Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) will conduct the SLST exam on September 7 and 14 to fill 35,726 teaching posts. To curb malpractices, WBSSC has introduced unique security features in the question papers that are designed to detect violations immediately and help identify candidates involved.
Granules India says it will strengthen its manufacturing oversight after a US FDA warning related to documentation practices and contamination concerns. The company plans to digitize workflows and automate record management to improve data accuracy and compliance. Granules is positioning the reforms as proactive steps to address regulatory pressure while maintaining product quality across its facilities.
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Indian enrolment in US institutions has fallen 6.9%, with over 3.5 lakh students still studying there. Stricter US visa rules, rising rejection rates, and deeper verification—reportedly including social media checks—are being blamed. Indian authorities say they are discussing the impact with US officials as concerns grow over how screening is affecting student mobility.
Asus says its commercial PC business in India jumped 170% in 2025, underscoring a stronger push into corporate and enterprise demand. Speaking at company level, Asus Global co-CEO Samson Hu pointed to aggressive investment and rapid global scaling, with India positioned as a key growth market for its commercial strategy.
Lufthansa has suspended all flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and will also avoid UAE airspace until March 4, 2026. The move follows escalating tensions in the Middle East, prompting other airlines to cancel or reroute services. Thousands of travelers are expected to face delays and disruptions, with carrier safety cited as the top priority.
SpiceJet’s recent numbers raise fresh concerns despite last year’s INR 3,000 crore funding. In the April–June quarter, usually its strongest period, the airline posted an INR 240 crore loss. Free cash dropped from INR 700 crore in March to around INR 300 crore in June, while revenue fell 40% between March and June. Can it turn around in time?
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Adani Energy Solutions shares fell more than 3% even as the company reported a 6% year-on-year rise in Q4 net profit to Rs 684 crore. Revenue increased 17% to Rs 7,443 crore, supported by progress on major transmission projects. Market reaction, however, turned negative despite the solid topline and bottomline.
LIC has unveiled two new life insurance products: Jan Suraksha 880 for lower-income customers and Bima Lakshmi 881 exclusively for women. Both offer life cover, while Bima Lakshmi adds periodic money-back options and critical illness coverage. The launches mark LIC’s first products released under the new GST regime, bringing fresh eligibility terms and benefits to customers.
Brazilian researchers are combining coffee varieties to tackle a looming climate threat to global coffee supplies. As arabica yields decline, the study focuses on developing drought and disease-resistant strains that can better withstand warming temperatures and crop pressures. The work aims to protect future harvests and stabilize a crop millions depend on worldwide.
Inox Clean Energy has restarted plans for an IPO that could raise up to $1 billion, bringing bankers into the process and preparing to file draft documents. The decision comes as equity markets remain volatile, even as renewable energy stocks hold up. The company is also positioning for growth with capacity expansion after recent funding and a completed acquisition.
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Police have launched a search for TCS employee Nida Khan, accused in an alleged forcible religious conversion case linked to the company’s Nashik facility. Khan, described as a key accused, failed to secure interim protection from arrest. The probe is based on nine FIRs involving claims of exploitation and harassment, with officials urging stronger local POSH mechanisms to prevent repeat incidents.
A new benchmark finds leading speech AI systems struggle to understand India. OpenAI and Microsoft models perform poorly on real-world audio featuring code-switching and regional variations, while Sarvam models lead in Indian language recognition. The gap threatens digital inclusion for millions who rely on voice tech, from assistants to support services, where accuracy remains uneven.
India says it has not paid Iran, either in cash or cryptocurrency, for safe passage of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The denial comes after an April 18 incident in which Iranian forces fired on two Indian vessels, forcing them to turn back. India’s clarification counters reports suggesting payment links to the episode.
While investors watch Reliance Jio’s subscriber gains and Reliance Retail’s relentless expansion, the company’s upstream oil and gas business has been quietly thriving. It delivered one of its best years ever, emerging as Reliance’s most profitable unit. The shift highlights how earnings may be driven by energy even as newer consumer bets dominate headlines.
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US President Donald Trump is taking a pragmatic turn on H-1B visas, now backing the hiring of skilled foreign workers to strengthen American high-tech industries. The policy shift seeks to address persistent labor shortages that could hurt competitiveness. Trump also expects backlash from his political base but says global talent is increasingly necessary to keep US firms moving.
The government is offering stimulus through SIDBI-backed PE-VC funds to strengthen startup financing. The move builds on the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) launched in 2016, which channels capital into SEBI-registered alternative investment funds. Run by state-controlled SIDBI, the FFS is positioned to give a fresh push to early-stage and growth funding for startups.
India’s corrugated box industry is warning of a severe cost squeeze as kraft paper prices jump 15–20% and key inputs like gum and ink rise 30–40%. Higher factory running costs are compounding pressure, while delayed GST refunds are tying up working capital. Manufacturers are now calling for immediate price revisions and policy support to prevent supply disruptions.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of social media videos showing court proceedings, including clips featuring Arvind Kejriwal and others seeking a judge’s recusal. The court issued notices to X and other platforms after a petition alleged unauthorized recording and sharing and sought contempt action. The matter will be heard again on July 6.
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A new SEBI circular raises the reporting structure for company secretaries and chief compliance officers, igniting debate across listed firms. Compliance leaders say it strengthens oversight, but some companies worry it could disrupt internal hierarchies and compensation bands. Meanwhile, certain CCOs are pushing for parity with CFOs, seeking clearer intent from the regulator.
Ahead of West Bengal elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Delimitation Bill of being a scheme to “divide” the country. She claimed the “downfall” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP has started and highlighted her government’s reservation-backed push for women’s representation at the local level. She urged voters to reject the BJP and its supporters in the polls.
Ladakh is overhauling its tourism and hospitality regulations under Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The reforms aim to improve “ease of doing business” by extending tour operator registration validity to five years, merging specialised travel registrations, and replacing hotel classifications with a single streamlined licensing system. The move is expected to speed up compliance and reduce bureaucratic delays for businesses.
Dr Reddy’s has received regulatory approval in India to roll out its generic oral semaglutide. The approval follows a head to head comparative study in India that found the formulation non inferior to Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus. The company says this clinical evidence helped it secure approval under India’s biosimilar regulatory pathway.
Courts are raising the bar for ancestral property claims, saying that simply labelling a property “ancestral” is not enough. Claimants must prove a traceable lineage from the original ancestor to themselves through documentary records such as revenue entries and proof of possession. Recent rulings stress that birthright alone does not establish ownership, and weak or missing chain-of-title evidence leads to dismissal.
From September 22, 2023, the GRE will be redesigned with multiple changes, including a key shift that shortens total test time to under two hours. The update is set to make the GRE the shortest standardized admissions test compared with other graduate, business, and law school exams—potentially changing how students plan preparation and pacing.
Indian Railways is expanding container operations by upgrading and commercializing goods sheds in strategic locations. The move aims to make rail transport more convenient and cost-effective for domestic shippers, reducing last-mile friction and improving freight handling. With container terminals closer to demand and better integrated logistics, the system can cut delays, support faster turnaround, and strengthen rail’s role in trade.
Shipping firms are reporting a sharp rise in containers lost overboard this year as more vessels reroute around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope amid Houthi-related risks. The detour exposes ships to hazardous weather, worsening sea conditions and increasing incidents. With more traffic taking the longer route, maritime operators say losses and delays could intensify further.
China says it made its “own efforts” to push for a ceasefire between the US and Iran, after reports credited Beijing with brokering a two-week pause in hostilities. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China engaged in diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and support long-term regional stability, positioning its role amid escalating concerns.
The Delhi government has announced plans to recruit over 1,000 doctors for Aarogya Mandirs as it accelerates primary healthcare delivery. Officials aim to set up all mandirs by 2026, targeting 100 launches each month. Existing Mohalla Clinics will transition into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and staff are assured of job security.
Gold and silver climbed on MCX as the US signalled an indefinite extension of the Iran war ceasefire, easing inflation fears. Traders are bracing for sharp moves as currency swings and oil-price volatility feed into commodities. Analysts point to clear technical support and resistance zones, but elevated global prices and shifting domestic trends keep caution high for buyers.
Nasscom has reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on harassment after allegations involving Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys. The industry body said firms have strict internal rules and act quickly, adding the reported cases appear isolated and do not indicate a broader pattern across the sector. Infosys separately confirmed its zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
Austria and India are deepening cooperation after Austria’s Federal Chancellor visited to highlight expanding academic ties under the Focus India partnership. The effort is already showing results: 200 Indian students have started studying in Austria. The surge follows a migration agreement and broader economic collaboration, signaling stronger long-term student and skills mobility.
Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube tells ET Prime the airline is planning major fleet expansion and a future IPO even as it navigates losses and leadership churn. He also lays out a Boeing order timeline and how new regulator rules for pilot flying may reshape the path to scaling. Despite uncertainty, Dube argues 2032 is not the finish line.
Lavasa homebuyers have filed a fresh appeal at NCLAT challenging a resolution plan cleared by creditors. They allege discriminatory treatment, serious flaws in how the plan was approved, and a lack of transparency in the insolvency process. Homebuyers are seeking tribunal intervention to ensure fair treatment and address the alleged injustices.
The RBI has reassured India that the West Asia conflict is unlikely to meaningfully disrupt remittances from Indians abroad. With remittance sources spread across multiple regions and channels, inflows are expected to stay strong. The central bank also pointed to services exports as a buffer to support external finances, even as inflation risks remain a concern.
Despite global geopolitical tensions, graduates from top IIMs saw higher salary offers this year. Consulting and financial firms drove most of the hiring, with strong placement participation that helped offset slower recruitment in technology. Placement teams also reported that Gulf-region company offers stayed steady, adding further resilience to the overall compensation trend.
The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge after complaints over his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP alleged the language used was unacceptable and sought action. The EC said it is taking a serious view of campaign statements, signalling scrutiny of how political figures frame attacks during electioneering.
D2C luggage startups including Mokobara, Nasher Miles, and Uppercase are under pressure as raw material costs jump 35% to 50% amid conflict-linked disruptions from West Asia. With margins squeezed, these firms may seek new capital and restructure costs, which could curb their aggressive customer acquisition and alter growth forecasts.
Rakesh Gangwal’s gradual exit from IndiGo, reportedly worth around INR 30,000 crore, is reshaping the airline’s ownership landscape. With no obvious single big investor stepping in to challenge Rahul Bhatia, the shifting shareholding, IndiGo’s valuation changes, and the timing of Gangwal’s latest stake sale are fueling speculation rather than clarity.
Backed by SoftBank, Emergent has released Wingman, an AI agent built to automate routine work across popular tools. The twist: unlike many rivals that act on their own, Wingman seeks user confirmation for significant actions and gradually learns personal preferences over time. The launch targets demand for agents that manage workflows independently, not just respond to prompts.
Iranian officials are using AI-generated videos with Lego-like characters to spread propaganda online, and the tactic is unexpectedly boosting Lego’s global visibility. At the same time, the Islamic government is leaning into softer, childlike visuals to soften its image abroad—while still delivering stern messages. The result is a viral, surreal spectacle that blurs culture and messaging.
ArcelorMittal India is facing an enquiry after allegations of stamp duty irregularities linked to KSS Petron, a group company. Creditors claim stamp duty was wrongly handled during the assignment of loans ahead of KSS Petron’s acquisition of Essar Steel under the IBC. The matter is now under review, with scrutiny on how the duty was paid during the lead-up to the deal.
Tata Sons CEO N Chandrasekaran met Singapore Airlines chief Goh Choon Phong to review a funding roadmap for Air India as losses continue to deepen. The talks also covered the search for a new CEO, amid complex global political uncertainty. The discussions signal a push to stabilize finances and leadership simultaneously to steer the airline toward recovery.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has rolled out a new feedback module on its website to collect inputs and concerns from candidates, aiming to boost transparency and accountability in recruitment. As CGLE 2025 moves forward for over 28 lakh aspirants, SSC has also provided rescheduled dates to around 1,100 candidates, while addressing allegations of malpractice.
After years dominating India’s small-car market, Maruti Suzuki is pushing into the mid-size SUV battleground with its Victoris. The strategy leans on youthful design, fresh tech, and Maruti’s proven value-for-money approach to challenge Hyundai’s Creta. The question now is whether the new SUV can break into a fiercely competitive segment dominated by strong incumbents.
Indian firms have largely complied with women-director board mandates, but a new report suggests their presence is frequently symbolic. Many women directors reportedly lack substantive influence over strategy and decision-making. The findings urge companies to create stronger leadership pipelines and more inclusive cultures, arguing that better representation can improve governance and competitiveness rather than simply satisfy compliance.
A TeamLease report says India’s GCC ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with over 1,800 GCCs now contributing 55% of the world’s total, employing 1.9 million professionals, and earning $64.6 billion in export revenue in FY25. It projects 2.8–4 million more jobs by FY30, while flagging sharply increasing compliance demands for GCC operators.
Escalating conflict across the Middle East is leaving thousands of Class 12 students facing an academic crisis. Families fear students may lose an entire academic year as the war clouds evaluation fairness, complicates access to competitive exams, and disrupts normal schooling. The situation is intensifying uncertainty right when students are preparing for final assessments and key admissions milestones.
Akasa Air has expanded its fleet to 38 aircraft after receiving a Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, which landed in Bengaluru on April 21, 2026. The carrier has already inducted seven new planes in the first four months of 2026, a rapid pace expected to strengthen and deepen its flight network.
With global uncertainty clouding growth, Indian companies are turning to professional CEOs and paying them handsomely. In BSE 200 firms, the number of CEOs earning over $1 million (₹8 crore) jumped nearly 71% to 145 in FY25, while promoter-led CEOs stayed mostly steady at 65—signaling a clear shift in boardroom strategy.
Google’s YouTube has provided Indonesia’s communications minister a “letter of compliance,” Meutya Hafid said at a press conference. The move signals YouTube’s readiness to align with Indonesia’s tightening social media rules, but it also raises questions about how content controls and enforcement will play out next in the country.
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