8, Jul 2026
Prime Volleyball League Receives FIVB Recognition
New Delhi, July 8: The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has received recognition from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), marking a significant milestone for the league and Indian volleyball.
The recognition by the global governing body is expected to further strengthen the league’s position on the international stage and provide a boost to the growth and development of volleyball in India. The upcoming fifth season of the league is scheduled to begin on November 30.
The new season will bring together top Indian and international players, offering fans an exciting showcase of competitive volleyball. The league has played a key role in providing a professional platform for players and increasing the popularity of the sport across the country.
With the backing of FIVB recognition, PVL aims to further enhance its standards, attract wider global attention, and contribute to the development of volleyball talent in India.
The organisers said preparations for Season 5 are underway, with teams gearing up for another action-packed edition of the tournament.
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- By Neel Achary
8, Jul 2026
Biometric UPI Transactions Cross 600 Million Mark in June, Reach Rs 25,416 Crore in Value
New Delhi, July 8: Biometric authentication-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions recorded significant growth in June, crossing 600 million transactions with a total value of Rs 25,416 crore.
The rise in biometric-enabled UPI payments reflects the growing acceptance of secure and convenient digital payment methods among users across the country. Fingerprint-based authentication has helped make digital transactions easier and more accessible, particularly for people in rural and remote areas.
The increase in transaction numbers highlights the expanding reach of India’s digital payment ecosystem and the growing trust among users in technology-driven financial services. Biometric authentication has emerged as an important tool in promoting financial inclusion by enabling smoother access to banking and payment facilities.
Officials said the continued growth of biometric UPI transactions is a sign of increasing adoption of cashless payment solutions. The system is expected to further strengthen secure and user-friendly digital transactions as more people embrace digital financial services.
The latest milestone reflects the rapid evolution of India’s digital economy and the efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible payment ecosystem for citizens.
8, Jul 2026
Andhra Pradesh Officials’ Visit to Kotia Villages Rekindles Odisha–Andhra Border Dispute
Koraput, July 8 (UDN): The decades-old border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has resurfaced after a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials reportedly carried out census-related verification in several villages under the disputed Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district.
Representational Image
According to local sources, the Andhra Pradesh team, led by Salur Tehsildar Suresh Babu from Parvathipuram Manyam district, visited Upper Sembi, Lower Sembi and Nedibalasa villages. The delegation reportedly included Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Anganwadi workers, education officials and other government functionaries.
During the visit, officials are said to have undertaken door-to-door verification, collecting previously issued census forms and reviewing the status of digitisation of demographic data. Local representatives from the Andhra Pradesh side also reportedly accompanied the team during the exercise.
The reported administrative activity has once again drawn attention to the long-pending territorial dispute over the Kotia cluster of villages, claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While Odisha has already completed its census-related work in the region, the latest exercise by Andhra Pradesh has triggered fresh concerns over competing administrative claims.
The development comes barely a month after a visit by an Andhra Pradesh minister to Nedibalasa village for the inauguration of a road project, an event that had also sparked political and administrative debate in both states.
Although the situation remained peaceful, the latest visit has reignited discussions over the recurring administrative interventions by both states in the disputed villages. Residents of the Kotia region have frequently witnessed welfare programmes and official visits from both governments as the boundary issue remains unresolved.
The border dispute over the Kotia villages is currently pending before the Supreme Court, where both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have staked their claims over the territory. Officials said any long-term resolution will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Odisha district administration is monitoring the situation closely. An official statement on the reported visit was awaited at the time of filing this report.
8, Jul 2026
Gujarat Expands Fuel Tax Relief for Fishermen with Major Policy Change
July 8: In a move aimed at providing greater financial relief to the fishing community, the Gujarat Cabinet has approved a key amendment to the state’s diesel Value Added Tax (VAT) relief scheme by removing the boat length criterion, allowing more fishermen to benefit from the subsidy.
The revised policy is expected to make the scheme more inclusive by extending eligibility to a larger number of fishing vessel owners, irrespective of the size of their boats. The decision is intended to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, one of the biggest operational expenses for fishermen.
State government officials said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. By broadening the scope of the scheme, the government aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach more beneficiaries engaged in marine fishing.
The Cabinet believes the revised policy will not only support fishermen economically but also encourage greater participation in the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Gujarat’s coastal economy. The updated diesel VAT relief scheme is expected to come into effect as per the government’s notified guidelines.
8, Jul 2026
EDII’s Journal of Entrepreneurship Strengthens India’s Global Presence in Entrepreneurship Research
India,July 8: The peer-reviewed, Journal of Entrepreneurship , is a quarterly published Journal published by the SAGE Publications on behalf of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India , Ahmedabad. The Journal of Entrepreneurship enjoys strong international visibility and scholarly impact.
Edited by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, the journal is indexed in Scopus, the Emerging Sources Citation Index of Web of Science, the ABDC Journal Quality List, EconLit , ProQuest, EBSCO and ANVUR – the Italian National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes. The journal has an H-Index of 37. It has a Journal Impact Factor of 2.5.
Established in 1992, JoE brings together academics, researchers, policymakers, educators, and practitioners from across the world to explore emerging issues in entrepreneurship. The journal serves as a multidisciplinary forum for advancing entrepreneurship research, theory, and practice, particularly in the context of emerging and developing economies.
The journal publishes original research, conceptual papers, perspectives, case studies and commentaries on a broad range of topics including entrepreneurship theory, entrepreneurial behaviour, entrepreneurial strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, family business, social entrepreneurship, international entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. It invites contributions from a variety of disciplines, including economics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, history and management. Studies from different national and cultural contexts are encouraged. This framework enables researchers to explore entrepreneurship from various analytical lenses, generating insights that are meaningful for both academia and practice.
Speaking about the journal‘s journey and its contribution to entrepreneurship, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Editor, Journal of Entrepreneurship, said,
“Over the last three decades, the Journal of Entrepreneurship has sought to provide a credible platform for advancing entrepreneurship knowledge. The last one year has been especially momentous as the H-Index of the journal increased from 34 to 37 and its Impact Factor from 1.9 to 2.5. In an era when research contributions of India are gaining more and more international significance, The JoE’s achievements signify the rising importance of research in entrepreneurship and its role in economic growth and stability.”
With entrepreneurship playing an increasing role within both the global economy and innovation ecosystems, this journal provides valuable insights, that guide both policymakers and educators.
8, Jul 2026
Government Steps Up El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing
New Delhi, July 8: The Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to address the potential impact of El Niño while expressing confidence over the progress of the ongoing kharif season, aided by improved monsoon conditions across several parts of the country.
According to official data, kharif sowing has reached 350.85 lakh hectares, reflecting steady progress in agricultural activities following the revival of monsoon rains. The increase in cultivated area is expected to support crop production and provide relief to farmers after concerns over delayed rainfall in some regions.
The government is closely monitoring weather patterns and their possible impact on agriculture, with a special focus on mitigating risks associated with El Niño. Ministries and state governments have been directed to maintain preparedness and ensure timely interventions to safeguard crop health, water availability, and farmers’ livelihoods.
Officials said contingency plans are in place to respond to any weather-related challenges, including the availability of quality seeds, irrigation support, and other agricultural inputs. Regular coordination is also being maintained with state authorities to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, and crop conditions.
The Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers through proactive planning and continuous monitoring, while emphasizing that favourable monsoon conditions in recent weeks have significantly improved the pace of kharif sowing across the country.
8, Jul 2026
Cashless Healthcare Scheme Brings New Medical Benefits for UP Teachers and Education Staff
Lucknow, July 8: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new cashless healthcare scheme aimed at providing easier and more accessible medical treatment facilities to teachers and employees working in the education sector.
Under the initiative, eligible teachers and education department staff will be able to avail cashless medical services at empanelled hospitals, reducing the financial burden of healthcare expenses and ensuring timely access to quality treatment.
The scheme is designed to strengthen healthcare support for the education community by streamlining the process of medical assistance and eliminating the need for beneficiaries to make upfront payments for covered treatments.
Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare and social security of teachers and education personnel, who play a vital role in strengthening the state’s education system.
The programme will cover eligible employees as per government guidelines, with hospitals providing treatment under the approved cashless mechanism. The move is expected to bring greater convenience, transparency and efficiency to healthcare delivery for beneficiaries.
The Uttar Pradesh government said the scheme will help create a more supportive working environment for teachers and education staff by ensuring better access to healthcare facilities.
With the launch of this initiative, the state aims to enhance employee welfare while promoting a more inclusive and technology-driven healthcare support system.
8, Jul 2026
India’s credit card boom: A decade of rapid growth reshapes the way consumers pay
New Delhi, July 8: India’s credit card industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with the number of credit cards issued nearly tripling as consumers increasingly shift towards digital and cashless payment options.
The surge reflects a major change in consumer behaviour, with credit cards becoming a preferred choice for payments across categories such as online shopping, travel, dining, retail purchases and everyday expenses. Growing digital adoption, expanding banking access and the rise of e-commerce have been key drivers behind this growth.
Banks and financial institutions have played a crucial role in expanding the credit ecosystem by introducing innovative products, customised offerings and technology-led services. Digital onboarding, instant approvals and personalised rewards have made credit cards more accessible and attractive to a wider customer base.
The growth of digital payments has also helped bring more consumers into the formal financial system, particularly as smartphones and internet connectivity continue to improve across the country. Credit cards are increasingly moving beyond being premium financial products and becoming part of mainstream consumer spending habits.
At the same time, lenders are placing greater emphasis on responsible lending, customer education and advanced risk management practices to ensure that the expansion of credit remains sustainable.
With rising consumer confidence, increasing digital transactions and a growing preference for convenient payment solutions, India’s credit card market is expected to continue its upward trajectory.
The decade-long growth story of credit cards highlights India’s broader transition towards a modern, technology-driven payments ecosystem, where digital transactions are becoming an integral part of everyday life.
8, Jul 2026
New Technology to Help Predict Landslide Risks in Himalayan Region
Mandi, July 8: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) have developed an operational landslide early warning system to improve disaster preparedness in the Indian Himalayan region.
The newly developed system will help monitor landslide risks and provide timely alerts, allowing authorities and communities to take preventive action before major incidents occur.
The Himalayan region often faces landslide threats due to heavy rainfall, steep slopes and changing weather conditions. The new technology is expected to support better disaster management, protect lives and reduce damage to infrastructure.
The initiative reflects the growing role of science and technology in addressing natural disaster challenges. The system can help government agencies and local authorities make faster decisions during emergencies.
8, Jul 2026
Sensex Plunges 1,600 Points as Iran Ceasefire Uncertainty Hits Markets
Mumbai: Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp decline as the Sensex fell over 1,600 points after renewed geopolitical concerns emerged following US President Donald Trump’s statement that the Iran ceasefire had ended.
The sudden escalation in tensions triggered selling pressure across global markets, with investors turning cautious amid concerns over rising uncertainty in the Middle East and its potential impact on crude oil prices, inflation and economic growth.
The decline was broad-based, with key sectors witnessing heavy losses as market sentiment weakened. Banking, energy and other major stocks came under pressure as investors assessed the possible fallout of the geopolitical developments.
Analysts said market volatility is likely to remain elevated as investors closely track further developments in the region, global crude oil movements and upcoming economic indicators.
The fall highlights the sensitivity of financial markets to geopolitical risks, with investors remaining watchful for signs of stability and clarity in international affairs.
