Government Doubles Farmer Incomes with MSP Boost, Subsidies, and Insurance Settlements Under Section 15
The government reported that measures implemented in the agricultural sector have resulted in more than doubling the income of several farmers. These measures include record purchases of farm produce at minimum support prices (MSP), subsidized fertilizers, and settlement of substantial insurance claims. The current administration adopted the Swaminathan Commission's recommendation to set MSP by adding a 50 percent profit margin to the cost of production, a proposal previously rejected by the former government citing market distortion concerns. The government emphasized that these steps have positively impacted farmers' earnings and addressed prior policy shortcomings.

Supreme Court stays trial in fake passport and PAN card fraud cases under election law provisions
The Supreme Court stayed the trial in two criminal cases involving the son of a senior political leader, concerning allegations of obtaining a fake passport and possessing two PAN cards. The Allahabad High Court had earlier directed the trial court to proceed, dismissing petitions challenging the proceedings. The cases arose from complaints filed by a rival politician alleging fraud and violations related to passport issuance and election affidavit disclosures. The rival claimed the accused used inconsistent birth dates and concealed multiple PAN numbers to contest elections. The Supreme Court also issued notice to the state government on the appeal filed by the accused.

Financial Planning Body and Commerce Chamber Partner to Boost Education and Promote Certified Financial Planning Careers
A financial planning standards body and a national commerce chamber entered into a memorandum of understanding to enhance financial planning education and awareness nationwide. The agreement focuses on increasing access to a globally recognized certified financial planning certification and promoting career opportunities in the sector. The partnership includes joint initiatives targeting schools, colleges, and regional markets to foster financial literacy among students, professionals, and small business owners. The collaboration aims to encourage the adoption of sound financial practices and the use of certified financial planning professionals.

Tribunal Cancels Illegal Share Transfers Under Section 43, Restores Shares to Former Chief Minister and Spouse
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Hyderabad bench allowed a petition filed by a former state Chief Minister seeking to cancel the transfer of shares in a private power company from him and his spouse to his sister and mother. The petitioner requested the tribunal to annul the share transfers and reinstate his and his spouse's names as shareholders. The tribunal ruled in favor of the petitioner, deeming the transfers illegal. The sister's legal counsel indicated an intention to appeal the decision to a higher tribunal or court. The shares in dispute represent significant ownership stakes held by the petitioner, his spouse, and mother, with the remainder held by a private realty firm. The dispute arose following a deterioration in familial relations between the petitioner and his sister, who currently leads a political party in the state.

Tech Company Migrates Product Portfolio to Cloud with AI and IoT for Smarter Manufacturing
A technology company completed the migration of its entire product portfolio to a major cloud service provider, enabling over 10,000 users across multiple continents to access AI-driven manufacturing applications. The migration integrates advanced AI tools and IoT capabilities to enhance productivity, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency in sectors including food and beverage, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. The platform supports deployment in private or hybrid cloud environments, ensuring data sovereignty and security while facilitating real-time analytics and collaborative workflows through widely used business software. The move positions the company as a leading native cloud solution provider, allowing global partners to resell the platform and accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption. The transition emphasizes maintaining control over sensitive operational data while leveraging AI innovations to optimize manufacturing processes and decision-making.

Over 200 Furniture Brands to Showcase Ergonomic and Sustainable Designs with Live Demos and Workshops
An upcoming trade fair in New Delhi will showcase over 200 furniture and interior brands, featuring international participants and live design demonstrations. The event highlights India's growing furniture market, driven by increased real estate activity and consumer demand for ergonomic and sustainable products. It includes knowledge forums on design and certification, collaborative workshops, and special zones focusing on architectural innovation and workspace trends. Supported by multiple industry associations, the event aims to connect manufacturers, designers, and buyers, reflecting the sector's expansion and evolving market preferences.

Supreme Court to Hear Challenges on Election Commission's Voter Roll Revision Under Special Intensive Revision Rule
The Supreme Court scheduled hearings for August 12 and 13 to consider pleas challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls. Petitioners must submit written arguments by August 8. Petitioners allege exclusion of eligible voters from the draft list set for publication on August 1, risking disenfranchisement. The Court emphasized the Election Commission's constitutional duty to comply with the law and invited petitioners to present specific cases of alleged errors. The Court upheld the acceptance of Aadhaar and voter ID as valid documents for the SIR process, citing their presumption of genuineness, while noting ration cards are more susceptible to forgery. The Court declined to stay the publication of the draft rolls, indicating a final decision on the pleas will follow after the scheduled hearings.

India's first industrial facility earns DGNB Gold Certification for sustainability and net-zero goals by 2050
An industrial manufacturing facility in India has been awarded the DGNB Gold Certification, marking the first such recognition in the country. The certification, issued by an independent sustainable building council, evaluates buildings on environmental, economic, and sociocultural criteria throughout their lifecycle. The facility incorporates advanced energy-efficient HVAC systems, renewable energy generation, water recycling, biodiversity initiatives, and inclusive design features to promote sustainability and employee well-being. This achievement reflects the company's commitment to holistic sustainability, decarbonization, and net-zero emissions goals by 2050, setting a precedent for sustainable industrial construction in India.

Sports Retail Startup Expands to 15 Stores, Partners with Pro Cricketers for Franchise Model
A sports retail startup specializing in cricket equipment has opened its 15th global store in Hyderabad, India, under a franchise model that appoints professional cricketers as store partners. The Hyderabad outlet, located in a prominent area, offers premium cricket gear from leading brands and personalized services such as bat fitting and expert advice from former players. This model aims to enhance customer experience by leveraging the expertise of professional athletes. The company's expansion strategy focuses on empowering cricketers to lead stores, fostering authentic engagement with customers. The franchise approach is supported by an innovation venture studio, which highlights its scalability and commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship. The Hyderabad store is part of a broader global presence, with locations in multiple Indian cities and international markets.

Severe Flooding Cuts Off Villages, Endangers Pregnant Women Due to Poor Road Infrastructure and Emergency Access
Heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh have caused severe flooding and poor road conditions, isolating several villages from district centers and hindering emergency medical access. Two pregnant women faced critical situations where one was transported across a flooded river by bullock cart and another was carried on a cot to an ambulance due to waterlogged roads. Videos of these incidents circulated widely, prompting government officials to announce inquiries into departmental responsibility for infrastructure failures. Opposition parties criticized the ruling government for inadequate rural development, while ruling party representatives highlighted past infrastructure improvements. A local labor organization threatened protests if bridge construction demands were not met by mid-August. Officials cited limited local funds for maintenance, but activists disputed financial constraints, accusing authorities of neglect. The incidents underscore ongoing challenges in rural infrastructure and emergency healthcare access during extreme weather events in the region.

Smart Contract Platform, Meme Coins, and Layer-2 Project Show Potential for Big Price Gains
A report highlights the potential for significant price rallies in three cryptocurrencies: a leading smart contract platform, a meme-based digital currency, and a new meme-themed Layer-2 blockchain project. The smart contract platform benefits from strong institutional investment and favorable technical indicators, suggesting possible substantial gains. The meme-based currency shows signs of renewed investor interest and technical patterns indicating a potential 27% price increase. The Layer-2 project, currently in presale, has raised over $10 million and emphasizes infrastructure, security, and community engagement, positioning it for notable growth. The report cautions that all investments carry risks related to market sentiment, regulatory developments, and hype cycles. A balanced investment approach combining established assets with emerging projects is recommended to manage risk while pursuing growth opportunities.

Top Indian Tech Alumni Driving Global Innovation Across Food, AI, Finance, and Mobility Sectors
Several alumni from premier Indian technical institutes have founded and led startups that have significantly disrupted various industries globally. These entrepreneurs have introduced innovations in food technology, software services, financial AI systems, global tech products, urban mobility, and AI-driven solutions tailored to local contexts. Their ventures include transforming online food delivery platforms, advancing biometric identity programs, developing autonomous financial trading models, leading major global technology companies, revolutionizing ride-hailing and electric vehicle sectors, and creating AI tools for commercial trades and governance. Collectively, these founders have leveraged their technical education and strategic vision to create impactful businesses and digital infrastructure, influencing both domestic and international markets across multiple sectors.

India-born Executive Named CEO of Major FMCG Company Starting January 1, 2026, Will Stand for Director Election
An India-born executive has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of a major American FMCG company, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding the current CEO as part of a leadership transition. The incoming CEO, who has been with the company since 1989 and served as Chief Operating Officer for six years, will also stand for election as a Director at the upcoming shareholder meeting. The executive has played a key role in developing core business segments and advancing strategies across multiple regions. This appointment adds to the growing list of India-born leaders heading global corporations in various industries, reflecting a trend of increased representation in top executive roles at multinational companies.

New Meme Crypto Uses Layer-2 Tech for Scalability, Low Fees, and Secure Launchpad in Presale Phase
A new meme cryptocurrency built on Layer-2 blockchain technology is gaining market attention for its scalability, low fees, and security features, including a launchpad designed to prevent liquidity risks. This emerging token, currently in presale with significant fundraising success, contrasts with an established meme coin that, despite strong brand recognition and community support, lacks technological advancement and faces challenges in achieving substantial growth due to its large market capitalization. Analysts predict the newer token may experience exponential growth, supported by its utility, community engagement, and marketing efforts. Investors are advised to use compatible digital wallets and official platforms to participate in the presale before the token becomes publicly listed. The comparison highlights the evolving nature of meme coins, emphasizing technological innovation and security as key factors for future investment potential.

Digital Payments Surpass Rs 12,000 Lakh Crore, Boost Financial Inclusion and Support MSMEs
Over the past six financial years, digital payment transactions in India have exceeded 65,000 crore, totaling over Rs. 12,000 lakh crore. The government, in collaboration with the central bank and other stakeholders, has promoted digital payment adoption, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, through initiatives like the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund, which has established approximately 4.77 crore digital touchpoints. The Reserve Bank of India's Digital Payments Index, measuring digitization growth, reached 465.33 as of September 2024. Support measures for small businesses and MSMEs include incentives for low-value transactions, trade receivables discounting guidelines, and rationalized merchant discount rates. Digital payments have enhanced financial inclusion by providing alternative credit data, enabling broader access to formal credit and reducing cash dependency, thereby integrating more individuals and businesses into the formal financial system.

India-UK CETA Boosts Textile, Leather Exports with Duty-Free Access and Simplified Customs Procedures
The Ministry of Commerce held a meeting with stakeholders from the textiles, leather, and footwear sectors to discuss opportunities arising from the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement eliminates UK import duties on Indian textile and leather products, providing duty-free access and addressing previous tariff disadvantages. This is expected to significantly boost exports, potentially doubling leather and footwear exports to the UK within three years and benefiting major manufacturing clusters. CETA also simplifies customs procedures, aligns technical standards, and protects Indian Geographical Indications, enhancing global visibility and competitiveness. The agreement aims to promote inclusive growth, employment generation, and sustainable practices, particularly supporting MSMEs, artisans, and women entrepreneurs. Industry representatives welcomed the agreement and highlighted the need for follow-up actions to fully leverage its benefits. Further stakeholder consultations and workshops are planned to prepare the industry for maximizing gains under CETA.