumination, silent opening mechanisms, and high load capacities. These innovations aim to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in modern interiors. The repositioning reflects the company's strategic response to evolving consumer preferences and design standards, leveraging precision engineering and award-winning technology to maintain market leadership in furniture hardware solutions.
August 11, 2025
New Snack Brand Launches with Authentic Regional Flavors, Healthy Oils, and No Preservatives
A new snack brand has launched across India, focusing on authentic regional flavors and traditional preparation methods. The brand emphasizes small-batch production, use of healthier oils, and avoidance of preservatives and artificial colors, responding to concerns over industrial ingredients and additives commonly found in packaged snacks. It sources products from local artisans and communities, preserving culinary heritage while catering to health-conscious consumers who prioritize clean ingredients and regional authenticity. The brand offers a variety of regional specialties nationwide through its website and plans expansion through e-commerce platforms and subscription services. This initiative highlights a shift towards transparency, quality, and cultural connection in the Indian snack market.
August 11, 2025
Global Gaming Platform Launches 24/7 Live Virtual Horse Racing with Instant Bets and Payouts
A global gaming platform has launched live virtual horse racing across Asia, offering races every three minutes with real-time video streaming and commentary. The platform provides three betting options: predicting the winner, a top two finish, or a top three finish, with instant results and payouts. This virtual racing aims to replicate the excitement of traditional horse racing, which has a long history in the region, by providing continuous, accessible gameplay without waiting for scheduled events. The service targets players seeking fast-paced, strategic betting opportunities on a digital platform available 24/7.
August 11, 2025
New Pan-Asian Dining Experiences Featuring Multi-Course Duck Menu and Unlimited Dim Sum Lunch
A hospitality establishment located in Bengaluru has introduced two new dining experiences featuring traditional and contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine. The first offering centers on a multi-course duck menu that includes classic and innovative dishes such as Peking Duck served tableside, Cantonese roast duck, Thai duck curry, and fusion items like duck sushi rolls and truffle-scented fried rice. The second is an unlimited dim sum lunch available on weekdays, showcasing a variety of handcrafted dumplings and mains inspired by Cantonese culinary traditions, served in a leisurely manner to encourage conversation. Both experiences emphasize culinary craftsmanship and cultural storytelling within an upscale hotel setting, aiming to provide guests with memorable and refined dining moments.
August 11, 2025
Parliamentary Affairs Minister condemns opposition disruptions blocking key bills on tax, sports, shipping, and GST amendments
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister criticized the opposition for repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings, causing delays in passing key legislation. He stated the government intends to move forward with important bills, including those related to income tax, sports governance, merchant shipping, anti-doping, and state GST amendments. The minister accused opposition parties of focusing on protests over a single issue, hindering discussions on matters of public interest and leading to frequent adjournments in both Houses of Parliament. The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring legislative business progresses despite opposition disruptions.
August 11, 2025
Real Estate Firm Launches 3 New Projects with INR 450 Crore Investment and Full Regulatory Approvals
A real estate company has expanded its presence in Mumbai by launching three new projects, including two luxury residential developments in Juhu with an investment of INR 450 crores and a high-end commercial project in Kalina. The commercial project has received all necessary regulatory approvals and construction will begin immediately. The residential projects have also secured regulatory clearances, with completion expected within 30 months. The company plans to launch two additional commercial projects in the fiscal year 2025-2026, continuing its strategy of combining residential and commercial developments. Funding for the residential projects will come from equity and internal accruals. The company emphasizes its focus on timely delivery, architectural design, and strategic location in Mumbai's key business corridors.
August 11, 2025
Global Web Hosting Launches High-Performance Dedicated Servers with Intel and AMD Options, Instant Setup, and Flexible Bandwidth
A global web hosting provider has launched dedicated server hosting services in Missouri, USA, featuring high-performance servers powered by Intel Xeon and AMD Ryzen processors with bandwidth options from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps. The service offers customizable configurations, instant setup, and monthly contracts, targeting businesses requiring reliable, scalable hosting for applications such as high-traffic websites, e-commerce, cloud computing, and gaming. Backup servers are available to minimize downtime. Customers can choose between Linux and Windows operating systems based on their software needs. The company operates globally with over 30 locations and emphasizes secure, high-speed infrastructure and 24/7 support to meet diverse business requirements.
August 11, 2025
Air India Flight Diverted After Radar Issue and Missed Landing; Safety Protocols Followed Amid Dispute
An Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi was diverted to Chennai due to suspected weather radar malfunction, with the aircraft safely landing after a missed approach caused by reported runway debris. The aviation regulator confirmed the crew followed protocol, replaced the radar transreceiver as a precaution, and orbited before landing clearance was granted. A senior parliamentarian onboard claimed the flight narrowly avoided disaster when another aircraft was allegedly on the runway during the first landing attempt, prompting calls for investigation and accountability. The airline denied this claim, stating the diversion was a safety precaution and all passengers were accommodated on alternate flights. The conflicting accounts have led to political dispute, with calls for scrutiny of statements and potential consequences for misinformation regarding aviation safety.
August 11, 2025
Opposition MPs detained during protest over voter roll issues; court orders dog relocation and upholds defamation conviction
Opposition members of parliament were detained by police while attempting to march to the Election Commission office to protest alleged irregularities in voter roll revisions, with authorities citing lack of permission for the march. The opposition leaders claimed the protest was to protect constitutional rights and ensure a clean voter list, while the ruling party accused them of attempting to create instability. The Delhi Police detained over 30 MPs during the demonstration. Separately, the Supreme Court directed Delhi authorities to address the stray dog issue by relocating animals to shelters and refused to hear a public interest litigation seeking measures against illegal activities by political parties. The Court also ordered a litigant and lawyers to apologize for defamatory remarks against a High Court judge and upheld the conviction of an activist in a defamation case. The Delhi High Court sought response from a separatist leader regarding a death penalty plea in a terror funding case.
August 11, 2025
No Plan to Restore Old Pension Scheme; Unified Pension Scheme Offers Defined Benefits Under NPS
The Government of India has confirmed that there is no proposal to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for central government employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). The shift from OPS was due to its unsustainable fiscal burden. A Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been introduced as an option under NPS, providing defined retirement benefits while maintaining fiscal sustainability. UPS offers assured payouts based on service duration and salary, with additional benefits under existing pension rules in cases of death or disability during service. The government also reported an increase in household financial assets and liabilities from 2020 to 2024, with net financial positions improving. Retail loan penetration has moderately increased, asset quality remains stable, and unsecured loans constitute a small portion of advances. Net household financial savings have also risen, indicating no systemic risk to Indian banks' asset quality.
August 11, 2025
Political Leader Urges Quick Action on Voter List Issues and EVM Transparency in Monsoon Session
A political leader emphasized the need to promptly address doubts concerning voter lists, electoral roll revisions, and electronic voting machines to ensure electoral transparency. She urged the state assembly's monsoon session to focus on public welfare by setting aside political differences. Additionally, she called for parliamentary discussion on the impact of US tariffs on national trade, highlighting its significance for the country's economy and development. The leader criticized recent parliamentary disruptions, noting that critical issues affecting the public are not being adequately addressed.
August 11, 2025
Indian Technical Institute Awards 9,800 Degrees, Honors Space Leaders, and Highlights Moon Mission Goal by 2040
A premier Indian technical institute held its 21st convocation, awarding nearly 9,800 degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, with a notable representation of women among doctoral scholars and rank holders. Two senior government officials from the space and earth sciences sectors received honorary Doctor of Science degrees for their contributions to science and national development. The space agency chairman outlined the nation's goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2040, highlighting past international cooperation and current advancements in aerospace and defense technology. The event emphasized values of honesty, resilience, and lifelong learning as key to individual and national progress, aligning with the country's vision to become a leading global economic power by 2047. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, gender equity, and societal impact through research and innovation across multiple campuses.
August 11, 2025
Microfinance Firm Reports 29% Income Growth in Q1 FY26, Boosted by Secured Lending Strategy and Inclusion Focus
A non-banking financial company specializing in micro and small enterprise lending reported a 29% year-on-year increase in total income for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, driven by a secured lending strategy. The company's asset under management rose significantly, with secured loans comprising a larger portion of disbursements and the loan book. It maintained strong capital adequacy and net worth growth despite credit market challenges, supported by a diversified lender base and recent equity infusion. The firm targets increased secured lending and focuses on women entrepreneurs, livestock communities, and new-to-credit borrowers to enhance financial inclusion. Its operations span multiple states with an expanding branch network, and it continues social initiatives alongside lending activities.
August 11, 2025
State Unveils AI-Focused IT Policy and Quantum Tech Roadmap to Boost Innovation and Jobs
A state government official highlighted the region as a prime location for entrepreneurship and technological advancement, emphasizing its leadership in artificial intelligence and quantum technology. The official announced initiatives including a new IT policy focused on AI infrastructure, the launch of a state-level Quantum Technology Roadmap, and plans to establish Quantum Hardware Parks and Innovation Zones. The state is noted as the largest software exporter nationally, with a significant share of global capability centers and startups. Commitments were made to expand these centers, create substantial employment, and develop tech clusters beyond the capital city. Additional projects include an integrated ecosystem for innovation and wellness, and a healthcare and life sciences hub combining research, biotech, and medical facilities. The government aims to attract global talent and investment by providing supportive infrastructure and policies to address major global challenges through technology and innovation.