Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

26 Jul, 2025, 06:06PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
India is rolling in cash: What it tells about the economyIndia is rolling in cash: What it tells about the economy
India's rural economy shows strong growth. Cash flow increases due to improved agriculture and government support. Rural consumption drives GDP growth, outpacing urban areas. Unemployment decreases in rural areas. Tractor sales are expected to reach record levels. Rural wealth rises with services sector expansion. FMCG growth is faster in rural markets than in cities. Small manufacturers are also experiencing growth. Read more
IndusInd Bank's Chief Human Resources Officer Zubin Mody resignsIndusInd Bank's Chief Human Resources Officer Zubin Mody resigns
Zubin Mody, IndusInd Bank's Chief Human Resources Officer, has resigned after two decades with the company. His resignation, submitted on July 25, 2025, will be effective from October 24, 2025. Mody expressed his desire to pursue new opportunities and thanked the board, colleagues, and stakeholders for their support, assuring a smooth transition. Read more
India and UK sign historic FTA, set to boost annual trade by $34 bnIndia and UK sign historic FTA, set to boost annual trade by $34 bn
India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement on Thursday, projected to boost annual bilateral trade by $34 billion. India will cut tariffs on 90% of UK products, while the UK will eliminate duties on 99% of Indian exports. The deal is expected to boost sectors like leather, textiles, electronics, and software, and attract new investments. Read more
Jagdeep Dhankhar: A maverick who spoke his mindJagdeep Dhankhar: A maverick who spoke his mind
Former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned due to health reasons. His tenure saw assertiveness and friction. Dhankhar, a lawyer, challenged the judiciary on NJAC and judicial activism. Tensions over a Rajya Sabha motion and differences with the Lok Sabha Speaker arose. He addressed agrarian issues and caste identity. His resignation occurred amid procedural and political tensions. Read more
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India to resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after 5 yearsIndia to resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after 5 years
India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, for the first time in five years. This follows mutual efforts to rebuild bilateral ties, including plans to restart direct flights and the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, both suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and Galwan clash. Read more
Central govt employees can avail 30 days leave to take care of elderly parents: Govt in RSCentral govt employees can avail 30 days leave to take care of elderly parents: Govt in RS
Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed Rajya Sabha that Central government employees are entitled to 30 days of leave annually. This leave, as per the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, can be used for any personal reason. This includes caring for elderly parents, along with other eligible leaves like half pay leave and casual leave. Read more
Uber rolls out new feature letting women avoid male riders and drivers — here’s how it worksUber rolls out new feature letting women avoid male riders and drivers — here’s how it works
Uber is launching a new feature for women's safety. It will allow female riders and drivers to match only with other women. The pilot program starts next month in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit. This feature gives women more control and comfort on the platform. Uber hopes to create safer ride-hailing spaces. Read more
Modi moves past Indira Gandhi, now second longest serving Prime MinisterModi moves past Indira Gandhi, now second longest serving Prime Minister
Narendra Modi is set to surpass Indira Gandhi's record for the second-longest consecutive term as Prime Minister, marking 4078 days in office on July 25th. He also achieves a milestone of 24 years leading governments at both the state and central levels, a first for any PM. Read more
India’s Gen Z billionaires are bored with businessIndia’s Gen Z billionaires are bored with business
India's business landscape is shifting as scions of affluent families pursue diverse passions beyond traditional management roles. Dilip Piramal's VIP Industries sale exemplifies this trend, with younger generations favoring fields like arts and philanthropy. While access to capital democratizes, economic power concentrates among fewer conglomerates. Read more
ED raids 50 sites linked to Anil Ambani in Rs 3,000 cr Yes Bank loan fraud probeED raids 50 sites linked to Anil Ambani in Rs 3,000 cr Yes Bank loan fraud probe
The Enforcement Directorate raided over 35 premises linked to Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group in a ₹3,000 crore Yes Bank loan fraud probe. ED flagged alleged fund diversion, bribery, and procedural violations. Over 50 firms and 25 individuals are under scrutiny. Reliance Power and Infra distanced themselves, stating no operational impact and no business links to the accused entities, RCOM and RHFL. Read more
Sona Comstar says Rani Kapur not a shareholder; confirms rejecting her request to postpone AGMSona Comstar says Rani Kapur not a shareholder; confirms rejecting her request to postpone AGM
Sona Comstar proceeded with its Annual General Meeting despite Rani Kapur's request for deferral, clarifying she isn't a shareholder. The company stated that legal counsel confirmed the AGM could not be deferred as Kapur held no shares. Sona Comstar's shareholding is primarily public, with a portion held by Aureus Investments, previously linked to Sunjay Kapur's trust. Read more
CBDT to ramp up AI-led crackdown on tax evasion ahead of new income tax law: Chairman Ravi AgrawalCBDT to ramp up AI-led crackdown on tax evasion ahead of new income tax law: Chairman Ravi Agrawal
The Central Board of Direct Taxes will intensify efforts to combat tax evasion. They plan to use data analytics and artificial intelligence. This will help identify discrepancies in income reporting. The Income Tax Department has access to vast digital transaction data. They also exchange information with overseas agencies. This will enable more effective detection of evasion. Read more
Tata Group doubles revenue, triples profit in 5 years: N ChandrasekaranTata Group doubles revenue, triples profit in 5 years: N Chandrasekaran
Over the past five years, the Tata group has significantly enhanced its financial performance, with revenue nearly doubling and net profit more than tripling, reaching ₹15.34 lakh crore and ₹1.13 lakh crore respectively in FY25. This growth, accompanied by a substantial increase in market capitalization to ₹37.84 lakh crore, is attributed to a ₹5. Read more
IAF will now have almost same number of fighter squadrons as Pakistan’s air force. And it can get worseIAF will now have almost same number of fighter squadrons as Pakistan’s air force. And it can get worse
By October, India’s fighter strength will drop to 29 squadrons—just above Pakistan’s 25—raising concerns as China stands far ahead with 66. The phasing out of MiG-21s, scrapping of the MMRCA deal, slow Tejas deliveries, and lack of an indigenous engine have weakened IAF’s preparedness. While drones offer future potential, India still faces major capability gaps, says TOI. Read more
Train reservations: After chart timing and Tatkal, railways announces another important change in ticketing processTrain reservations: After chart timing and Tatkal, railways announces another important change in ticketing process
Indian railways reservation: The Railway Ministry has changed the rules for emergency quota requests. Now, passengers must apply a day before their journey. This applies to all trains. Requests for trains on Sundays or holidays must be made on the previous working day. The ministry asks officers to follow the new timings. Read more
Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communications loan fraud totals Rs 14,000 crore: SourcesAnil Ambani’s Reliance Communications loan fraud totals Rs 14,000 crore: Sources
Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications has been accused of loan fraud exceeding ₹14,000 crore, according to ED sources. SBI has labelled RCom and Ambani as “fraudulent” under RBI norms and plans to approach the CBI. Canara Bank was also defrauded of over ₹1,050 crore. Authorities are probing undisclosed foreign bank accounts and overseas assets linked to the case. Read more
Pune to get 4 new Vande Bharat trains: Check routes, key stops, fares & full details insidePune to get 4 new Vande Bharat trains: Check routes, key stops, fares & full details inside
Great news for Pune travellers. Indian Railways will soon launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains. These trains will connect Pune to Shegaon, Vadodara, Secunderabad, and Belagavi. The new routes promise faster and more comfortable journeys. Ticket prices are expected to be affordable. A Pune-Nagpur Vande Bharat Sleeper train is also planned. Read more
India becomes world’s 3rd-largest mobile exporter at $20.5 billion: StudyIndia becomes world’s 3rd-largest mobile exporter at $20.5 billion: Study
India has dramatically transformed its mobile phone sector, becoming a major exporter with USD 20.5 billion in exports in 2024. This shift, driven by policy interventions like the PLI scheme and integration into global value chains, has led to increased domestic value addition and job creation. The country's success provides a blueprint for expanding manufacturing leadership across the electronics sector. Read more
Millions of Americans set to receive $1,000 direct deposits in bank accounts — see if you’re on the payout listMillions of Americans set to receive $1,000 direct deposits in bank accounts — see if you’re on the payout list
$1,000 direct deposit is coming for millions of Americans, and you might be on the list! A new federal program called the Trump Account offers a $1,000 payment to every U.S. child born between 2025 and 2028. This one-time deposit is automatic and helps families save for their child’s future. Parents can also contribute extra yearly. At the same time, many Americans are also set to receive stimulus payments up to $1,700 to ease inflation pressure. Read more
Widow of slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar smuggled out of Gaza with loads of cash, remarried in TurkeyWidow of slain Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar smuggled out of Gaza with loads of cash, remarried in Turkey
Reports suggest Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar, widow of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, escaped Gaza with her children and money using fake passports, relocating to Turkey and remarrying. Orchestrated by Hamas operative Fathi Hammad, her exit via Rafah involved significant resources. Read more

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