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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India's youth to dream big, assuring them of government support and resources, including a Rs 1 lakh crore Innovation Fund, to bolster the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem and drive its journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale has voiced serious concerns over the closure of Marathi-medium schools, inadequate facilities in Ashram schools, and insufficient growth in Maharashtra's education budget, suggesting that greater spending could have prevented these shutdowns.
The Delhi government has notified detailed guidelines for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, outlining strict provisions for beneficiaries found ineligible, including discontinuation of financial assistance, recovery of disbursed funds, and potential fraud charges. The scheme provides Rs 2,500 monthly to eligible women, with specific rules for fund disbursement via RD/FD accounts and CBDC wallets, along with clear eligibility and exclusion criteria.
The central government has revamped the Khelo India Scheme's funding pattern, allocating a Rs 565 crore component for states to co-share the cost of future sports infrastructure development projects over a five-year plan. This new model, part of a Rs 29,054 crore outlay, aims to increase state ownership and participation in sports development, significantly expanding the scheme's reach and athlete base.
India's top paddler Manush Shah believes the Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) campaign has significantly boosted team chemistry and momentum, providing a 'perfect platform' for the upcoming Asian Games.
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.
The Enforcement Directorate has seized handwritten notes and digital evidence during searches related to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, Veena T. The agency alleges these notes detail fund transfers to Dubai and amounts handled beyond her known income, linking her to a money laundering probe involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and her defunct company, Exalogic Solutions. Political leaders have condemned the probe as a vendetta.
EPFO said the measure could substantially improve retirement outcomes with nearly half its members expected to see an increase of up to 35 times in their old-age savings.
The Kerala high court has set aside the Centre's decision not to renew the FCRA certificate of two NGOs, accused by central agencies of funding agitations against the Vizhinjam sea port, saying that financial support to a protest cannot be seen as diversion of foreign funds.
India's largest retirement fund manager, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), is enhancing its investment governance and fund management practices, following the Reserve Bank of India's recommendations.
Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), driven by the popularity of mutual funds, have emerged as significant stabilising forces for Indian capital markets amidst global volatility and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) outflows, according to Sebi whole-time member Amarjeet Singh.
Smallcap funds give investors access to businesses that can grow much faster than the broader economy.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit the 8.25 per cent interest on provident funds for FY26 to 34 crore member accounts by July 15, enabled by its new centralised IT system (CITES). This upgrade promises enhanced operational efficiency, transparent services, and easier access to PF details and claims for members.
Axis Bank has opened 50 new branches across India, while Abakkus Mutual Fund has surpassed Rs 10,000 crore in AUM. YES Bank launched a new credit card for women, and J&K Bank partnered with HDFC Life to enhance its insurance offerings, showcasing significant growth and strategic developments in the Indian financial sector.
SBI Funds Management Ltd. is set to list on stock exchanges next week following its Rs 11,692 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), which involves an Offer for Sale (OFS) of a 10 per cent stake by SBI and Amundi.
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup, initially planned for November this year, has been postponed to November 2027 by the Esports Foundation. This decision was made following an assessment of the wider regional situation and to ensure stability for participating national teams, publishers, partners, and fans. Despite the postponement, Saudi Arabia remains capable of hosting events, and existing development fund commitments will be maintained.
As NSRCEL enters its next phase, the incubator plans to focus on AI, deep technology and global partnerships as it looks to expand its reach.
NeoGeoInfo Technologies, a spatial intelligence solutions provider, has secured a Series A investment of approximately USD 20 million from Neev II Fund and Aavishkaar Capital. This funding will fuel the company's R&D, expand its international presence in the Middle East and Americas, and strengthen its team for complex projects.
The PM CARES Fund experienced a 30 per cent decrease in domestic donations and an 18 per cent drop in foreign contributions during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Despite this, the total balance in the fund increased to Rs 8,452 crore, primarily held in fixed deposits and savings accounts. The fund's expenditure on the PM CARES for Children Scheme also saw a sharp reduction.
Larger NGOs could no longer work with smaller ones, especially those organisations working on the ground that had no means of or expertise in raising money themselves, reveals Aakar Patel.
The Indian government has ratified an 8.25 per cent interest rate on Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2025-26, with over seven crore contributing members expected to see this credited to their accounts this month.
The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.
The Uttar Pradesh government has provided financial assistance to the family of a man who was murdered in Baghpat district. The family received Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister Relief Fund following instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Indian companies LTM and Mastek announced new international partnerships for cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Jio BlackRock AMC launched a new hybrid fund. NMIMS partnered with Coursera for AI-enabled learning, and MakeMyTrip Foundation rebuilt a flood-damaged school in Manali.
A savings or current account with no customer-induced transaction for more than 24 months is classified as inoperative.
The rules require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security or a combination of both to cover civil liability for nuclear damage.
DIIs invested $22.8 billion in Indian equities in Q2CY26.
Taxability in property transactions depends on the actual source of funds and beneficial ownership, not on whose name appears in the purchase agreement.
Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and ex-Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai are among six individuals arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with an alleged corruption case. The case involves irregularities and manipulation in the tendering process for sewage treatment plant projects of the Delhi Jal Board, with allegations of favouring a specific technology provider and significant financial implications for the government exchequer. The investigation has also revealed a money trail involving substantial transfers to the accused.
The Income Tax Department has initiated a nationwide verification drive targeting suspicious foreign remittances made by entities with minimal business activity, including those in border districts, and is scrutinising the chartered accountants who issued the mandatory tax determination certificates.
Double Olympic pole vault champion Mondo Duplantis has released "Gold," the official anthem for World Athletics' inaugural Ultimate Championship. The track, written and performed by Duplantis, is now available on major streaming platforms and will be the signature soundtrack for the event in Budapest, featuring top athletes competing for a $10 million prize fund.
The fiscal consolidation path and Rs 1 trillion stabilisation fund provide room to absorb mild shocks, but sustained oil-price increases pose risks.
E-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket Ltd saw its shares list with a 35 per cent premium on its market debut, trading at Rs 129.50 on the BSE and Rs 131 on the NSE against an issue price of Rs 97, achieving a market valuation of Rs 9,901.60 crore.
Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has defended the newly rolled out Closing Auction System (CAS), stating that it is a transparent mechanism and that the industry needs time to understand the change. He acknowledged initial turbulence and concerns from fund houses but noted an increase in mutual fund participation.
The EPF should remain a retirement nest egg, not be turned into an emergency fund.
A think tank, GTRI, has urged India to resist US pressure regarding its UPI policies, advocating for competition, policy autonomy, and a sustainable payments ecosystem. This comes as the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing charges on UPI, and the US has criticised India's digital payment systems, raising concerns about the future of India's digital payment landscape.
The initial public offering (IPO) of e-commerce enablement platform Shiprocket Ltd was subscribed an impressive 99.38 times on its final day of bidding, attracting bids for over 9.38 billion shares against 94.43 million on offer.
Descendants of a Madhya Pradesh businessman are seeking repayment from the UK government for a Rs 35,000 loan made during World War I. The UK Debt Management Office has responded, asking for further documentation to examine the claim, which the family estimates to be worth crores today with interest.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has dismissed Ketan Parekh's appeal challenging Sebi's denial of his request to cross-examine two traders from Capital Group, related to an alleged front-running scheme.