Business

Aug 2025 : In terms of Para 13 of the Consolidated Procedural Guidelines on the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular IDMD.CDD.1100/14.04.050/2021-22 dated October 22, 2021, premature redemption of the gold bonds is permitted after five years from the date of issue of such bonds. Accordingly, the details of tranches falling due for premature redemption during the period October 01, 2025 – March 31, 2026, along with the window available for submission of request for premature redemption by the investors are as under: Sl.No. Tranche…

Hyderabad Aug 2025 : – At its annual Made by Google event on Wednesday, Google unveiled its latest wearable innovations, introducing the Pixel Watch 4, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Buds 2a. Each product comes with significant design refinements and upgraded features, reflecting Google’s push to create a seamless ecosystem across devices. Pixel Watch 4: Smarter, Brighter, and More Durable The Pixel Watch 4 is the highlight of this year’s lineup, debuting the new Google Actua 360 display, which…

E-commerce Tops Refund Grievances with ₹1.34 Crore Redressal NCH Sees Tenfold Surge in Calls; WhatsApp Complaints Jump to 20% The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) successfully facilitated refunds amounting to ₹2.72 crore in July 2025, addressing 7,256 consumer grievances across 27 sectors. The e-commerce sector recorded the highest volume of refund-related grievances with 3,594 cases, resulting in refunds worth ₹1.34 crore. This was followed by the Travel & Tourism sector, which accounted for refunds of ₹31 lakh. The helpline’s technological transformation has significantly enhanced its reach…

The Government has introduced an amendment in the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, vide the Gazette amendment Notification No. G.S.R. 388(E) published on 17th June, 2025. The amendment introduced a FASTag Annual Pass for non- commercial cars, jeeps, and vans, which has been effective from 15th August, 2025. Annual Pass scheme will be activated on payment of Rs. 3000/- and offers travel for non-commercial car/jeep/vans on all National Highway/National Expressway fee plaza for one year or upto…

Over 380 Cooperative Banks to leverage Aadhaar services under new UIDAI framework and will ensure financial inclusion New Framework Formulated after Extensive Consultations with Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD and other stakeholders To mark the International Year of Cooperatives, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has rolled out a new framework to onboard Cooperative Banks and enable them to deliver Aadhaar-based authentication services, giving a strong push to last-mile banking and digital inclusion. The framework has been developed in close…

The Government has achieved remarkable progress in promoting biofuels as a sustainable alternative to petroleum products, stated Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, in a written reply to a starred question in Lok Sabha today. The promotion of use of biofuels has been undertaken through the National Policy on Biofuels. Government has been promoting the blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme with multiple objectives. As a green fuel, ethanol…

Aug 2025 : Both ammonia and methanol have moved from theory to reality as zero-emission shipping fuels, according to a new report from the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition. This path breaking conclusion was derived after interviewing around 40 influential industry organisations. From pilots to practice: Methanol and ammonia as shipping fuels finds that both fuels are now ‘ready’ – methanol for low-carbon operation and ammonia for piloting – representing a significant increase in maturity since the report’s…

India’s Digital Infrastructure Proves Its Strength as Aadhaar Supports Starlink’s Seamless Onboarding New Delhi, Aug 2025 :  The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has onboarded satellite-based internet provider Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd. Starlink will use Aadhaar Authentication for customer verification, which will make the entire process smooth, secure and very easy. Aadhaar, one of the most trusted digital identity systems, will ensure that customer onboarding is quick, paperless, and compliant with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. Starlink’s onboarding…

Aug 2025 : The cumulative loans disbursed by Banks to women Self Help Groups since inception of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is Rs. 11,10,945.88 crores and outstanding amount is Rs. 3,00,342.21 crores. Following steps have been taken by the Government to facilitate access to credit for the rural poor: The Mission has been engaged with financial regulators and commercial banks, at strategic as well as operational level through conduct of several workshops, consultative forums…

Aug 2025 : In a move aimed at stabilizing domestic cotton prices and supporting the textile industry, the Government of India has exempted all customs duties on the import of raw cotton with effect from 19th August 2025 until 30th September 2025. This includes the removal of both the 5% Basic Customs Duty (BCD), the 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC), and a 10% Social Welfare Surcharge on both, cumulatively in an 11% import duty on cotton. The decision,…