29, Jul 2026
Boat Drivers across Telangana receive Life-Saving CPR Training at Hussain Sagar
Lodge Keys No, 297 in association with GVK Green Health Services trains 32 Boat Drivers in CPR; Creates 818 CPR Brand Ambassadors so far as part of its community outreach initiative called “1000 CPR Ambassadors
Hyderabad, July 29: As part of its mission to create 1,000 CPR Brand Ambassadors, Lodge Keys No. 297, a primary wing of Freemasonry, in association with GVK Green Health Services and with the support of the Tourism Department, Government of Telangana, organised a CPR and AED Training Programme for Boat Drivers at Hussain Sagar Lake on Tuesday evening.
The three-hour programme was conducted aboard Khair-Un-Nissa, a stationary boat anchored in Hussain Sagar Lake, providing a realistic learning environment for personnel engaged in water tourism and passenger safety.
The training was led by Dr. Raja Bharath, Senior Clinical Instructor, Dr. Seem Sunil, Emergency Physician, and Ms. Deepa, Clinical Instructor, all from GVK Green Health Services. Participants received extensive hands-on training using eight advanced CPR mannequins, enabling them to practice life-saving skills under expert supervision.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Arun Selgam, Worshipful Master; P. Veerabhadrudu, Secretary; G. Ashok Kumar, Treasurer; and D. Ramchandram, Project Lead of the 1,000 CPR Ambassadors initiative of Lodge Keys No. 297.
Lodge Keys expressed its gratitude to the Tourism Minister, Secretary and Ms. Manavi Jagan, Mr. Mahesh and Mr. Sampath of the Tourism Department for extending their wholehearted support in organising the programme.
A total of 32 boat drivers and support staff representing various water tourism destinations across Telangana participated in the training. They came from Hussain Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Saroornagar Lake, Somasila, Egalapenta, Nagarjuna Sagar, Laknavaram, Ramappa, Laknavaram, Koilsagar, Lower Manair Dam (Karimnagar), Kotilingala and Raigir, among other locations.
Giving details, D. Ramchandram, Project Lead of the 1,000 CPR Ambassadors initiative, said that the programme was conceived during the 30th anniversary celebrations of Lodge Keys No. 297 with the objective of training 1,000 members of the general public in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
“With today’s batch of 32 boat drivers, we have now trained 818 CPR Brand Ambassadors. Every trained citizen is a potential lifesaver, and we are steadily moving towards our target of creating 1,000 CPR Brand Ambassadors,” he said.
We have also been addressing free seminars with the help of experts in schools, colleges and any offices or organisations and so far covered 1800 people and we would like to reach a target of 10,000 people through these awareness seminars, Arun Selgam, Worshipful Master of Lodge Keys No. 297 said
Ramchandram added that boat drivers are among the first responders during emergencies on lakes and reservoirs. Since they interact with thousands of tourists every year, equipping them with CPR and AED skills significantly enhances emergency preparedness and improves the chances of saving lives during cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
“I have been operating boats at Egalapenta for several years and have always focused on the safety of passengers. But today I realised that knowing how to save a life during a cardiac emergency is just as important as knowing how to operate a boat. The CPR training has given me the confidence to act immediately if someone collapses. I sincerely thank Lodge Keys No. 297, GVK Green Health Services and the Tourism Department for bringing this valuable training to us. I believe every boat driver in the country should undergo CPR training because every second counts in saving a life”, said — David, Boat Driver, Egalapenta
The programme covered: Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest and recognising emergencies, The Chain of Survival, Hands-only CPR for adults, CPR for children and infants, Rescue breathing techniques, Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Managing choking in adults, children and infants, Recovery position and Practical hands-on training and skill assessment using advanced mannequins
The organisers appealed to educational institutions, resident welfare associations, corporate organisations, industries, transport operators, government departments and community organisations to take advantage of the free CPR training programmes being offered under the initiative.
“Every CPR-trained citizen is a potential lifesaver. Together, we can build a safer and more prepared society,” the organisers said.
The participants were given away certificates at the end of the training program.
Organisations interested in organising free CPR training for their employees, members, communities, in apartments or volunteers may contact Lodge Keys No. 297 on Mobile: 9848042020
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jul 2026
Banking Charges Put the Spotlight on Customer Costs as Fees Cross INR 26,000 Crore
New Delhi, July 29: Banks collected ₹26,170 crore in minimum balance charges between FY23 and FY26, according to government data, highlighting the growing conversation around account-related fees and their impact on customers.
The charges were collected from account holders who were unable to maintain the minimum balance requirements specified by their banks. While banks consider these fees an important part of covering account management and service costs, the issue has sparked discussions about affordability and accessibility of banking services.
For many customers, especially those managing tight household budgets, unexpected account charges can add financial pressure. Consumer advocates have emphasized the importance of transparent communication, timely alerts, and greater awareness about account requirements to help customers avoid penalties.
In recent years, banks have expanded zero-balance accounts and basic banking services to encourage wider financial inclusion and bring more people into the formal banking system.
Industry experts believe that as digital banking continues to grow, maintaining a balance between bank operations and customer-friendly practices will remain crucial. Clearer policies, improved customer awareness, and accessible banking options can help strengthen trust between financial institutions and account holders.
The latest data has renewed the focus on making banking services more transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of everyday customers.
29, Jul 2026
West Asia Tensions Pose Fresh Challenges for Indian Trade, Exporters Face Rising Costs
Mumbai, July 29: Escalating tensions in West Asia and potential disruptions at critical global shipping routes could increase costs for Indian exporters and importers, affecting freight rates, marine insurance premiums, and supply chain operations, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings.
The report highlighted that prolonged uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could pose significant challenges for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that have limited flexibility to absorb higher expenses.
The Strait of Hormuz plays a vital role in India’s energy security, with a large share of the country’s crude oil imports and key energy supplies such as LNG and LPG passing through the route. Any disruption could lead to higher global oil prices, increased production costs, and added inflationary pressure.
The report noted that simultaneous disruptions across major maritime chokepoints could create further strain on global trade networks. Longer shipping routes, including diversions around the Cape of Good Hope, may increase transit times by several weeks while adding to logistics and transportation expenses.
Rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions could weigh on industries dependent on imported raw materials and fuel. While larger companies with diversified supply chains may be better positioned to manage the impact, smaller exporters and importers could face pressure on profit margins, cash flows, and working capital requirements.
Experts believe businesses may need to strengthen supply chain resilience, diversify sourcing options, and adopt proactive risk management strategies to navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
The evolving situation in West Asia remains a key factor for global trade and energy markets, with potential implications for India’s economic outlook and business environment.
29, Jul 2026
Income Tax Department Urges Early ITR Filing as July 31 Deadline Nears
New Delhi, July 29: With the July 31 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) fast approaching, the Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to complete the process without waiting until the last minute and to carefully reconcile all financial records before submitting their returns.
The advisory comes as several taxpayers have reported intermittent technical issues on the department’s e-filing portal in recent days. As filing activity is expected to peak closer to the deadline, officials have advised taxpayers to file early to avoid potential delays caused by heavy traffic or temporary system slowdowns.
To ensure accurate filing, taxpayers are encouraged to verify key documents, including Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), salary details, bank statements, and investment records. Those who have not received Form 16 can still file their returns by using monthly salary slips, TDS details, and other financial documents to calculate their taxable income and claim eligible deductions.
The department has also reminded taxpayers to choose the correct ITR form, review all pre-filled information carefully, pay any outstanding tax liability, and complete the mandatory e-verification process after filing.
As the deadline draws closer, tax experts recommend avoiding the last-minute rush, which can increase the risk of portal congestion, filing errors, and delayed submissions. Filing early not only helps ensure a smoother experience but also provides sufficient time to rectify any discrepancies, if required.
The Income Tax Department’s advisory underscores the importance of timely compliance, encouraging taxpayers to complete their returns well before the deadline for a hassle-free filing experience.
29, Jul 2026
Industrial Activity Keeps India’s Growth Engine Running in June
New Delhi, July 29: India’s industrial sector continued to show resilience in June, with factory activity remaining strong despite global economic challenges, according to a recent report.
The steady growth was driven by healthy performance in manufacturing, supported by consistent domestic demand and improved production across key industries. Mining and electricity generation also contributed to the overall expansion, reflecting broad-based strength in the economy.
The latest figures highlight the resilience of India’s industrial sector and reinforce confidence in the country’s economic outlook. Analysts believe that ongoing infrastructure investments, increased industrial activity, and supportive policy measures will help sustain growth in the months ahead.
The June performance underscores the vital role of industry in driving India’s economic momentum and signals a positive outlook for businesses and investors alike.
29, Jul 2026
Bhogapuram Airport to Handle Flights from Aug. 17
Visakhapatnam, July 29: Commercial flight operations will shift from Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly developed Bhogapuram International Airport starting August 17, marking a major upgrade to the region’s aviation infrastructure.
The transition is expected to improve passenger connectivity, increase airport capacity, and support future growth in air travel. Travelers flying on or after August 17 are advised to confirm their departure airport with their respective airlines before their journey.
The launch of commercial operations at Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to the economic development of Andhra Pradesh.
29, Jul 2026
Indian Equity Markets Rally at Opening as IT Stocks Drive Strong Early Gains
Mumbai, July 29: Indian benchmark equity indices opened on a strong note, gaining nearly 1% in early trade as information technology (IT) stocks led a broad-based market rally. Positive global cues and renewed investor optimism supported buying across key sectors, lifting overall market sentiment.

The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 witnessed robust gains shortly after the opening bell, with leading IT companies emerging as the top contributors to the rally. Strength in technology stocks, coupled with buying interest in select banking and financial shares, helped drive the market higher.
The positive momentum was further supported by favorable international market trends and expectations of resilient corporate earnings. Investors remained encouraged by improving risk appetite and steady participation in frontline stocks.
Market experts noted that while the strong opening reflects healthy investor confidence, market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, corporate earnings, and macroeconomic indicators for further direction.
The upbeat start to the trading session underscores the resilience of Indian equities, with the IT sector playing a pivotal role in powering the market’s early gains.
29, Jul 2026
City Union Bank Q1FY27 Result Final Take : Healthy business momentum; valuations cap upside – retain ADD
Mumbai, July 29: Equirus Securities has retained an ‘ADD’ recommendation on City Union Bank Ltd. following its Q1 FY27 performance, citing healthy business momentum and improving operating fundamentals. However, the brokerage believes that the bank’s current valuation limits the potential for significant upside, warranting a cautious positive stance.
City Union Bank continues to demonstrate steady progress in its core banking operations, supported by healthy business activity and improving growth momentum. The bank’s focus on strengthening its loan book, maintaining asset quality and improving operational efficiency is expected to support sustainable performance over the medium term.
According to Equirus Securities, the bank’s healthy business momentum remains a key positive from the quarter. Continued traction in advances and deposits, along with a focus on expanding customer relationships, is expected to provide a stable foundation for future growth.
The brokerage also remains constructive on City Union Bank’s ability to maintain its focus on asset quality while pursuing growth. Disciplined underwriting and prudent risk management are expected to remain important factors in sustaining the bank’s credit profile as it scales its business.
Improving operating performance and a favourable business environment could support gradual earnings growth going forward. The bank’s efforts to enhance efficiency and deepen its presence across its target customer segments are likely to contribute to its longer-term growth prospects.
However, valuation remains a key constraint. Equirus Securities believes that the current market valuation adequately factors in a significant portion of the bank’s anticipated improvement and growth potential. This limits the scope for a meaningful near-term rerating and tempers the overall upside potential.
Key Investment Takeaways:
- Healthy business momentum provides a positive outlook for sustainable growth.
- Loan and deposit growth are expected to remain key drivers of business expansion.
- Asset quality remains a key monitorable, with disciplined underwriting supporting the credit profile.
- Operational efficiency initiatives could contribute to gradual earnings improvement.
- Valuations cap upside, limiting the potential for significant near-term rerating.
- Investment view: Retain ADD, reflecting healthy fundamentals balanced against valuation considerations.
Overall, Equirus Securities remains cautiously positive on City Union Bank, with healthy business momentum and improving fundamentals supporting the long-term outlook. However, given the valuation levels and limited scope for further rerating, the brokerage has retained its ‘ADD’ recommendation, suggesting moderate upside potential while maintaining a balanced risk-reward perspective.
29, Jul 2026
La Lune Launches to Redefine a Women’s Watch Category with Customizable Modern Heirlooms Designed to Tell Every Women’s Story
LOS ANGELES, CA, July 29 — La Lune, a vintage inspired watch and jewelry brand, founded by designer Martine Ilana, has officially launched redefining the women’s watch category by creating customizable vintage-inspired timepieces & jewelry through timeless design, personalization and exceptional craftsmanship.
In an era of smartwatches, fast fashion, and disposable products, many women are rediscovering the beauty of analog objects that carry meaning beyond their function.
Created for women who value individuality, artistry, and meaningful design, La Lune introduces a new category between fashion accessories and traditional luxury watches: the modern heirloom.

For decades, women have largely been offered two choices: trend-driven fashion watches designed to change with each season, or luxury timepieces rooted in traditional men’s watchmaking. La Lune introduces a new category between the two: accessible luxury created exclusively for women, rooted in craftsmanship, personalization, and the lasting emotional value of customized jewelry.
Rather than treating a watch as just another accessory, or simply adapting traditional men’s watches into smaller cases, La Lune blends the artistry of fine watchmaking with the emotional storytelling of personalized jewelry. Each timepiece is designed to evolve alongside its wearer, to be worn every day, personalized over time, and gifted to celebrate life’s milestones, becoming a lasting part of a family’s story for generations to come.
“I’ve always believed a watch is one of the most personal objects we own. It’s there for ordinary moments, extraordinary celebrations, and the milestones that shape our lives. The most valuable watch isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, it’s the one that reminds you who gave it to you, where you’ve been, and the memories you’ve created while wearing it. My vision for La Lune was to bring back the elegance of pre-digital watchmaking while creating pieces women will cherish today and one day pass on to someone they love.” said Martine Ilana, Founder and Creative Director of La Lune.
Rooted in craftsmanship, customization, and lasting sentimental value, each piece is designed to become far more than a timepiece: a personal keepsake to be worn, cherished, and passed down for generations.
The debut collection features its signature 1886 Eclipse Vintage Watch, inspired by the refined proportions of vintage cocktail watches, and understated elegance of pre-digital timepieces. Each watch features an engravable case back, La Lune’s signature jewelry-inspired snake-chain bracelet that is crafted from recycled stainless steel either in 14k gold or IP silver finishes and is 5 atm water resistant. Beginning at $98, the collection is intentionally designed to make meaningful, collectible design more accessible.
Alongside the 1886 Eclipse Vintage Watch, La Lune introduces Galaxy Charms (starting at $48), a collection of interchangeable clip charms inspired by birthstones, celestial symbols, vintage keepsakes, to mark life’s milestones. Designed to attach seamlessly to a La Lune watch strap, or exclusive Solar Necklaces (starting at $58), each charm allows the wearer to personalize their piece and create a story that evolves over time.
“The most meaningful jewelry and watches are the pieces that tell your story,” Says Ilana. “That’s why we created Galaxy Charms: to transform a watch into a collectible and deeply personal piece that grows more meaningful with every milestone.”
Founded by a designer with more than 25 years of experience in watch and accessory design, La Lune reflects Martine Ilana’s lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and creating products with lasting emotional value. Beginning her career as a watch designer at nineteen, Ilana has developed collections of accessories for global retailers and brands. Her work has been carried by leading retailers, including Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Isetan, and Takashimaya, as well as through an exclusive watch collaboration with Target and a dedicated boutique presence in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
With a background ranging across fashion, industrial, and sustainable design, Ilana brings a thoughtful approach to creating products with lasting value. As Founder and Principal Designer of Temescal, her sustainable design studio, she prioritizes responsible production practices and sustainability principles. “To me, sustainability begins long before a product is made. It starts by designing something beautiful enough that it will never be discarded and is intended to be kept for lifetimes.” said Ilana.
La Lune approaches sustainability through longevity. The belief that the most sustainable product is one that is cherished and kept. Through small-batch production, responsible sourcing, repairable construction, and timeless design, the brand creates pieces designed to evolve with their owners and become more meaningful over time.
Every La Lune watch is backed by a two-year warranty and designed to be worn daily, not only reserved for special occasions. The collection reflects a belief that true luxury is measured not by exclusivity, but by craftsmanship, longevity, and the memories a piece carries through the years.
Designed for women who appreciate authenticity over status and craftsmanship over trends, La Lune offers a new vision of everyday luxury: objects that feel discovered rather than purchased, personal rather than mass-produced, and timeless rather than seasonal.
In an era increasingly defined by constant upgrades, fleeting trends, and disposable products, La Lune offers an alternative: beautifully crafted timepieces designed to evolve alongside their wearer, celebrate life’s milestones, and become more meaningful with every passing year.
29, Jul 2026
AAEON Launches MIX-Q870A1, a Modular Mini-ITX with 65W Intel Core Ultra 200S Series Support
AAEON’s new MIX-Q870A1’s Arrow Lake processing, PCIe Gen 5 with bifurcation, and diverse storage architecture is designed to elevate the potential of Mini-ITX builds.

Taipei, Taiwan – July 29: AAEON (Stock Code: 6579), a leading producer of industrial motherboards, has announced the release of the MIX-Q870A1, a sophisticated Mini-ITX motherboard supporting up to 65W Intel Core Ultra 200S Series LGA 1851 socket-type processors (formerly Arrow Lake).
Compatible with a broad selection of SKUs from the second generation of Intel Core Ultra processor range, the MIX-Q870A1 can leverage the platform’s integrated NPU and Xe LPG Graphics for AI acceleration for a total of 36 TOPS alongside optimized multi-tasking and multi-core performance.
A particularly notable inclusion among the MIX-Q870A1’s specifications is its 16-lane PCIe Gen 5 slot with bifurcation, which can be split into x16, x8/x8, or x8/x4/x4 configurations through a dedicated jumper. This addition provides a modular foundation for the installation of expansion cards based on project need, meaning that even when equipped with a GPU to bolster the AI acceleration offered by the board’s Intel Core Ultra platform, the remaining lanes of its PCIe slot can be used to accommodate additional modules like NVMe SSDs, NICs, frame grabbers, or fieldbus interface cards.

For storage, the MIX-Q870A1 is equipped with an M.2-1A 2280 M-Key and M.2 2242 M-Key slot, with the former offering a four-lane PCIe signal for NVMe and the latter reserved for SATA. The board also hosts two dedicated SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1 support. Rounding off its expansion capabilities is an M.2 2230 E-Key slot for Wi-Fi or additional NVMe storage.
The MIX-Q870A1 gives users a variety of display options, including two HDMI 2.0 and two display ports as part of its rear I/O, both for 4K resolution at 60Hz, with the HDMI also providing digital audio. Joining HDMI and DP stack ports on the board’s rear I/O is eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and both 1GbE and 2.5GbE LAN ports (Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM and Intel Ethernet Controller I226-V, respectively). Internal connectors include an 8-bit programmable digital I/O, a USB header for two USB 3.2 Gen 1 interfaces, and a 40-pin LVDS/eDP connector, both of which offer 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60Hz.
OS support for the MIX-Q870A1 includes Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and Linux Ubuntu 24.04.