India's services sector experienced its weakest growth in four-and-a-half years in July, as new business orders, both domestic and export, eased due to intense competition and declining demand. Despite a modest rebound in job creation and improved profit margins, overall business confidence slipped, reflecting a broader slowdown in the economy.
The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the State Cooperative Bank on successfully migrating its core banking system to the 'Finacle 10.2.25' platform. This upgrade aims to provide faster, more transparent, and secure financial services, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency across its 262 branches.
The Delhi government has approved a new bill, the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026, which aims to make time-bound delivery of government services a legal right for citizens. This reform seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency through a technology-driven framework, including digital service delivery, automatic escalation for delays, and a grievance redressal mechanism.
Bandhan Bank has launched a new digital Provident Fund (PF) payment service, integrated with EPFO, allowing business customers to make statutory PF payments via the bank's internet banking platform. This service aims to streamline payments, optimise cash flows, and ensure timely compliance for businesses.
Heavy rainfall of 600 mm in 24 hours triggered multiple landslides in the Karjat-Lonavala Ghat section on the Mumbai-Pune line, severely disrupting rail traffic and leading to cancellations, diversions, and short-terminations of numerous trains.
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced its international flight operations with an Air India Express service to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant boost in connectivity for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and establishing a new global gateway.
Train services in the Gaya-Patna section of Bihar were disrupted for nearly three hours after thieves allegedly cut and stole an overhead electrical wire between Tehta and Jehanabad railway stations. The Railway Protection Force has since recovered the stolen material, and an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits responsible for the 25,000-volt OHE wire theft.
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic to integrate its Claude AI models into LTTS' engineering processes and AI platforms. This collaboration aims to redefine engineering work by enabling faster decision-making, streamlining workflows, and accelerating innovation for global clients, coinciding with Anthropic's new rupee-denominated pricing for Indian customers.
The technology services sector in India will continue to remain relevant to global enterprises transformation in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, the Nasscom US CEO Forum said, even though there will be changes in how services are delivered and scaled up. Chief executive officers of Indian technology companies, who attended the discussion, also said AI will expand the addressable market opportunity across enterprise modernisation, data, AI governance and intelligent operations.
India's services sector growth experienced a significant slowdown in June, reaching a 17-month low due to challenging market conditions and reduced domestic client interest, as indicated by the HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index.
Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.
Despite BEST employees calling off their indefinite strike, Mumbai's bus services remained significantly below normal on Monday morning, with only 57% of the scheduled fleet operational. Commuters experienced long waits, leading many to seek alternative transport. The strike ended after an agreement with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, which included interim pay hikes and commitments for future improvements and clearing dues.
Bhubaneswar police have busted a fraudulent digital escort service racket, arresting four individuals for allegedly misusing women's photographs on social media and cheating customers through online payments. The investigation, initiated by a woman's complaint, led to the seizure of digital evidence and a public advisory against such scams.
Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan have been granted a one-year extension in their service by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Somanathan's tenure is extended beyond August 2026, and Mohan's beyond August 2026, up to August 2027, under special provisions for key government officials.
The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.
A constable in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, Sher Singh, has been dismissed from service for participating in a political demonstration in New Delhi and violating service rules. A departmental inquiry found him guilty of gross misconduct. Singh had previously gone viral for alleging corruption in state recruitment exams and was already suspended for unauthorised absence, besides being named in a land-grabbing FIR.
The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, authorising the government to permit banks and service providers to levy charges on UPI and other electronic payment modes. This move aims to create a sustainable revenue model for the digital payments ecosystem, shifting from the current exemption of UPI transactions from such charges.
Microsoft has announced the activation of its latest data centre in Hyderabad, significantly expanding its Cloud infrastructure in India and enabling organisations to leverage AI-era services with enhanced local choice and security.
A student leader on a hunger strike in Ranchi, protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, was hospitalised after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.
Students and job aspirants in Jharkhand, protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, have formed an 11-member delegation to engage in talks with the state government. This decision follows Chief Minister Hemant Soren's offer for dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse, which includes demands for exam cancellation, an independent probe, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce has urged the Indian government to swiftly conclude the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring India's interests are protected, recommending complete exemption for key export products like generic medicines and smartphones from future US tariff increases.
Nashik police have arrested an AIMIM corporator, Mateen Patel, for allegedly providing shelter to an accused, Nida Khan, in the ongoing TCS "sexual harassment and religious conversion" case. Patel's arrest is part of a larger investigation into nine cases related to alleged exploitation and forceful conversion at a TCS branch.
A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.
Senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary Champat Rai has reportedly resigned, stating his "service in Ayodhya is complete" due to the donation embezzlement controversy. He feels "betrayed," and his future, along with that of Trust member Anil Mishra, will be decided at a July 6 meeting. The controversy began with allegations from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, leading to an SIT investigation, arrests, and Rai's resignation offer.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to alter hiring patterns in South Asia, with multinational companies (MNCs) and firms integrated into global value chains (GVCs) reducing recruitment more sharply than domestic firms, signalling the technology's early impact on the region's export-oriented services sector, according to the World Bank's World Development Report 2026.
The World Bank's "World Development Report 2026" urges developing countries to adopt low-cost AI tools to accelerate progress in healthcare, education, and judicial services. The report highlights AI's potential to boost productivity and improve public services, while noting that jobs in high-income countries are more at risk from automation than those in developing nations.
India's men's doubles coach Tan Kim Her has expressed concern over Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's recurring shoulder injury ahead of the BWF World Championships, despite the pair's recent Singapore Open victory.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.
In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.
Student protests against alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand have intensified, with six demonstrators on hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe. The agitation, which has garnered political support from both opposition and ruling allies, is set to impact the Monsoon Assembly Session, even as a CID investigation progresses and prohibitory orders are issued.
Jharkhand has partnered with CSC eStore to create a digital marketplace for products made by women's self-help groups (SHGs). This initiative aims to expand market access, boost income for rural women, and strengthen the rural economy through e-commerce and digital governance. The state also plans to extend Aadhaar services to all panchayats by November 15.
Mohammad Junaid Malik, a volunteer known for supporting protests in Delhi, has arrived in Jharkhand to provide aid to students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams. The protest, now in its 14th day, demands cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Exam and an independent probe, with several students on hunger strike.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation challenging Jantar Mantar's suitability as a protest site in New Delhi, citing inconvenience to local residents and disruption of essential services. The court has issued notices to the Centre and other parties to address concerns about access and movement in the area.
Fintech platform Decentro has received final approval for a Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence from the IFSCA at GIFT City, enhancing its cross-border payment capabilities.
Instant messaging app WhatsApp temporarily put multiple accounts, including those in India, "under review" for 24 hours, blocking all app features. This disruption prompted numerous affected users to voice their concerns on social media, while a WhatsApp spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating they are working to resolve it quickly.
China has deployed 72 "robot employees" across Beijing's municipal parks to perform various tasks like cleaning, patrolling, guiding visitors, and pest control. This initiative is part of China's "Robot Plus" strategy, driven by an ageing population and labour shortages, and showcases the growing domestic service robot market. These AI-powered robots enhance efficiency and visitor experience in popular attractions like the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinstated officers' authority to deny immigration benefit requests if applicants submit incomplete applications or fail to provide necessary documentation. This new policy, effective immediately, reverses a previous rule that allowed a 12-week response period for requests for evidence, placing the burden squarely on applicants to prove eligibility at the time of filing.
