India is set to implement its landmark free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) from October 1, 2025. The pact, which encompasses Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, is expected to deepen bilateral trade ties, open access to new markets, and stimulate investment inflows. The deal provides India with increased access to high-value European markets while offering EFTA countries a gateway into the rapidly expanding Indian economy.

Oriental Hotels Ltd. delivered a notable performance in the first quarter of FY2024-25, reporting a net profit of Rs. 8.71 crore, reflecting the company’s ability to sustain momentum amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The hospitality firm, a part of the Taj group under Indian Hotels Company Ltd., witnessed robust revenue generation and cost efficiency, highlighting resilience in India’s premium hospitality sector.

In a significant crackdown on transnational drug trafficking, Indian authorities seized approximately 4 kilograms of cocaine at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The narcotics, reportedly concealed in luggage brought by an international passenger, were intercepted through coordinated intelligence efforts. This seizure highlights the growing vigilance of airport security and customs enforcement amid rising concerns about the use of Indian transit points for smuggling high-value narcotics.

India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned executives from global tech giants Meta and Google as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal online betting activities. The summonses are linked to alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), with investigators focusing on the role of digital advertising platforms in promoting and facilitating unlawful betting apps. The probe underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of digital intermediaries and their responsibilities in curbing financial crimes.

Ace Vector, the parent company of e-commerce platform Snapdeal, has confidentially filed preliminary documents for an initial public offering (IPO), signaling its intent to re-enter public market conversations after a period of strategic recalibration. The move comes amid renewed investor appetite for digital commerce firms with focused business models and leaner operations.

India’s tea exports recorded a modest but encouraging growth of 2.85% in the fiscal year 2024–25, reaching 229.43 million kilograms, up from 223.08 million kilograms in the previous year. This increase reflects resilient demand in traditional and emerging markets, despite volatile global commodity trade dynamics and rising logistical costs. Export earnings during the same period also witnessed an uptick, supported by improved realization per kilogram.

A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra after a cabinet minister was caught on camera allegedly playing a digital game of rummy during a live Assembly session. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society, raising questions about accountability, decorum, and commitment to legislative duties. While the minister has attempted to downplay the controversy, citing personal stress and multitasking as justification, his explanation has failed to silence critics.

The Indian equity markets closed sharply lower on July 18, with the BSE Sensex shedding 501 points amid widespread selling pressure, primarily driven by declines in banking and financial stocks. Investor sentiment weakened due to concerns over rising bond yields, cautious commentary from global central banks, and ongoing geopolitical instability. The banking index bore the brunt of the downturn, dragging the broader market with it. Meanwhile, mid-cap and small-cap indices also slipped, reflecting risk aversion across segments.

Gold prices in India surged sharply on Saturday, reaching an all-time high of Rs. 98,770 per 10 grams. This significant uptick is attributed to escalating geopolitical risks, persistent inflation concerns, and growing investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Amid global market turbulence and ongoing uncertainty surrounding interest rate decisions in major economies, the yellow metal has once again proven its resilience. The rally in domestic prices also reflects strong international trends, a weakening rupee, and sustained retail demand.

In a significant political development, Anmol Gagan Maan, a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Punjab, has officially resigned from her position as MLA representing the Kharar constituency. Citing a conscious decision to step away from political life, Maan announced her resignation, bringing an abrupt halt to her tenure in public office. Her departure comes amid a politically sensitive climate in Punjab and could potentially trigger a by-election in the region.