15, Aug 2026
India’s Wholesale Inflation Climbs to 9.78% in July
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 9.78 per cent in July, reflecting a sharp increase in wholesale prices during the month and adding to concerns over cost pressures across the economy.
The latest Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data point to higher price pressures at the wholesale level, with movements in key commodity groups influencing the overall inflation reading.
The increase could have implications for manufacturers, traders and businesses as higher input costs can affect production expenses and profit margins. Industries that rely heavily on commodities and raw materials may face greater pressure if elevated wholesale prices persist.
For policymakers, the July reading will be closely watched alongside retail inflation and other economic indicators to assess whether the rise represents a temporary spike or the beginning of a broader price trend.
Businesses and markets are likely to monitor commodity prices, input costs and demand conditions in the coming months as they assess the impact of wholesale inflation on the wider economy.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Aug 2026
STPI Units Cross Rs.7.73 Lakh Crore in Software Exports in FY26
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)-registered units recorded exports worth more than ₹7.73 lakh crore during FY26, highlighting the continued strength of India’s software and technology services industry.
The export performance underscores the growing contribution of technology-driven businesses to India’s overall trade and the country’s expanding role in the global digital economy. STPI has played an important role in supporting software exporters, particularly through infrastructure, regulatory facilitation and technology-focused ecosystems.
The strong export numbers also reflect rising global demand for IT services, software solutions, digital products and technology-enabled business services originating from India.
With businesses worldwide accelerating investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data services and digital transformation, India’s technology sector is expected to remain an important engine of export growth.
The latest performance further strengthens the case for expanding India’s digital infrastructure and nurturing technology talent, particularly as the country seeks to increase its share of high-value global technology and services markets.
15, Aug 2026
PM Modi Remembers Sri Aurobindo, Highlights His Enduring Influence on India and the World
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution as a philosopher, nationalist, poet and thinker who devoted his life to India’s freedom and the broader advancement of humanity.
In a message shared on social media, Modi said Sri Aurobindo’s writings on a wide range of subjects continue to influence and inspire people across the world. He also highlighted the spiritual leader’s strong belief in India’s future and in humanity’s capacity for transformation.
The Prime Minister noted that Sri Aurobindo’s vision remains relevant even today, particularly his belief in the country’s potential and the possibility of human progress.
Sri Aurobindo remains an important figure in India’s intellectual and spiritual history. His ideas brought together nationalism, philosophy, spirituality and social thought, leaving a lasting influence on generations of Indians and readers worldwide.
The Prime Minister’s tribute comes as the nation remembers the legacy of a thinker whose writings continue to shape discussions on India’s civilisational identity, national development and human evolution.
15, Aug 2026
Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee-Based Food Subsidy Transfers
Chandigarh, August 15, 2026: The government has taken a new step towards digitising welfare delivery with the launch of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the initiative on Friday. Under the new system, eligible beneficiaries will receive their food subsidy directly in Digital Rupee (e₹) wallets, replacing the conventional bank-account-based transfer mechanism.
The digital subsidy is designed to be purpose-bound, meaning beneficiaries can use it to purchase foodgrains from authorised or empanelled merchants. The system is expected to make subsidy transactions more transparent, traceable and secure while reducing the scope for leakages and misuse.
The rollout also covers Dadra & Nagar Haveli, making the two Union Territories the first to adopt the CBDC-based model for PMGKAY food subsidy transfers. The Chandigarh launch is being viewed as a pilot for potentially expanding digital-currency-based welfare payments to other parts of the country.
The initiative marks a significant intersection of digital finance and social welfare, with the government seeking to use the Digital Rupee to make public-benefit transfers more targeted, accountable and efficient.
15, Aug 2026
India’s Forex Reserves Jump $14.1 Billion, Cross $707 Billion
Mumbai, August 15, 2026: India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $14.136 billion in the week ended August 7, taking the country’s total reserves past the $707 billion mark, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The sharp weekly increase was led by a rise in foreign currency assets (FCAs), which grew by nearly $9.95 billion to $574.63 billion. Gold reserves also recorded a strong increase of about $4 billion, reaching $108.74 billion.
In rupee terms, the country’s reserves rose by around ₹1.20 lakh crore, reaching ₹67.32 lakh crore during the reporting week. The latest figures underline the strengthening of India’s external financial buffer at a time when global markets remain sensitive to geopolitical and currency-related risks.
The latest jump also reflects increased foreign currency inflows following measures introduced by the RBI to attract overseas deposits and strengthen the country’s balance of payments. India’s reserves have risen by roughly $40 billion over the past six weeks, according to Reuters.
While the reserves remain below the record $728.49 billion reached in February 2026, the latest rise provides greater room for the RBI to manage external shocks and volatility in the rupee and global financial markets.
15, Aug 2026
India, Japan Work on New Roadmap to Expand Skilled Workforce Mobility
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: India and Japan are working on a more structured pathway to help skilled Indian workers access employment opportunities in Japan, as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in skill development and human-resource mobility.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) recently brought together officials, training institutions, industry representatives, recruitment agencies and other stakeholders for an India-Japan consultation in New Delhi. The discussions focused on making the movement of skilled workers between the two countries smoother and more effective.
A key area of discussion was the need to combine job-specific training with Japanese language and cultural preparation. Participants also examined assessment systems, employer requirements and better coordination among government agencies, training organisations and industry.
The proposed roadmap is expected to set out short-, medium- and long-term actions, with measurable targets and clearly defined responsibilities. The aim is to create a stronger link between Japanese employers looking for talent and Indian workers preparing for overseas careers.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of Japan’s growing demand for skilled manpower and India’s large young workforce. The two countries’ 2025 human-resource action plan envisages the exchange of 500,000 people over five years, including 50,000 skilled personnel and potential talent from India to Japan.
For Indian youth, the expanding partnership could open more international career opportunities while giving Japanese businesses access to a larger pool of trained professionals.
15, Aug 2026
Telangana to Court Global Investors at ‘Invest Telangana’ Summit in December
Hyderabad, August 15, 2026: Telangana is getting ready to make a fresh pitch to investors as it hosts the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2.0 from December 7 to 9. This year’s event will carry a clear message — “Invest Telangana” — as the state looks to attract new businesses, capital and jobs.
The summit will bring together investors, industry leaders and policymakers, with the government expected to showcase opportunities across sectors such as defence, aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
A major focus will be the unveiling of the Future City Master Plan, which is expected to outline Telangana’s vision for planned urban growth, infrastructure and new economic opportunities.
For the state government, the summit is more than a three-day business gathering. It is an opportunity to turn investor interest into actual projects and strengthen Telangana’s position as one of India’s key destinations for industrial and technology-led investment.
The December event is also likely to put Telangana’s infrastructure, policy environment and sector-specific opportunities in the spotlight as the state competes for a larger share of domestic and global investment.
15, Aug 2026
Government Removes 12-Minute Ad Cap for Television Channels
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The government has decided to remove the long-standing 12-minute-per-hour limit on television advertisements, marking a significant change in the regulatory framework governing India’s broadcasting industry. The decision was announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on August 14.
The advertising cap was introduced in 2006 under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, when India had only 62 television channels. The sector has since expanded to more than 900 channels, while digitalisation has transformed the distribution landscape through DTH, digital cable, HITS and IPTV platforms.
The government said the earlier restriction needed to be reconsidered as television broadcasters face growing competition from digital media, which does not operate under a comparable advertisement-duration ceiling. The move is intended to provide broadcasters greater commercial flexibility, promote fair competition and improve ease of doing business.
The change is expected to give television networks greater scope to optimise advertising inventory and revenue, although it could also lead to longer or more frequent commercial breaks for viewers.
The revised rule will take effect once the amendment to the Cable Television Networks Rules is formally notified in the Gazette.
15, Aug 2026
Government Cuts Export Duties on Petrol, Diesel and ATF
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The Centre has reduced export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), with the revised rates coming into effect from Saturday. The move follows the government’s latest fortnightly review of petroleum product export levies.
Under the revised structure, the export duty on petrol has been brought down to zero from ₹3.50 per litre. The levy on diesel has been reduced to ₹24 per litre from ₹25.50, while the duty on ATF has been lowered to ₹19.50 per litre from ₹22.
The latest changes apply only to petroleum products cleared for export and do not alter the excise duty applicable to fuel sold in the domestic market.
The revision comes less than two weeks after the government had increased export levies on the three fuels amid volatility in international crude and refined fuel prices. Export duties are reviewed every fortnight based on prevailing global prices.
The policy is aimed at balancing export economics with domestic availability of petroleum products, particularly during periods of heightened global energy-market uncertainty.
15, Aug 2026
FM Sitharaman Meets 86 PM Internship Scheme Interns, Highlights Pathways to Jobs
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with 86 interns from 24 partner companies under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), discussing their workplace experiences, skills gained and career aspirations.
The interaction highlighted how industry exposure is helping young people move beyond classroom learning and develop practical, job-ready skills. Several interns who performed well during their assignments have also received full-time employment offers from their respective companies.
Sitharaman said the internship programme was developed after consultations with industry to address the gap between the skills employers seek and the practical exposure available to many young graduates. She encouraged interns to approach their work with professionalism, responsibility and attention to quality.
The event also featured success stories from interns who used the programme to explore new career fields. One beneficiary with an IT background gained experience in finance through an internship with the National Stock Exchange and is now looking towards a career in fintech. Another intern secured a full-time opportunity with Alkem after completing her internship.
The government has positioned PMIS as a key youth-focused initiative aimed at improving employability through hands-on industry experience, professional training and exposure to leading companies.
