Category: News

GST Revenue Hits INR 2.11 Lakh Crore in July, Reflecting Strong Economic Growth

New Delhi, Aug 1: India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections recorded a significant rise in July, reaching ₹2.11 lakh crore with a 15.4 per cent year-on-year growth, signalling strong economic activity, rising consumption, and improved tax compliance.

The latest GST figures highlight the continued momentum of India’s economy, with businesses across sectors contributing to higher revenue collections. The growth reflects increased trade activity, steady consumer demand, and greater participation in the formal economy.

The rise in GST collections is expected to strengthen government finances and support investments in infrastructure, public services, and development programmes. Higher revenue generation provides greater flexibility for growth-focused initiatives while helping maintain fiscal stability.

The improved performance has also been supported by technology-driven tax systems, digital compliance measures, and enhanced transparency in the GST framework. These reforms have helped simplify tax processes, improve efficiency, and encourage more businesses to operate within the formal system.

For businesses, the steady expansion of GST collections reflects a more integrated national market with smoother interstate trade and improved ease of doing business. The positive trend also supports confidence among industries and investors about India’s economic outlook.

The continued growth in GST revenue underlines the strength of India’s consumption-driven economy and reinforces GST’s role as a key contributor to economic development and financial stability.

Samudra Manthan: India’s INR 84,084 Crore Push to Unlock Offshore Energy Potential

New Delhi, July 31: The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘Samudra Manthan’ scheme with an investment outlay of ₹84,084 crore, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s oil and gas exploration capabilities and enhancing the country’s energy security.

Named after the ancient concept of “churning the ocean” to discover valuable resources, the initiative focuses on exploring India’s offshore energy potential and tapping into unexplored hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed.

The scheme aims to accelerate oil and gas exploration through the use of advanced technologies, improved exploration infrastructure, and greater participation from energy sector stakeholders. It is expected to encourage investment and support the discovery of new domestic energy resources.

With India’s growing energy demand and significant dependence on imported crude oil, the initiative is designed to strengthen domestic production capabilities and reduce vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations.

Officials said the programme will promote modern exploration techniques, improve resource mapping, and create a stronger ecosystem for offshore oil and gas development.

Energy experts believe the initiative could play an important role in improving India’s long-term energy security by increasing domestic resource availability and supporting economic growth.

The Samudra Manthan scheme reflects India’s broader strategy of balancing energy needs with technological innovation and resource development, while moving towards a more secure and self-reliant energy future.

Young Achievers Get Chance to Shine as PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026 Nominations Open

New Delhi, July 31: The online nomination process for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026 is underway, with applications being accepted until August 15 to recognise children who have made exceptional contributions across diverse fields.

The prestigious national award celebrates young achievers who have demonstrated outstanding talent, courage, and dedication in areas including sports, art and culture, science and technology, social service, environment conservation, and acts of bravery.

Parents, guardians, teachers, and eligible individuals or organisations can submit nominations through the online platform before the deadline. The digital nomination system aims to make the process more accessible and encourage wider participation from across the country.

The award seeks to highlight inspiring stories of children who have gone beyond expectations and contributed positively to society. It also aims to motivate young minds by recognising their achievements and encouraging them to pursue excellence.

Officials said the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar reflects the nation’s commitment to empowering children and celebrating their creativity, innovation, and determination.

The selected awardees will be honoured for their remarkable accomplishments, serving as an inspiration for millions of children across India.

Bybit Dual Asset Now Upgraded with New Simulator and Expanded VIP Access

DUBAI, UAE, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce new upgrades to Bybit Dual Asset, introducing a newly added simulator, a simplified interface and expanded access to VIP-tier products for all users.

Bybit Dual Asset is a short-term, non-principal-protected structured investment product with built-in yield. It allows users to set a target price to buy or sell crypto at a preferred rate. Regardless of whether the target price is reached at settlement, participating users earn APR rewards on their principal, combining price flexibility with a competitive yield for Bybit traders.

Dual Asset, Multiple Benefits

The upgrade introduces an ultra user-friendly simulator, allowing users to preview potential outcomes before placing an order. Within the simulator, users can select a preferred token from a searchable list, enter a custom investment amount, choose from available durations and view both settlement scenarios side by side in a single, clear illustration. A “Match My Assets” filter also surfaces coins based on a user’s current holdings, streamlining product selection. To access the simulator, traders can switch on “Beginner Mode” by navigating to “Choose Product Plan”.

In addition, the Dual Asset interface has been redesigned for a simpler, more intuitive experience, reducing the steps required to compare terms and place an order.

As part of the upgrade, VIP-exclusive Dual Asset products with enhanced APR rates will be unlocked for all Bybit users every Friday, during which weekly window no VIP membership is required. This further broadens access to enhanced-rate products that were previously reserved for top-tier accounts.

The new and improved Bybit Dual Asset retains all the most loved features about the product while introducing exclusive benefits:

• Competitive yield: when the target trade is executed, users settle at the preset price while also earning additional APR rewards.
• Better pricing: compared with direct trading, users can buy at a lower price or sell at a higher price once the target price is reached.
• Inclusive access: VIP-tier products with enhanced rates now are available to all users every Friday, extending VIP benefits to the broader Bybit community.

Terms and conditions apply. For details on potential restrictions and eligibility, users may visit: Bybit Dual Asset — Revamped for a Better Experience and Bybit Dual Asset.

#Bybit  / #NewFinancialPlatform 

About Bybit

Bybit is The New Financial Platform.

We believe every person should have access to every financial opportunity on earth. That’s why we’re building the first intelligent platform that connects anyone, anywhere to the world’s finance.

Trusted by more than 80 million users worldwide, Bybit brings together investing, trading, payments, and wealth-building in a single secure and intelligent ecosystem. Through the combination of AI-powered technology, deep global liquidity, robust security, and transparent operations, Bybit makes global finance more accessible, efficient, and empowering for everyone.

Built for everyone. Powered by intelligence. Open to the world.

Learn more at Bybit.com

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

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Food Safety Gets a Boost as 305 Mobile Testing Labs Expand Nationwide Surveillance

New Delhi, July 31: In a major step towards strengthening food quality monitoring, the government has deployed 305 Mobile Food Testing Laboratories across States and Union Territories to enhance food safety surveillance and ensure quicker detection of unsafe and sub-standard food products.

Known as Food Safety on Wheels (FSW), these mobile laboratories are equipped with rapid testing facilities that allow officials to examine food samples on-site, reducing the time required to identify adulterated or contaminated food.

The mobile testing labs play a crucial role in protecting public health by enabling regular inspections in markets, schools, food establishments, and public events. They also help authorities take timely action against food safety violations while creating greater awareness among consumers and food vendors about hygiene and quality standards.

The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s food safety framework by improving access to testing facilities, especially in remote and underserved areas where laboratory infrastructure is limited. Faster testing and surveillance will help prevent the sale of unsafe food, reduce health risks, and improve consumer confidence.

Officials said the expansion of mobile food testing laboratories reflects the government’s continued focus on building a robust food safety ecosystem through technology-driven monitoring, stronger enforcement, and public awareness, ensuring that safe and quality food reaches consumers across the country.

FUJIFILM India’s Spectrum Tour Arrives in Ahmedabad Following Successful Gurugram Debut

Ahmedabad, July 31: FUJIFILM India  inaugurated the Ahmedabad leg of Spectrum, the next stop of the Fujifilm Spectrum India Tour 2026. The Ahmedabad edition continues the multi-city Touch & Try initiative, bringing Fujifilm’s imaging solutions closer to photography enthusiasts, visual creators, and the community. True to its theme, “Imagine. Create. Inspire.”, Spectrum invites every visitor, whether a first-time enthusiast or a seasoned professional, to imagine new possibilities, create with the tools that bring those ideas to life, and leave inspired to take their craft further. The event showcases Fujifilm’s complete imaging ecosystem through an immersive, hands-on experience designed for creators of every skill level. As an experiential imaging tour, it is built around a comprehensive “Click to Print” ideology and will feature curated image gallery displays that celebrate visual storytelling and creative excellence.

The 3-Day tour will take place at the Navajivan Trust Campus from July 31st to August 2nd, where visitors can experience interactive Touch & Try zones, curated image exhibitions, creator-led sessions, community engagements and live demonstrations across Fujifilm’s imaging portfolio.

Commenting on the growing scale of the tour, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said,

 “The response to the Gurugram edition of Fujifilm Spectrum showed us that Indian creators are looking for experiences that go beyond the product and into the craft itself. Carrying that energy forward to Ahmedabad is a meaningful step in our journey, one that stays true to our Group purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles.’ We are proud to keep building a platform where creators can experience our rich heritage in imaging solutions, seamlessly fused with cutting edge technology, in every city we visit.”

Fujifilm Spectrum brings the imaging ecosystem to life in Ahmedabad through dedicated zones spanning vlogging, cinema, street and travel photography, portraiture, premium imaging and the GFX system. As the next destination in Fujifilm’s multi-city Spectrum Tour, Ahmedabad was chosen for its rich artistic heritage and vibrant community of photographers, filmmakers and visual artists. The city provides an ideal setting to bring creators and enthusiasts together while furthering Fujifilm’s vision of making immersive imaging experiences accessible across India. 

The experience extends well beyond cameras, with attendees getting hands-on access to Fujifilm’s instax™ range, Photo Imaging solutions with live print demonstrations, binoculars and optical devices, alongside offerings from accessory partners. Adding further depth to the experience, the Ahmedabad edition brings together a distinguished line up of visual storytellers and Fujifilm X-Mentors across a series of sessions, including Vivek Desai on the Art of Storytelling, Arvind Patwal on Content Creation, from idea to impact, Jatin Kampani’s Phantasmagoria, Aditya Varma on shooting big films with small cameras, and Prashant Godbole on the Art of Observation. A session on Build Your Portfolio and Film Simulation Recipes showcase by Fujifilm’s technical evangelists. Displaying images captured using a range of Fujifilm’s film simulations, custom in-camera settings rooted in their founding color philosophy that enables every photographer to bring their own voice to a frame.

Speaking on the significance of the Ahmedabad edition, Arun Babu, Associate Director, Imaging Solutions Division, FUJIFILM India Private Limited, added,

 “Every city we take Spectrum to adds a new dimension to how we understand the Indian creator community, and Ahmedabad has a deeply rooted culture of storytelling and craftsmanship that this edition is designed to meet head on. By bringing our imaging portfolio from the X Series and large format GFX to instax™, QuickSnap, Optical Devices and the compact dye sublimation printer ASK 400, along with sessions from some of the finest names in visual storytelling, we want Ahmedabad to stand as a landmark chapter in the Spectrum journey.”

Visitors can look forward to the “Experience Passport Challenge,” a tour favourite that rewards exploration across the venue. Each visitor’s passport gets stamped as they move through the zones, creator sessions and experiential areas, with completed passports unlocking entry into giveaways featuring Fujifilm merchandise. The venue will also host interactive Treasure Hunts, giving attendees a chance to put the gear to the test on the spot through challenges such as “Shoot your friend” portraits, and “Shoot & Vlog” contests using the Fujifilm X App.

At its heart, Spectrum is about strengthening the creative community Fujifilm has built across the country. The event brings Fujifilm X Academy, the brand’s community-driven photography platform, to life in person, giving attendees direct access to the tutorials, expert guidance and workshops the platform is known for. Through hands-on sessions with Fujifilm X-Mentors, visitors leave with practical skills and guidance to take their craft further. With Gurgaon and Ahmedabad, Spectrum tour will span in more cities of India.

Food Safety Concern Rises as Over 40,000 Samples Fail Quality Checks in FY26

New Delhi, July 31: More than 40,000 food samples were found to be unsafe or below prescribed standards during FY 2025-26, according to government data, raising concerns over food quality and consumer safety across the country.

The findings highlight the need for stronger monitoring, faster action against violations, and improved enforcement of food safety regulations. While thousands of cases were identified through inspections and testing, only 1,918 convictions were recorded during the period.

Food safety authorities conduct regular checks to detect adulteration, contamination, and non-compliance among food manufacturers, sellers, and suppliers. However, the gap between violations detected and final convictions underlines the need for a more efficient system for investigation and legal action.

To address the challenge, experts and officials emphasise the importance of expanding food testing infrastructure, strengthening regulatory inspections, and using technology to improve surveillance across the food supply chain.

The government can further enhance food safety by increasing the number of testing laboratories, introducing faster case resolution mechanisms, ensuring strict action against repeat offenders, and promoting awareness among consumers and food businesses.

Technology-driven monitoring, better coordination between agencies, and stronger accountability measures can help create a safer food ecosystem and build greater public confidence.

Ensuring food safety remains a shared responsibility, requiring continuous efforts from regulators, businesses, and consumers to maintain quality standards and protect public health.

Daniel Wellington Announces Sharvari as Its New Brand Ambassador

Mumbai, July 31: Daniel Wellington, the Swedish design-led watch brand is thrilled to announce Bollywood’s rising star Sharvari as the Brand Ambassador for its watches. The partnership celebrates a shared commitment to bring versatility and a vision of creating styles that are classic and timeless. To mark this exciting announcement, Daniel Wellington hosted an exclusive launch event in Mumbai, bringing together members of the media, leading influencers and watch retailers. The launch brought together fashion editors, creators, retail partners and industry leaders to celebrate the beginning of Daniel Wellington’s next chapter in India.

Sharvari represents a new generation of Indian talent, confident, youthful and effortlessly modern. Those qualities naturally complement Daniel Wellington’s philosophy of timeless design with contemporary relevance. Her ability to set trends while embracing timeless style makes her a natural fit for the brand.

Renowned for its clean Scandinavian design, Daniel Wellington has redefined modern watchmaking with timepieces that embody understated elegance and effortless versatility. Blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary style, the brand continues to create pieces that seamlessly complement every occasion and personal expression. Following Daniel Wellington’s acquisition by Timex Group, the brand is entering an exciting new phase of growth in the Indian market. This partnership reflects Daniel Wellington’s continued focus on strengthening its presence in India while celebrating individuality and enduring design.

“We are delighted to welcome Sharvari to the Daniel Wellington family,” said Deepak Chhabra, Timex Group. “India is an increasingly important market for Daniel Wellington, and as we continue to build the brand here, we wanted a brand ambassador who reflects the confidence and individuality of today’s consumer. Sharvari brings a refreshing authenticity that aligns naturally with Daniel Wellington’s design philosophy. We’re excited about building the brand together, not just through campaigns, but by becoming part of everyday style conversations.”

Commenting on the partnership, actress Sharvari said,

“I’ve always believed that great style doesn’t have to be loud. It’s often the little details that complete a look, and that’s exactly what I love about Daniel Wellington. The brand feels effortless, modern and easy to make your own, which is why this partnership feels so natural. It’s a brand I’ve genuinely admired, and I’m looking forward to creating some truly memorable moments together.”

With Sharvari joining the brand, Daniel Wellington continues its journey of building deeper cultural relevance in India while inspiring a new generation to embrace timeless, everyday style.

Star Health reports normalised PAT of ₹ 386 Crores in Q1 FY27, up 44% YoY; Underwriting Profit increases sharply to ₹ 111 Crores, compared to ₹ 16 Crores in Q1 FY26

CHENNAI, India, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (“Star Health”), India’s largest standalone health insurer, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Q1 FY27). The Company posted a normalised Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 386 Crores, an increase of 44% YoY, driven by healthy premium growth, disciplined underwriting and sustained operating efficiencies. Underwriting Profit for Q1 FY27 was ₹ 111 Crores, compared to ₹ 16 Crores for Q1 FY26.

The Company recorded Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹ 4,287 Crores during Q1 FY27, representing a growth of 19% YoY on Reported 1/N basis. On the same basis, Fresh Retail Health GWP for the quarter stood at ₹ 730 Crores, a 37% YoY increase.

Under Ind AS Accounting Standards, the Company posted Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹ 550 Crores, an increase of 25% YoY.

Performance highlights for Q1 FY27

Business Performance

• GWP (Reported 1/N basis) increased 19% YoY to ₹ 4,287 Crores
• Retail Health fresh GWP (Reported 1/N basis) increased 37% YoY to ₹ 730 Crores

Financial Performance (Ind AS)

• Underwriting Profit: ₹ 111 Crores (6x YoY growth | Q1 FY26: ₹ 16 Crores)
• Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹ 550 Crores (25% YoY growth | Q1 FY26: ₹ 438 Crores)
• Combined Insurance Service Ratio (CISR): 97.0% (improvement of 1.7% over 98.7% in Q1 FY26)

Claims Excellence & Customer Trust

• Star Health settled 9.6 lakh claims during Q1 FY27
• Retail Claims Settlement Ratio improved by 1% and moved to 91% for Q1 FY27
• Persistency improved by 3% YoY to 102%
• Company Net Promoter Score (NPS) improved by 12 points and stands at 65 as on June 2026

Digital First approach

Digital continued to be a key growth and operating lever for the Company during Q1 FY27. During the quarter, the Company’s proprietary digital D2C Channel contributed 16% of fresh retail sales, with a YoY growth of 142%.

97% of fresh policies were sourced digitally, reflecting digital adoption at scale for a granular retail distribution franchise. The Company also strengthened its technology-led capabilities through ATOM PRO, its AI-enabled digital platform for business acquisition, which continued to witness increasing adoption. Designed as an end-to-end productivity platform, ATOM PRO enables advisors with intelligent product recommendations, instant quotations, policy comparisons, network hospital search, business dashboards and other digital servicing capabilities, helping improve customer engagement and advisor productivity. ATOM Pro was recognized by The Economic Times in the BFSI FinNext Awards 2026, under ‘InsurTech Product Excellence of the Year’. 

The Star Health Customer App also continued to witness strong traction, with 14.7 million downloads and over 1.5 million monthly active users, and increasing adoption of self-service capabilities- such as, digital renewals, and claims submissions and wellness initiatives.

Artificial intelligence use cases are being deployed across the value-chain with dedicated management focus on measurable outcomes. Claims operations, for example, have been strengthened by an AI-ML analytics layer designed to enhanced precision and efficiency. The Company is now in the process of layering Generative AI capabilities to further improve outcomes. In-house capabilities on AI have been strengthened through global technology partnerships. 

Distribution Strength

Star Health’s robust distribution network and service infrastructure continued to support its growth momentum during Q1 FY27. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had a multi-channel distribution network comprising 900+ branch offices, 8.5 lakh+ agents, 16,000+ network hospitals, and 18,500+ employees. These capabilities, complemented by the Company’s continued investments in technology, digital enablement, and customer service, position Star Health strongly to drive sustainable growth and expand quality health insurance access across the country.

CEO Commentary

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Anand Roy, CEO & Managing Director, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, said, “Our performance in the first quarter reflects the strength of our fundamentals and the consistency of our execution. Sustainable growth, driving improvement in core underwriting profitability, and sustained operating discipline have enabled us to deliver a strong start to the year. We remain focused on expanding health insurance access across the country while maintaining prudent risk selection and delivering superior customer experience. Investments in digital capabilities, AI-led innovation, and distribution network continue to strengthen our ability to serve customers more efficiently and at scale. As health insurance adoption deepens in India, we remain committed to building a resilient, digital-first organisation that creates long-term value for our policyholders and shareholders.”

About Star Health and Allied Insurance

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH) (BSE: 543412), one of India’s leading standalone health insurance companies, commenced operations in 2006 as India’s first standalone health insurance company. Star Health provides Health, Personal Accident and Travel Insurance to its customers. The Company has grown to emerge as one of the preferred health insurance companies in India with several pioneering products and services to its credit. With customer-centricity at its core, the Company has developed superior and innovative product offerings, service capabilities and a seamless claims management process. Star Health offers tailor-made products to cater to needs such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac illnesses, as well as specific segments such as senior citizens, women and children. Star Health is India’s first health insurance company to settle over 1 crore claims.

Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd. has a strong multi-channel distribution network of 900+ offices, over 8.5 lakh+ agents and robust bancassurance and financial institution partners. The Company has 16,000+ network hospitals and 18,500+ employees.

Talk to Star: helping policyholders plan care with confidence: Star Health offers guided support through 7200 222 333 for eligible policyholders seeking Home Healthcare or planned hospitalisation assistance. Customers can call the number and press 1 for Home Healthcare or press 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand coverage, network hospital options, the cashless process, required documents and care pathways before admission or home-based treatment. Non-policyholders can access free 24/7 Virtual OPD consultations through the Star Health Customer app.

For more information visit www.starhealth.in 

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Man Killed After Speeding Pickup Van Hits Him Near Dahita College in Bargarh

Bargarh, July 30 (UDN): A man lost his life after being hit by a speeding pickup van on the Padampur–Patnagarh road near Dahita College in Odisha’s Bargarh district on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Sudam Bhoi.

According to preliminary information, Sudam was on or near the roadside when the pickup van, travelling from Padampur towards Patnagarh, allegedly struck him near the college. The impact left him critically injured.

Local residents rushed to his aid and shifted him to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Padampur in a 108 ambulance. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

After receiving information about the incident, Buden Police reached the spot and launched an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Police have detained the two occupants of the pickup van for questioning and are investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal accident. The vehicle has also been seized.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine whether negligence or overspeeding led to the mishap.

The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety on the busy Padampur–Patnagarh route, where residents have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent fatal accidents.