05
Aug
05
Aug
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has expanded its protection portfolio with the launch of a 10-year life cover option under its ICICI PruiProtect Smart Plus plan, reflecting the insurance industry's growing focus on affordable and need-based financial protection. The offering is aimed at customers with defined financial obligations such as home loans, children's education goals and business loans, enabling them to secure higher life cover at lower premiums during periods of peak financial responsibility. The plan also includes complimentary health and wellness services worth up to ₹67,100, an instant claims payout of ₹3 lakh and a 100 per cent payout on…
04
Aug
Heavy rainfall on Sunday night caused extensive damage to the NH 415 four-lane highway between Itanagar and Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh, disrupting traffic and leaving several commuters stranded for hours. A section of the highway was washed away at one location, while a major mudslide blocked the road a few kilometres ahead of Donyi Polo International Airport. The situation was aggravated by extensive earth-cutting along the highway. A large quantity of soil and debris from an earth-cutting site located beside NH 415 reportedly slid onto the carriageway following the heavy rain, completely blocking traffic for several hours. Several vehicles were…
04
Aug
HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector lender, has increased the interest rate on its three- to five-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] dollar deposits by 25 basis points to 6.25 per cent from 6 per cent. The revised rate came into effect from August 1 as banks step up efforts to attract foreign currency deposits under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) concessional swap scheme. The rate hike comes at a time when the RBI’s special swap window is entering its final two months, a period expected to witness increased mobilisation of FCNR(B) deposits. Banks are focusing on attracting overseas…
04
Aug
The Indian government has proposed extending tax exemptions until March 31, 2041, for multinational corporations that supply machinery and components to local contract manufacturers, delivering long-term policy certainty to global technology giants like Apple Inc. According to draft amendments to tax legislation, the revised measure expands upon an earlier exemption introduced with a 2031 deadline, providing a ten-year extension aimed at bolstering domestic electronics production. Under Indian income tax rules, foreign firms previously faced potential tax exposure on global revenue if equipment supplied to local assembly partners was classified as an Indian "business connection". The proposed relief addresses these concerns…
04
Aug
The SC stated that state governments, including Delhi, can close FIRs against students protesting the NEET paper leak, if the cases are not serious crimes. Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that prosecution was previously allowed only for serious offenses by protesters with criminal histories. On July 20, the court reviewed petitions regarding excessive police actions against students and requests from families of injured police personnel for action against alleged perpetrators. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta affirmed the government's dedication to student relief, noting that criminal law prohibits direct FIR withdrawals and allows for closure reports or prosecution withdrawal via courts. The…
04
Aug
Star India pacer Arshdeep Singh recently featured in an interview where he selected five bowlers based on their skills and abilities. His list included Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin. While naming Ashwin at the fifth spot, Arshdeep jokingly apologised to the veteran spinner and said he would personally send him a message. The left-arm pacer explained that Ashwin was placed last only because all the previous spots were already filled, and he holds immense respect for the legendary off-spinner. Arshdeep, who currently represents India only in white-ball cricket, is out of action as the…
04
Aug
Tata Salt, the flagship salt brand of Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL), has strengthened its position in India's iodized salt market after emerging with the highest purity among 100 salt samples tested in a laboratory assessment, while continuing to meet mandated iodine standards. The company said the findings reaffirm its commitment to delivering consistent quality and nutrition to consumers across the country. The company stated that Tata Salt continues to subject its products to rigorous testing against stringent internal quality benchmarks as well as regulatory standards to ensure high levels of purity and the consistent presence of adequate iodine in…
04
Aug
Hyatt India & Southwest Asia has launched its new food and beverage campaign, "Made With Love. Served With Rewards.", offering World of Hyatt members double reward points on eligible dining spend at participating Hyatt restaurants and bars across India and Southwest Asia from August 1 to September 30, 2026. The campaign comes amid growing demand for regular restaurant dining. Citing a 2025 Rakuten Insight survey, Hyatt said 54% of respondents across the region dine out several times a week or more, reflecting a shift towards making restaurant visits part of everyday life rather than limiting them to special occasions. Under…
03
Aug
The Kokrajhar district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of Phunkha Basumatary, who was killed in a firing incident involving forest protection personnel inside Raimona National Park along the India-Bhutan international border on July 28. Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty said the decision was taken following demands from several political parties and organisations for an impartial investigation into the incident. The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the firing and the subsequent death of Basumatary inside the national park. The administration said the probe is intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine the…