Category Archives: News

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Begins France Visit to Boost Economic and Investment Ties

New Delhi, July 1: Union Finance Minister and Minister for Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has begun an official visit to France aimed at strengthening India–France economic cooperation and expanding investment, technology, and innovation partnerships.

During the visit, she will co-chair the India–France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in Aix-en-Provence along with France’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, Roland Lescure. The dialogue will focus on identifying new areas of bilateral cooperation and deepening overall economic engagement.

The Finance Minister will also interact with global CEOs and business leaders in a series of meetings and roundtables, where she is expected to highlight India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, reform-driven growth, and expanding investment opportunities.

She will participate in a panel discussion titled “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class” at the Les Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence, a prominent global forum on economic policy and development.

Her itinerary also includes visits to the ITER nuclear fusion project at Cadarache and Campus Cyber, France’s national hub for cybersecurity innovation, to explore cooperation in advanced technology and digital resilience.

The visit underscores India’s continued efforts to strengthen strategic economic partnerships with France across key sectors including clean energy, technology, and innovation.

In Odisha’s Niyamgiri, Dongria Kondhs Keep the Ancient Art of Kapdaganda Alive

Rayagada, July 1 (UDN): Nestled amid the dense forests and rolling hills of Niyamgiri, the Dongria Kondh community continues to preserve a centuries-old artistic tradition that remains central to its cultural identity. From vibrant wall paintings to intricately embroidered textiles, the tribe’s indigenous art forms continue to flourish despite the growing influence of modern lifestyles.

Representational image

At the heart of this cultural legacy is Kapdaganda, a hand-embroidered traditional textile adorned with motifs inspired by nature, agriculture and the community’s spiritual beliefs. Crafted entirely by hand, each piece requires months of meticulous work by tribal women, who pass down the intricate embroidery techniques from one generation to the next.

The same symbolic designs are reflected in Linga, the colourful murals that decorate the walls of Dongria Kondh homes across villages in the Niyamgiri region. The motifs, featuring representations of the moon, crops and other elements of nature, change with festivals and rituals, serving as visual expressions of the community’s customs and beliefs.

According to members of the community, each pattern carries a distinct meaning. Green motifs symbolise prosperity and nature, circular designs represent the full moon, while yellow patterns inspired by turmeric reflect the tribe’s deep connection with agriculture. These traditional symbols are woven into Kapdaganda, making the textile a living record of the community’s heritage.

The craft has gained wider recognition in recent years after Kapdaganda received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its uniqueness and cultural significance. The traditional fabric is now recognised beyond Odisha, creating new opportunities for tribal artisans while strengthening efforts to preserve the community’s rich artistic heritage.

Researchers working with the Dongria Kondhs say government initiatives and increasing public awareness have helped promote the textile as both a cultural symbol and a sustainable source of livelihood. Even today, members of the tribe proudly wear Kapdaganda during festivals, weddings, religious ceremonies and community gatherings, reaffirming their connection to centuries-old traditions.

For the Dongria Kondhs, Kapdaganda is far more than a handcrafted fabric. It is a symbol of identity, history and resilience, reflecting a way of life that continues to thrive in the hills of Niyamgiri despite the passage of time.

Fixderma Launches ‘Men’s Skincare Janta Party’ Campaign, Introduces FOR MEN Range to Simplify Men’s Skincre.

Gurugram, July 1: Why should women’s skincare have all the options? With this thought, dermatologist-prescribed skincare brand Fixderma has launched the Men’s Skincare Janta Party , a first-of-its-kind satirical campaign featuring content creator Vansh Gandhi. The campaign shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked conversation, the need for dedicated skincare for men. Through humour and cultural relevance, Gen Z women stage a playful protest demanding better skincare habits for men, challenging outdated grooming stereotypes while encouraging healthier skincare routines.

With the campaign #SkincareKarLeBhai, the initiative encourages men to move beyond basic grooming and adopt science-backed skincare routines, while highlighting the growing need for products specifically designed for men’s skin.

Building on this conversation, Fixderma has unveiled FOR MEN, a dermatologist-developed skincare range created to address common skin and scalp concerns such as dullness, tanning, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, excess oil production and dandruff. The launch marks the brand’s strategic entry into India’s rapidly evolving men’s skincare segment, where consumers are increasingly seeking effective, ingredient-led solutions over generic grooming products.

The FOR MEN portfolio includes a Brightening Face Wash, Brightening Face Moisturizer, Brightening Face Serum, Brightening Face Mask, Brightening Sunscreen SPF 50+ and an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Formulated with clinically backed ingredients such as White Tomato Extract, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil, the range is designed to deliver targeted care through simple, everyday routines.

Commenting on the launch, Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL, said,

“ The conversation around men’s personal care has evolved significantly over the years, but skincare continues to be one of the most underserved categories. Today’s consumers are looking for solutions that are simple, effective and backed by dermatological science rather than generic grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are bringing Fixderma’s clinical expertise to a dedicated range that addresses the unique needs of men’s skin and scalp. Through the MSJP campaign, we also want to normalise skincare for men and encourage them to view healthy skin as an essential part of everyday self-care, not an occasional indulgence.”

Anurag Mehrotra, Chairman and Co-Founder, Fixderma, said,

“Men’s skincare is no longer a niche category, it is emerging as one of the most significant growth opportunities in the beauty and personal care industry. As consumer awareness continues to evolve, we see a clear shift towards dermatologist-backed, efficacy-driven solutions over conventional grooming products. With FOR MEN, we are expanding our portfolio to serve this evolving demand while staying true to our commitment of making science-led skincare more accessible. The Men’s Skincare Janta Party campaign reflects our belief that meaningful consumer conversations can be sparked through relevant cultural moments, helping normalise skincare as an essential part of every man’s daily routine.”

With this launch, Fixderma aims to strengthen its presence in the men’s skincare segment while continuing its mission of making dermatologist-developed, science-backed skincare more accessible to a new generation of consumers.

GST Collections Climb 14 pc to INR 1.95 Lakh Crore in June

New Delhi, July 1: India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections continued their strong growth momentum in June, rising 14% year-on-year to ₹1.95 lakh crore, reflecting sustained economic activity and improved tax compliance across the country.

The robust collections were driven by healthy domestic consumption, higher business transactions, and continued improvements in GST compliance. The steady rise in revenue indicates resilience in economic activity across key sectors despite global uncertainties.

Experts believe the strong GST performance highlights the growing formalisation of the economy and the increasing adoption of digital tax systems, which have strengthened revenue collection and reduced tax leakages.

The healthy tax collections are expected to provide the government with greater fiscal flexibility to support infrastructure development, welfare programmes, and public investment while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The continued growth in GST revenues underscores the strength of India’s indirect tax system and signals positive momentum for the country’s economic outlook.

Agnikul, ICEYE Sign Pact for SAR Earth Observation Systems

New Delhi, July 1: Space technology startup Agnikul Cosmos has signed a strategic agreement with ICEYE to jointly develop advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation systems, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s space-based imaging capabilities.

The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise of both organisations in developing next-generation SAR technologies capable of delivering high-resolution Earth observation data under all weather conditions, including day and night operations.

The partnership is expected to support applications across sectors such as disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, maritime surveillance, and national security.

Officials said the collaboration aligns with India’s growing focus on expanding indigenous space technologies and building a robust commercial space ecosystem. By combining technological expertise, the two companies aim to accelerate innovation in satellite-based remote sensing solutions.

The agreement also reflects the increasing role of public-private partnerships and international collaborations in advancing India’s space sector and strengthening its Earth observation capabilities for both domestic and global markets.

Bus Fire After Collision on Jaipur–Bandikui Expressway in Dausa

July 1: A passenger bus caught fire following a collision on the Jaipur–Bandikui Expressway in Dausa district, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, leaving several people feared dead.

According to initial reports, at least 25 passengers managed to escape from the burning bus, while others are feared trapped inside.

Fire services and police teams rushed to the spot and are currently carrying out rescue operations. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Further details are awaited as rescue efforts continue.

Govt Revises Windfall Tax on Petroleum Products

New Delhi, July 1: The Government has revised the windfall tax structure on petroleum products, increasing the levy on petrol exports while reducing duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

The updated rates are aimed at balancing domestic fuel supply priorities while responding to evolving global energy market conditions.

Officials said the revision reflects the need to ensure adequate availability of key fuels within the domestic market while maintaining a stable export framework for the energy sector.

The change in tax structure is expected to impact export margins for refiners, particularly in petrol shipments, while offering some relief to diesel and aviation fuel operations.

Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the revision as it may influence refining economics and export strategies in the near term.

The government is expected to continue reviewing the windfall tax mechanism periodically in line with global crude price movements and domestic fuel demand conditions.

UPI Transactions Jump 23 pc in June, Hit 22.72 Billion

New Delhi, July 1: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continued its strong growth trajectory in June, recording a 23% year-on-year increase in transaction volume, which rose to 22.72 billion transactions, according to the latest data.

The surge reflects the continued expansion of digital payments across India, driven by increasing adoption among consumers, merchants, and small businesses. UPI has further strengthened its position as the country’s most widely used real-time payment system.

The growth in transactions highlights the deepening penetration of digital payment infrastructure, particularly in urban as well as semi-urban and rural markets. Higher usage across retail payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and merchant transactions contributed to the overall rise.

Market observers noted that the consistent increase in UPI usage underscores India’s ongoing shift toward a cash-light economy, supported by fintech innovation and improved digital access.

Officials and industry stakeholders expect transaction volumes to maintain upward momentum in the coming months as more services and use-cases continue to integrate with the UPI ecosystem.

Indian Markets Open Higher as Strong Global Cues Lift Investor Sentiment

Mumbai , July 1: Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Tuesday, supported by firm global cues and improved investor sentiment across major sectors.

Benchmark indices started the session in the green, with early gains driven by buying interest in banking, IT, and energy stocks. Broader markets also reflected a stable opening trend as investors tracked positive signals from overseas markets.

Market participants said optimism in global equities, along with easing concerns in key international markets, contributed to the upbeat start. Sentiment was further supported by selective stock-specific buying in heavyweight counters.

Analysts noted that investors are closely watching global economic indicators, crude oil price movements, and upcoming domestic macroeconomic data for further direction in the markets.

Trading activity is expected to remain influenced by global trends and institutional flows throughout the session.

Puri Srimandir Enters Quiet Phase as Holy Trinity Begins Anasara

Following the grand Snana Purnima ritual at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lord Jagannath along with Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra has entered the traditional Anasara period, a 15-day ceremonial seclusion believed to be the deities’ recovery phase after the sacred bath.

During this period, the deities are kept inside the Anasara Ghara, a restricted chamber within the temple, and are not available for public darshan. Devotees instead offer prayers to Anasara Pata, painted representations of the Holy Trinity.

Sacred Seclusion and Healing Rituals

According to tradition, the deities are considered to be in a state of “divine fever” following the Snana Purnima ritual. During Anasara, exclusive servitors including the Daitapatis perform age-old healing rituals using herbal preparations and sacred offerings.

The sanctum remains in a solemn state, with minimal lighting and restricted ceremonial activities. The idols are adorned only with white cloth and flowers, symbolizing purity and rest.

Pati Dian Darshan During Anasara

Although direct darshan of the deities is restricted, devotees can participate in Pati Dain Darshan, where they worship painted depictions of Lord Jagannath and His siblings. This practice allows devotees to maintain spiritual connection during the seclusion period.

Special arrangements are made in and around the temple premises for devotees to offer prayers and receive blessings through these sacred representations.

Alarnath Puja at Brahmagiri

During the Anasara period, devotees also traditionally visit the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri, where Lord Jagannath is believed to appear in the form of Lord Alarnath (Ananta).

Thousands of devotees gather at the temple to seek blessings during this phase, as it is believed that Lord Jagannath grants darshan there while remaining in seclusion at Puri. The site becomes a major spiritual center during the 15-day period.

Ritual Healing and Restoration

As per temple tradition, several prescribed rituals and offerings are carried out during Anasara, including herbal treatments and sacred medicinal preparations administered by traditional servitors. These rituals are believed to restore the divine form of the deities.

The seclusion concludes with Nabajouban Darshan, when the deities are re-painted and restored for public viewing ahead of the grand Rath Yatra.

Spiritual Significance

The Anasara period is deeply symbolic in the Jagannath tradition, reflecting themes of rest, renewal, and divine cycles. It also strengthens associated pilgrimage practices such as Pati Dain Darshan and Alarnath Darshan, which together sustain continuous devotion during the temple’s brief closure to the public.