August 13, 2025
Kraft Paper Company Reports Rs 21.17 Crore Sales, Profits; Secures Pollution Board Approval Till 2029
A kraft paper manufacturing company reported Rs 21.17 crore in sales and an operating profit of Rs 1.5 crore for the June quarter. The company secured approval from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to operate its paper mill until March 31, 2029. Its wholly owned subsidiary operates a large facility in Nasik. The company emphasized investments in environmentally sustainable practices, including refuse-derived fuel usage, zero liquid discharge, and waste resource recovery, aiming to enhance cost competitiveness and reduce environmental impact.
August 13, 2025
US National Debt Hits $37 Trillion, Surpassing Projections Years Ahead Due to Pandemic Spending
The national debt of the United States has reached a record $37 trillion, surpassing previous projections by several years. Initial forecasts by the Congressional Budget Office in early 2020 anticipated this milestone would not be reached until after fiscal year 2030. However, accelerated borrowing by successive administrations in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the debt to increase more rapidly than expected.
August 13, 2025
Special Home Loan Rates from 7.35% with Quick Approval and Flexible Terms for Eligible Borrowers
A non-banking financial company is offering special home loan interest rates starting at 7.35% per annum for new borrowers during a limited Independence Day promotion. Eligible applicants, including salaried and self-employed Indian citizens aged 23 to 67 or 70 years respectively, with a good credit score, can avail loans up to Rs. 15 crore with tenures up to 32 years. The lender guarantees quick loan approval and disbursal within 48 hours post-document verification through a fully digital process. Additional benefits include zero prepayment charges on floating rates, home loan balance transfers with top-up loans up to Rs. 1 crore, personalized repayment options, and transparent benchmark-linked interest rates. The application process requires standard KYC, income, and property documents, with online tools available for eligibility and EMI calculations. Terms and conditions apply.
August 13, 2025
New Food Delivery Platform Boosts Restaurant Profits with Flat Subscription Fee Model, Keeping Control and Data
A new food delivery platform has gained traction among restaurants in India by offering an alternative to traditional commission-based models dominated by major aggregators. This platform operates on a flat subscription fee instead of per-order commissions, allowing restaurants to retain pricing control, branding, and customer data while receiving logistics and technology support. The model aims to enhance restaurant profitability and autonomy, addressing longstanding concerns about unfair commission structures. Since its launch, it has rapidly expanded across multiple cities, attracting thousands of restaurants seeking sustainable growth and better margins. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward more equitable partnerships between delivery services and restaurants, potentially signaling a significant realignment in the food delivery sector.
August 13, 2025
Wall Street futures rise on hopes Fed will cut rates after US inflation data, S&P 500 hits record highs
Wall Street futures rose ahead of opening, driven by optimism that recent US inflation data will prompt the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates next month. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs amid hopes that lower borrowing costs will stimulate economic growth. The Federal Reserve remains cautious due to concerns over tariffs potentially fueling inflation. Ahead of the September meeting, further inflation and employment reports are awaited. In corporate developments, a major apparel company agreed to acquire another for $2.2 billion, impacting share prices. Separately, a restaurant chain's shares dropped significantly after reporting weaker sales and lowering guidance. Asian and European markets also showed gains, influenced by trade policies and central bank actions, including a rate cut by the Bank of Thailand. Energy prices declined slightly, and currency fluctuations were noted with the US dollar weakening against the yen and euro.
August 13, 2025
Global BPS Provider Named Star Performer in 2025 Financial Crime and Compliance Assessment
A global business process services provider was recognized as a Star Performer and Major Contender in a 2025 assessment of Financial Crime and Compliance operations by an independent research firm. The provider demonstrated significant year-on-year improvement through innovation, AI-powered delivery models, and expanded service scope from fraud specialization to comprehensive compliance operations. Investments in modular AI tools and a specialized training academy enhanced alert handling, quality assurance, and investigation workflows. The firm's geographically distributed delivery model balances operational scale with technology adoption, supporting clients across multiple regions while maintaining regulatory alignment. This recognition reflects the provider's strategic focus on agile, future-ready compliance solutions leveraging advanced AI to improve detection, investigation, and response to financial crime.
August 13, 2025
Vietnamese EV Maker Launches First Indian Plant, Plans 50,000 Vehicles Annually with Local Production Focus
A Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer has inaugurated its first Indian production facility in Tamil Nadu, aiming to produce 50,000 vehicles annually with potential to triple capacity. The company has launched premium electric SUV models and initiated pre-bookings, employing a phased market entry strategy involving public displays and showroom openings across multiple cities. The manufacturer emphasizes local production to reduce costs and comply with domestic regulations, while establishing a comprehensive ecosystem including charging infrastructure, maintenance services, and battery recycling. This approach targets India's growing urban population, government incentives, and rising demand for electric vehicles. The facility also serves as an export hub for neighboring regions. The company's strategy mirrors its successful expansions in Southeast Asia, focusing on building brand recognition, customer support, and after-sales care to foster long-term market presence in emerging economies.
August 13, 2025
Major Spirits Company and Celeb Launch Luxury Tequila Brand Targeting Premium Market Growth and Authenticity
A major spirits company, a renowned global celebrity, a luxury collective, and a prominent entrepreneur have formed a joint venture to launch a new premium spirits brand focused on high-quality, culturally resonant, bottled-in-origin products. The partnership combines the established company's expertise in blending, marketing, and distribution with the creative and entrepreneurial strengths of the other parties. The venture aims to expand the premium spirits market domestically and internationally, beginning with the launch of a luxury tequila. This strategic collaboration represents a long-term investment designed to innovate and scale within the luxury spirits sector, targeting a new generation of discerning consumers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and lifestyle-oriented branding.
August 13, 2025
Global Auto Tech Company Reports 7% Revenue Growth, $1.5B in New Bookings, and Advanced EV Technologies
A global automotive technology company reported a 7% revenue increase to $2.2 billion in the first half of 2025, driven by growth with domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China and strategic global expansion. The company secured $1.5 billion in new program bookings, with a significant portion linked to electric vehicle platforms and new or conquest business. It launched multiple advanced technologies, including software for chassis control, electro-mechanical braking systems, and rear-wheel steering, enhancing its product portfolio. Operational improvements led to a 16.8% rise in adjusted EBITDA and positive free cash flow. The company expanded its manufacturing footprint with new facilities in China and modernization efforts in the United States, aiming to support increasing customer demand and improve efficiency. Forward-looking statements in the announcement caution that actual results may differ due to inherent risks and uncertainties.
August 13, 2025
Industry Association Launches Major Performance Marketing Conference Covering Affiliate, E-Commerce, AI Personalization
An industry association is organizing a major performance marketing conference to be held in New Delhi, expanding its scope to include various sub-sectors such as affiliate marketing, e-commerce, programmatic advertising, and AI-driven personalization. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering strategic partnerships and technology adoption within the marketing ecosystem. It will also launch a publication focused on direct-to-consumer marketing success through affiliate strategies. The conference is supported by multiple industry partners and aims to facilitate collaboration among brands, advertisers, publishers, creators, and technology platforms. The organizing body is a not-for-profit entity representing over 600 members and advocates for fair competition and enabling laws in the digital economy.
August 13, 2025
Media companies must label paid posts with clear disclosures like "Sponsored" under new ASC guidelines
The Advertising Standards Council of India has mandated that media companies must clearly label paid or sponsored posts on their social media platforms to prevent confusion with editorial content. The new clause requires disclosures such as "Advertisement," "Sponsored," or similar terms at the beginning of such posts. This measure responds to consumer complaints about misleading promotions on platforms with high editorial credibility and aims to ensure transparency, protect audiences, and maintain trust in media brands. The council emphasized that digital media's role as a primary news source necessitates upfront disclosure so consumers can distinguish between editorial and promotional content.