August 13, 2025
Thermal Power Plant Tops Emission Efficiency with Lowest Emission Intensity and Power Consumption Rates
A thermal power plant operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of a major engineering company has been recognized as the best-performing supercritical coal-based plant in India for lowest emission intensity in its capacity category. A recent report by a prominent environmental think tank assessed emission factors across coal-based thermal plants nationwide and identified this plant as a top performer, with an emission factor of 0.84 tonne/MWh, outperforming the national average of 0.97 tonne/MWh. The report also noted the plant's auxiliary power consumption rate as the lowest in the sector at 4.62 percent. This recognition highlights the plant's compliance with environmental standards and its contribution to reducing emissions in the coal power sector.
August 13, 2025
Prominent Artist Wins Mahakavi Neeraj Samman 2025 for Excellence in Arts and Advertising Innovation
A prominent figure in literature, cinema, and advertising has received the Mahakavi Neeraj Samman 2025 for contributions to Indian arts and has been inducted into the International Advertising Association Hall of Fame. The individual's notable works, including a celebrated biographical film and a theatrical production exploring cultural themes, continue to engage audiences. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, the person integrates poetry, cinema, and branding in their creative endeavors. They emphasize authentic expression and the evolving nature of storytelling, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI, while affirming the enduring importance of narrative quality. Future projects span film, theatre, and literature, reflecting a commitment to meaningful storytelling across mediums.
August 13, 2025
Real estate firm partners with youth for sustainable, inclusive urban planning and launches fellowship program
A real estate development company partnered with an educational institution's Model United Nations event focused on future urban development, creating a platform for youth engagement on sustainability and inclusive city planning. The collaboration included launching a youth fellowship program inviting student delegates to envision future cities, and featured a symbolic installation representing collective ideas for urban improvement. The company also released a booklet outlining contemporary urban development principles applied in its projects. This partnership emphasizes the company's commitment to integrating young voices into urban planning and reflects a strategic approach to brand engagement centered on purposeful community involvement rather than promotion.
August 13, 2025
Farmers Key to India's 2047 Economy Goal with Sustainable Practices and Long-Term Climate Financing
A national summit on sustainable agriculture emphasized that achieving India's goal of becoming the world's largest economy by 2047 requires placing farmers at the center of economic growth and adopting sustainable practices. Government officials, industry leaders, and experts highlighted the need for long-term financing focused on climate-resilient infrastructure rather than short-term loans. Innovative crop diversification and strong market linkages were identified as key to improving farmer incomes and environmental sustainability. The event recognized district-level bureaucrats and organizations contributing to sustainable farming and rural development. Stakeholders agreed that integrating innovation, financing, grassroots leadership, and market opportunities is essential to empower farmers and ensure inclusive, sustainable agricultural growth aligned with national economic objectives.
August 13, 2025
Political Leader Slams Lack of Clear Plan and Funding for IDP Resettlement During President's Rule
The state political leader criticized the absence of a clear plan for restoring peace in the conflict-affected region, highlighting inadequate budget allocations for rebuilding homes and supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) during President's Rule. The leader expressed dissatisfaction with the limited development and security funding, ongoing displacement issues, and the recent tax amendments, arguing they fail to address the region's unique challenges. Despite prior government announcements promising phased resettlement of IDPs, little progress has been observed. The leader also accused central authorities of neglecting constitutional rights enforcement and failing to engage with the local population's hardships, underscoring a perceived lack of effective government intervention in restoring stability and addressing the socio-economic fallout from the unrest.
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.
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