August 13, 2025
Former Athlete Questioned Under PMLA for Alleged Money Laundering via Illegal Online Betting Apps
The Enforcement Directorate questioned a former professional athlete in connection with an alleged illegal online betting app money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The investigation focuses on the individual's endorsements of a betting application, seeking details on endorsement fees and communications. The agency has also questioned representatives of major tech companies and conducted multi-state searches related to similar betting apps. The probe targets multiple illegal betting platforms accused of defrauding investors and evading taxes. The online betting market in the country is substantial and rapidly growing. The government has issued numerous orders to block unregistered online betting platforms under the Information Technology Act and the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act. Betting and gambling regulation primarily falls under state jurisdiction, with the central government providing support through advisories and funding for law enforcement capacity building.
August 13, 2025
New Premium Gypsum Plaster Launched with 25% More Coverage and Faster Application Benefits
A construction materials manufacturer launched a new premium gypsum plaster product designed to improve coverage, application speed, and surface finish in the building industry. The product claims to offer 25% greater coverage than existing market standards, faster application times, enhanced durability, moisture resistance, and thermal and acoustic insulation benefits. The company emphasized the product's innovation and quality, positioning it as a benchmark in the premium gypsum plaster segment. The launch event, attended by industry stakeholders, highlighted the product's advanced formulation and potential cost savings for builders and homeowners. The manufacturer operates multiple production facilities, exports internationally, and maintains a significant distribution network.
August 13, 2025
Ratings Agency Forecasts 3.5% Inflation with Strong Crops and Stable Oil Prices, Signals More Rate Cuts
A ratings agency projected headline inflation to average 3.5 percent in the current fiscal year, down from 4.6 percent the previous year, attributing this to strong agricultural output and controlled food inflation. The report noted increased crop sowing and anticipated stable crude oil prices between USD 60 and 65 per barrel, which would help limit non-food inflation. It also expected an additional reduction in the policy interest rate, following a cumulative 100 basis point cut already implemented, supported by sufficient liquidity and effective transmission. Retail inflation has significantly declined, falling below the lower threshold of the central bank's target range, enhancing household purchasing power and potentially allowing for further monetary easing.
August 13, 2025
Automotive OEM Manufacturer Reports 35% Profit Growth, 30% Sales Rise Driven by Exports and Efficiency
An automotive OEM components manufacturer reported a 35% increase in net profit to Rs 3.64 crore and a 30% rise in sales to Rs 99.63 crore for the quarter ended June 2025 compared to the previous year. The company also recorded significant growth in EBITDA and profit before tax by 63% and 65%, respectively. Despite a subdued auto industry, the company attributed its strong performance to a focus on high-value products, operational efficiencies, and export growth. The management expressed confidence in sustaining this momentum and aims to achieve a revenue target of Rs 9,000 to 10,000 million by FY29, with plans to expand into the Railways and Defense sectors while continuing to strengthen its business model and product portfolio.
August 13, 2025
Community Involvement and Skill Training Key to Ending Street Begging, Says Minister Under Govt Scheme
A government minister emphasized that eliminating street begging requires active community involvement alongside official rehabilitation programs. Citing successful initiatives in two cities, the minister highlighted that providing business training and linking individuals to employment opportunities enabled former beggars to become self-sufficient and even employers. Collaborative efforts among residents, NGOs, and civic authorities were noted for offering education, healthcare, and skill development. A government scheme aimed at supporting marginalized groups through identification, shelter, and skill training was referenced. A human rights official attending the event endorsed the cause and recommended adopting respectful terminology to uphold the dignity of those formerly engaged in begging.
August 13, 2025
Multiple searches conducted in fraud case involving fake investment schemes and forged deposit certificates under Section 420 IPC
Law enforcement authorities conducted multiple searches in connection with a fraud and cheating investigation involving false investment schemes. The accused allegedly impersonated authorized agents of financial institutions and provided forged deposit certificates to the complainant, promising high returns. Following an online complaint, a case was registered, and evidence gathered confirmed the involvement of the suspects, who have been taken into custody. The searches are part of ongoing efforts to collect further evidence in the matter.
August 13, 2025
Ukraine pushes for inclusion in US-Russia summit talks, rejects land swap proposals under constitutional grounds
The Ukrainian leader is set to meet with the German Chancellor and other European and US officials in Berlin ahead of a planned summit between the US and Russian Presidents. European and Ukrainian leaders seek to ensure their perspectives are considered, as the upcoming summit risks excluding them. Discussions include potential support for Ukraine's development of long-range missile systems unrestricted by Western limitations. The US President has indicated a willingness to consider Ukrainian territorial concessions and land swaps with Russia, proposals firmly rejected by Ukraine as unconstitutional and a threat to sovereignty. European allies emphasize Ukraine's essential role in peace negotiations, wary that exclusion could lead to unfavorable terms favoring Russia. The US administration has shifted its stance on Ukraine's NATO membership and focuses on broader geopolitical interests, including improving US-Russia relations, while maintaining pressure on NATO allies over defense spending and trade tariffs.
August 13, 2025
Supreme Court Upholds 11-Document Rule for Electoral Roll Revision Under Section 14A
The Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission's decision to require 11 documents for Bihar's special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, finding it more voter-friendly compared to the previous summary revision requiring seven documents. The court rejected claims that excluding Aadhaar was exclusionary, emphasizing that submitting any one of the 11 documents ensured broader inclusion. Petitioners argued that many documents had limited coverage among the population, but the court noted significant availability, including 36 lakh passport holders. The court affirmed the Election Commission's authority over electoral roll inclusion and exclusion and supported its refusal to accept Aadhaar and voter cards as conclusive proof of citizenship. The dispute was characterized as a "trust deficit" issue, with the Commission stating that most voters did not need to submit documents due to their presence in the 2003 rolls.
August 13, 2025
ED probes money laundering in illegal betting, real estate fraud, and iron ore export cases under Prevention of Money Laundering Act
The Enforcement Directorate conducted multiple investigations and raids related to alleged money laundering and fraud. A former cricketer appeared for questioning in connection with an illegal betting app-linked money laundering case. Searches were carried out against a real estate group in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly defrauding home buyers of approximately Rs 248 crore. Additionally, premises linked to a Karnataka legislator were raided in a money laundering probe concerning illegal iron ore exports. A Telugu actress also appeared before the ED in a money laundering case tied to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The Supreme Court revoked bail granted to an Olympic wrestler accused in a murder case. These actions reflect ongoing enforcement efforts addressing financial crimes, illegal betting, and associated money laundering activities.
August 13, 2025
Incumbent Retains Secretary Role in Parliamentary Club Election Under Societies Registration Act Section 2
A governing body election was held at a prominent parliamentary club, which serves current and former legislators as a recreational and meeting venue. The club, established in 1947 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, includes key parliamentary officeholders as ex-officio leaders and an executive committee overseeing operations. The recent election saw an incumbent maintain a key administrative secretary position against a challenger, with other positions filled mostly unopposed following withdrawals. The club offers various amenities and functions as a venue for political and cultural events. The election involved participation from notable political figures across parties, and the newly elected executive committee comprises members from multiple political backgrounds.
August 13, 2025
Ganpati Idol Procession to Travel on Open-Top Double-Decker Bus for Wider Public Viewing
An entertainment company is organizing a traditional religious festival featuring a Ganpati idol procession in Mumbai for the ninth consecutive year. For the first time globally, the idol will be transported on an open-top double-decker bus to enable devotees across multiple neighborhoods to view the idol without gathering at a single location. The initiative aims to increase accessibility while preserving the cultural and spiritual significance of the event. The procession route and schedule will be announced prior to the festival, allowing public participation planning. The event has historically attracted large crowds and notable public figures, combining traditional rituals with innovative presentation methods. Organizers are currently preparing for the festival and will provide updates through official social media channels.
August 13, 2025
AI-Powered Marketplace Transforms $18B Industrial Scrap Trade with Real-Time Bidding and ESG Compliance
An AI-driven marketplace has launched to digitize and streamline the industrial scrap trade in India, valued at approximately $18 billion. The platform eliminates intermediaries by enabling direct transactions between industries, recyclers, and businesses through real-time bidding, digital audits, GPS tracking, and secure escrow payments. It incorporates AI tools for accurate volume, quality, and price estimation while ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and national regulatory mandates such as extended producer responsibility. The marketplace aims to address inefficiencies, trust issues, and logistical challenges in the traditionally unorganized scrap sector, promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability within the circular economy framework.
August 13, 2025
Beverage Brand and Music Group Launch New Song Blending Bollywood and Hip-Hop to Engage Youth
A beverage company's flagship brand, in collaboration with a global music group, released a new original song blending Bollywood melodies with hip-hop, continuing a series promoting youth culture and musical innovation. The partnership aims to merge diverse musical genres, providing artists a platform for creative experimentation and connecting with younger audiences. The campaign emphasizes the brand's philosophy of bold expression and living life to the fullest, reinforcing its market presence through music as a key engagement tool. The release is part of a broader marketing strategy targeting youth demographics by integrating music and brand identity, reflecting evolving cultural trends in the entertainment and beverage sectors.
August 13, 2025
Entrepreneur's Foundation Donates INR 75 Lakh to Extend Discounted Tickets at Cultural Heritage Park
A philanthropic foundation established by a prominent entrepreneur has made a further financial contribution of INR 75 lakh to a cultural heritage theme park, following an initial donation of INR 50 lakh earlier in the year. The donations enabled the theme park to offer significantly reduced ticket prices, increasing public access and benefiting over 1.5 lakh visitors. Due to public demand and the additional funding, the discounted rates have been extended until the end of October. The foundation focuses on sustainable social impact projects, including education and cultural preservation, and is solely funded by its founder without external fundraising. This continued support aims to promote regional heritage awareness and community empowerment through accessible cultural initiatives.
August 13, 2025
Indian-Origin Global Pro Wrestling League Launches in 2025, Combining Sport and Culture with Wide Broadcast Reach
A UK-based diversified group and its sports innovation division, in partnership with a national public broadcaster, are launching the first Indian-origin global professional wrestling league. The league will debut on 17 September 2025 with a 40-week season broadcast across multiple platforms, aiming to reach one billion viewers nationwide. The initiative seeks to combine athletic wrestling with Indian cultural storytelling, featuring a prominent wrestling figure as brand ambassador and talent commissioner. The project is positioned as a significant national venture to showcase domestic talent on a global stage, promote cultural narratives, and elevate India's presence in international sports entertainment. The organizing entities emphasize innovation, operational excellence, and alignment with India's economic development goals while committing to governance and sustainability standards.
August 13, 2025
Tech Firm Launches AI Innovation Hub to Develop Human-Centered Generative AI Systems and Digital Companions
A technology company has launched an innovation hub focused on developing advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to learn from human interaction without relying on curated datasets. The initiative includes creating AI-powered digital companions for applications such as workflow optimization and knowledge management, with prototypes being tested in various business functions. The new office in India will house a multidisciplinary AI team and serve as a collaborative space for research and development, including partnerships with academic and startup communities. The company aims to balance fundamental AI research with practical, explainable solutions and plans to integrate AI-enhanced features across its product suite by the following year. This expansion reflects the company's strategic commitment to advancing human-centered AI technologies and fostering innovation in the AI sector.
August 13, 2025
EdTech Company Opens New Branch, Expands to Five Cities with 100+ Jobs and AI-Powered Student Tools
An education technology company celebrated its ninth anniversary by inaugurating a new branch in a major northern Indian city, expanding its operational footprint to five cities. The new facility, located in an educational and IT hub, offers over 100 workstations and is expected to generate more than 100 jobs. The company partners with multiple UGC-DEB recognized universities and provides AI-enabled tools to assist students in selecting appropriate courses and institutions. It offers online enrollment in various degree and certification programs, emphasizing student counseling and post-enrollment support. Established in 2016, the organization aims to further expand its course offerings and university partnerships while enhancing its college-finding technology to promote accessible education nationwide.
August 13, 2025
Non-scheduled flights banned at major airport during peak hours on August 15 under official airport notice
Non-scheduled flights, including those operated by scheduled airlines and charter services, are prohibited from landing or taking off at a major national airport during specified hours on August 15. The restrictions apply from 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 7 pm and do not affect scheduled commercial flights. Exemptions include military aircraft, state-owned flights carrying certain officials, and emergency or medical evacuation flights. The restriction is enforced through an official notice issued by the airport authority's aeronautical information division.
August 13, 2025
Asian Stocks Climb on US Inflation Data and 90-Day US-China Tariff Truce Extension Boosting Trade
Asian stock markets rose following a US stock rally driven by improved inflation data and hopes for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. A 90-day extension of the US-China tariff truce eased trade tensions, benefiting companies reliant on China-based supply chains. Key indices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia posted significant gains, while Japan's exporters saw increased buying after confirmation of a flat 15 percent US import duty. The US consumer price index remained steady at 2.7 percent year-over-year, below expectations, raising prospects for rate reductions to stimulate borrowing and investment. Despite criticism over high market valuations, the Federal Reserve's upcoming decisions will consider recent weaker job reports and inflation trends. Oil prices and currency exchange rates showed minor fluctuations amid the market movements.
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